Atsede Habtamu wins Tokyo Marathon
Tokyo, Japan – Atsede Habtamu of Ethiopia won the Tokyo Marathon women’s race in 2:25.28, a new course record. Her Ethiopian compatriot, Yeshi Esayas, finishes second in 2:26.00, a personal best time for her, while Eyerusalem Kuma came in 7th.
The race looked to be one woman show by Eri Okubo who led by as much as 1:45 at the half.  However, Atsede Habtamu had a plan of her own which eventually led to a course record of 2:25:28.
“My plan was to stay behind the other runners until 30Km and then make my move,†said Habtamu. She covered 35Km to 40Km in 16:50 and just before hitting the 40Km check point, Habtamu took over the lead from Okubo and won comfortably.
Yeshi Esayias and Helena Kirop also finished fast taking second and third, respectively.  Okubo who led from the start to almost the finish took 17:51 from 35 to 40Km and finished fourth with 2:26:08, still a personal best.
Results:
1) Atsede Habtamu (Ethiopia)   2:25:28  Course Record
2) Yeshi Esayias (Ethiopia)    2:26:00  Personal best
3) Helena Kirop (Kenya)    2:26:02
7) Eyerusalem Kuma (Ethiopia)   2:28:36