Tokyo Olympics: Kenya’s Peres Jepchirchir Wins Women’s Marathon
Kenya's Peres Jepchirchir won the women's marathon in Sapporo on Saturday, outduelling compatriot Brigid Kosgei in the final minutes and claiming Kenya’s second consecutive gold medal in the event.
Gathogo Wanjiru 
Bridget Kosgei took silver and Molly Seidel of the United States, competing in just her third marathon after moving up from shorter distances, claimed bronze.
Kenyans Kosgei, the world record holder, and world champion Ruth Chepngetich had been the favorites to win gold on Saturday.
But it was two-time world half-marathon champion Jepchirchir who came out on top after breaking out of a virtual tie with Kosgei at the 40km mark where she decided to make her move.
"When I was there I said, wow, I'm going to make it. So I pushed the pace because I knew I was going to win," Jepchirchir said.
"I'm so, so happy because we win as Kenya, first and second ... I'm happy, for my family, happy for my country Kenya for supporting us."
Jepchirchir finished with a time of 2:27:20, 16 seconds ahead of Kosgei and 26 seconds in front of Seidel.
