Eliud Kipchoge will earn a modest sum of 100,000 Japanese Yen (KES 95,945),for finishing in 10th place at the Tokyo Marathon. The Tokyo Marathon had a total of 40.3 million Japanese Yen (KES 39,183,040) that had been set aside for top performers with rewards going to the top 10 finishers in the race.
Benson Kipruto took home the biggest purse of 11 million Japanese Yen (KES10,692,650) for winning the race and an additional 3 million Japanese Yen (KES 2,916,235) bonus for breaking the course record, bringing his total to KES13,608,885.
Timothy Kiplagat pocketed 4,000,000 million Yen (Kes 3,837,835) for his second place, while Vincent Kipkemoi earned 2,000,000 Yen (KES1,918,917) for his third place with Kipchoge’s 10th place earning him the last prize.
This marks the lowest amount Kipchoge has earned from the track since his marathon debut as he has only finished outside the top two on three occasions, following a sixth place in Boston last year and eight in London in 2020.
The two-time Olympic champion, acknowledged the challenges he faced in the race and congratulated all participants who managed to cross the finish line.
In the Tokyo Marathon, the highly favoured marathoner faced unexpected defeat as Kipruto emerged victorious. Despite holding the course record with 2:02:40 previously, Kipchoge struggled from the 20km mark onwards.
Crossing the finish line in 2:06:50, the 39-year-old finished in 10th place, his lowest since his marathon debut in Hamburg in 2013. This setback follows his sixth-place finish at the 2023 Boston Marathon in April, where he recorded a time of 2:09:23.
Not every day is Christmas. I was fit enough but something happened in the middle of the race, and I think it’s early to say now. I can go back, relax and start training,” he stated.
Despite his personal disappointment, Kipchoge extended his heartfelt congratulations to all the participants who successfully finished the race. “I want to congratulate all participants who reached the finish line, all pursuing their own goals and dreams,” he said.
He also expressed his gratitude to Tokyo and the fans around the world for their love and support.“ Thank you, Tokyo, and to the fans around the world for all your love and support. We take the lessons of today for the build-up of tomorrow,” he said looking towards the future with optimism and determination.
