Bedan Karoki, Bethwel Yegon to wrestle Michael Githae for Fukuoka Marathon title

Former World Half Marathon champion (team) Bedan Karoki headlines this year's Fukuoka International Marathon set for Sunday 1 December.

Karoki's personal best (PB) of 2:05:53 establishes him as the quickest on paper followed by home runner Sonota Kenya whose PB is just six seconds slower.

The 2016 World Half Marathon silver medalist, Karoki, is fresh from finishing second to Amos Kurgat's record-breaking course time of 59:52 at the Tokyo Legacy half marathon. He clocked 1:00.38.

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They are joined on the start line by Berlin Marathon 2021 silver medalist Bethwel Yegon, a 2:06:14 runner fresh from winning this year's Buenos Aires International Marathon in September.

Yegon made his debut in the classic distance in Berlin, clocking 2:08:35. He returned to the race in 2021, running an awe-inspiring second half of the marathon to win silver.

At the race's half distance, Yegon had been 82 seconds behind the leading group. He caught up to 17 seconds behind after 35 kilometres of the race, before overtaking Kenenisa Bekele who had been the favourite ahead of the race.

Standing in their way will be defending champion Michael Githae who emerged victorious in the race last year for the second time in three years, clocking a remarkable time of 2:07:08.

The Fukuoka International Marathon was recognized with a World Athletics Heritage Plaque in 2019 and has a 75-year storied history.

It holds the distinction of being the second oldest marathon in Japan, following the now-defunct Lake Biwa Marathon. Throughout its rich history, the Fukuoka Marathon has witnessed remarkable achievements and world records.

In 1967, Derek Clayton became the first runner to break the 2:10 barrier, finishing with a time of 2:09:37.