Tanzania’s Simbu storms to Marathon gold in Tokyo

Alphonce Felix Simbu won gold in the men’s marathon at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, early on Monday, becoming the first Tanzanian to win a global title.

The 33-year-old who also finished 2nd in Boston  Marathon this year, pipped Anamal Petros of Germany to the finish line to claim the gold medal in a seasonal best time of 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 48 seconds, the same time as Patros, who bagged silver, while Italian Illias Aouani took bronze in 2:09.53.

It was the first time in history of  the World Championships   that both top two finishers recorded similar times.

Kennedy Kumutai was the best-placed Kenyan in 16th position, while three Ethiopians did not finish the race.