Former world record holder Patrick Makau of Kenya won the Fukuoka International Marathon on Sunday.

Makau, who set a world record of 2 hours, 3 minutes, 38 seconds at the 2011 Berlin Marathon, crossed the tape at Heiwadai Stadium in 2:08:22, 26 seconds ahead of Ethiopia's Raji Assefa. Ser-Od Bat-Ochir of Mongolia was third in 2:08:50.

Masakazu Fujiwara narrowly missed a podium finish, taking fourth in 2:09:06 in the race that doubled as a qualifier for the 2015 IAAF World Athletics Championships in Beijing in August. Japan-based defending champion Martin Mathathi of Kenya was 21st overall.

Fujiwara attempted to chase down the leading pack as he took the lead in the battle for fourth place before the 34-km mark but fell short in his endeavor.

Kentaro Nakamoto, who finished sixth at the London Olympics, fell behind after the 34-km mark and finished in 12th place.