Tokyo 2020 Olympics - Athletics - Women's Marathon - Sapporo Odori Park, Sapporo, Japan - August 7, 2021. Gold medallist Peres Jepchirchir of Kenya, silver medallist Brigid Kosgei of Kenya and bronze medallist Molly Seidel of the United States posing holding their flags REUTERS/Feline Lim
The final weekend of the Tokyo Olympics got underway Saturday with the women’s marathon, which took place in the northern city of Sapporo. Kenya’s runners withstood the hot conditions to claim both gold and silver.
Peres Jepchirchir crossed the line in a winning time of 2 hours, 27 minutes and 20 seconds. Brigid Kosgei was second and America’s Molly Seidel finished third.
It was already 25 degrees Celsius and 80 percent humidity when the race started at 6 a.m., one hour earlier than originally planned.
By the time the winner reached the finish line, the mercury had climbed to nearly 30 degrees. The heat was too much for more than 10 runners, who were unable to finish.
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