Ryoko Kizaki won a toe-to-heel battle against fellow Japanese runner Yoshimi Ozaki in the last two kilometres (one and a quarter miles) to win the Yokohama women's marathon on Sunday.
Kizaki, 26, from Kyoto, was a few seconds behind Ozaki after passing the 40km point, but she caught up over 600m and held on to the lead, crossing the finishing line in two hours, twenty-six minutes and thirty-two seconds.
Ozaki was second in 2:26:49, followed by Mara Yamauchi of Britain third in 2:27:24.
"It's been a long time since last time I was able to run never giving up until the end. I'd like to thank those who have supported me," said Kizaki. "I was close to giving up when she spurted in the last two kilometres, but I tried not to give up until the last hundred metres. I kept thinking that I want to go to the London Olympics.
"I'm glad that I won. It was a bit hot today, so I want to clock a better time in my next race." Kizaki moved up the gears at the 39km point, leaving Yamauchi behind, and making it a one-on-one duel against Ozaki.
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