Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Jepchirchir Edges Assefa for World Marathon Gold as Paternain Delivers Uruguay’s First Medal

Suffocating heat at Tokyo’s National Stadium upended pacing, creating late opportunities for Julia Paternain to capitalize on her second marathon.

Overview

  • Peres Jepchirchir, the 2021 Olympic champion, won in 2:24:43, finishing two seconds ahead of Tigst Assefa after a tight sprint to the line.
  • Julia Paternain moved from roughly 12th at halfway to third in 2:27:23 in only her second race over the distance.
  • The 25-year-old secured Uruguay’s first World Athletics Championships medal after switching allegiance from Britain to Uruguay in January.
  • Paternain, ranked 288th before the race, crossed the track alone and asked an official to confirm she had taken bronze.
  • Oppressive conditions in Tokyo contributed to attrition and confusion at the finish as athletes battled extreme heat.