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Millions Brigid Kosgei will pocket for winning 2026 Tokyo Marathon
01st March, 2026 12:07 PM
Three Kenyan long-distance runners are heading home significantly richer after delivering outstanding performances at the Tokyo Marathon held on Sunday, March 1, 2026.
Hefty winning bonuses
Brigid Kosgei produced the standout run of the day, storming to victory in the women’s race and rewriting the course record with an impressive time of 2:14:29. Her dominant display earned her the top prize of USD 80,000, equivalent to about Ksh10.3 million.
In addition, she received a USD 20,000 bonus, approximately Ksh2.6 million, for setting a new record, pushing her total earnings from the event to roughly USD 100,000, or Ksh12.8 million before deductions.
Brigid Kosgei and Sutume Asefa Kebede took centre stage in the women’s battle of wits and fitness. By the 30km mark, it was clear they were the only runners left in contention for the win. Running in a group of male athletes, they marked each other as the kilometres ticked down.
But it wasn’t long before Kebede bowed out of the title fight, fading quickly out of the frame by the time they reached the 35km split, as Kosgei pushed a pace she couldn’t match.
Alone at the front with just over 7km left in the race, Kosgei maintained a rhythmic stride, increasing the distance between herself and those behind. She reached the finish line in a matter of minutes, claiming her second women’s elite title in Tokyo.
Other Kenyans, Geoffrey Toroitich and Alexander Mutiso Munyao all earned places on the podium, securing substantial prize money running into millions of shillings.
In the men’s elite category, Toroitich finished second while Munyao crossed the line in third, continuing Kenya’s proud tradition of excelling in marathon racing. Toroitich collected USD 30,000, translating to about Ksh3.8 million, while Munyao earned USD 15,000, around Ksh1.9 million.
Kenyans reap
Together, the two men took home approximately Ksh5.7 million. Combined with Kosgei’s winnings, the trio walked away with a total of about Ksh18.5 million from the prestigious race.
The Tokyo Marathon forms part of the elite World Marathon Majors series, alongside iconic races in Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York. Its global status attracts fierce competition and is matched by a generous prize structure.
Athletes finishing fourth to sixth receive USD 7,000 (about Ksh900,000), USD 5,000 (roughly Ksh645,000) and USD 4,000 (around Ksh516,000), respectively. Those placed seventh, eighth and ninth earn USD 3,000 (Ksh387,000), USD 2,000 (Ksh258,000) and USD 1,000 (Ksh129,000), while the runner in tenth position pockets USD 500, approximately Ksh64,500.
