Simbu takes world marathon title in photo-finish

Alphonce Felix Simbu made history on Monday (15), becoming the first athlete from Tanzania to win a global title by claiming gold in the men's marathon at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25.

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He achieved the feat in style — with the smallest winning margin ever in a global championships marathon, having outsprinted Germany's Amanol Petros in the closing stages to finish just 0.03 ahead.

One of only two athletes representing Tanzania at the World Championships, Simbu was always in contention. He kicked in the closing 30 metres and with victory, he upgraded the world bronze medal he won in 2017 to gold.

"Today means celebrations in Tanzania," he said. "We have written new history as a country. It was my dream. I am at peace. It is about discipline, training and never giving up.

"After 2017 I have been trying to win another medal but failed at it. Last year Paris was a challenge and this year I told myself: I will try my best. I did different types of training under different weather conditions."

Simbu and Petros were both credited with the same time: 2:09:48.

"I have never seen something like this in the marathon - both races (men and women) came down to a sprint finish. It's like the 100m," said Petros.