Kenya’s distance stars Agnes Ng’etich and Alexander Munyao were in imperious form on Sunday, obliterating course records in both the women’s and men’s races at the Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon.
Ng’etich, the reignite world half marathon champion sliced through the tape in the women’s race to win in 1:04:23.
Her mark obliterated ithe previous course record of 1:07:27, three minutes set by compatriot Loice Chemnung when she triumphed in 2024.
Ng’etich finished well clear of compatriot Tabitha Njeri Kamau, who clocked 1:08:28 to secure second place, while Japan’s Kazuna Kanetomo rounded off the podium in 1:10:17.
Despite laying down the gauntlet with her record-breaking display, Ng’etich admitted she had not expected to produce such a fast time, citing the challenging nature of the course.
”I didn’t think I’d get such a time. It was a hard course, it was hilly and had lots of sharp corners,” Ng’etich said.
The Kenyan distance ace has now further cemented her status as one of the most formidable forces over 21km since making her half marathon debut in 2024.
Ng’etich announced herself in emphatic fashion on her debut, storming to victory at the Valencia Half Marathon in Spain in 1:03:04, a national record and the second-fastest time in the world.
Only Ethiopia’s Letesenbet Gidey has gone quicker, having clocked 1:02:52 in Valencia in 2021.
Ng’etich returned to Valencia in 2025 to extend her winning streak, once again producing a commanding performance.
However, she narrowly missed lowering her own mark, stopping the clock at 1:03:08.
Her impressive run of form suffered a setback earlier this year at the New York Half Marathon, where she endured a disappointing outing, finishing 13th in 1:10:25.
However, the Kenyan bounced back in emphatic fashion, reminding the world why she remains one of the most feared names on the roads by capturing the World Half Marathon title in Copenhagen, Denmark, last month, storming to victory in a women-only world record of 1:05:15.
Meanwhile, in the men’s race at the Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon Munyao powered to victory in 59:51, shaving one second off the previous course record of 59:52 set by compatriot Amos Kurgat in 2024.
The 30-year-old spearheaded a Kenyan clean sweep of the top four positions on Sunday, with Kiprono Sitonik finishing second in 59:56, while James Mutuku completed the podium after clocking 1:00:08.
Amos Kiprotich narrowly missed out on a place on the podium, finishing fourth in 1:00:11 to cap a dominant Kenyan display in the Japanese capital.
Munyao was delighted with his performance.
”I feel good for the win today,” he said.
