TOKYO: Kenya`s Dickson Chumba cruised to victory at the Tokyo Marathon, beating Japan`s Yuta Shitara who set a national record here on Sunday.

Chumba, who previously won the event in 2014, sprinted clear from the lead pack near the 36km mark and held off a late charge from Shitara to cross the line in two hours, five minutes and 30 seconds.

Shitara was 41 seconds adrift as he finished ahead of Kenya`s Amos Kipruto, who timed 2:06:33.

In the women`s category, Ethiopia`s Birhane Dibaba and Ruti Aga claimed the top two positions in 2:19:51 and 2:21:19, respectively.

American Amy Cragg came across in 2:21:42 to take third spot.-Reuters