Kenya Defeats Japan At Chiba Ekiden

Galen Rupp helped the U.S. to a third-place finish.

It was a close race at this year’s edition of the International Chiba Ekiden, a relay race held annually in Japan.

Like last year, the race came down to a match between the Japanese and Kenyan teams. In the end, Kenya prevailed, clocking 2:05:06. Japan finished ten seconds later.

The United States placed third thanks to the efforts of 10,000m Olympic silver medalist, Galen Rupp who won his leg.

The race is comprised of six stages that takes a co-ed team across 42.195K (a marathon distance).

The strength of the Kenyan squad came from all three women who led during their legs. Gladys Cherono and Joyce Chepkirui set new course records along the way.

Russia, the Japanese University Select Team, Canada, New Zealand and hosts Chiba Prefecture finished fourth through eighth, respectively.

New Zealand put forth a good showing. Twins Jake and Zane Robertson won their respective legs. Another notable American placing was Jacob Riley  who took second for the third stage.

For More: Japan Running News