Japan's best finish in marathon was ninth place for Yuki Kawauchi in the men's race and 16th for Mao Kiyota in the women's event at the world athletics championships Sunday, the country failing to book a place in the top eight for the first time in 22 years.

Boston Marathon winner Geoffrey Kipkorir Kirui of Kenya won the men's race in 2 hours, 8 minutes, 27 seconds, followed by Ethiopia's Tamirat Tola (2:09:49) and Tanzania's Alphonce Felix Simbu (2:09:51).

Bahrain's Rose Chelimo won the women's gold in 2:27:11, with Kenya's Edna Ngeringwony Kiplagat taking silver and Amy Cragg getting bronze after both runners crossed the finish line in 2:27:18.