Eliud Kipchoge, the winner of two marathons, faced fierce competition in Japan's most recent Tokyo Marathon, finishing in tenth place.
In the men's race, rising star Benson Kipruto outperformed Eliud and won in a meet record time of two hours, two minutes, and sixteen seconds.
Kipchoge, who set a record of 2:02:40, finished in 2:06:50 to place tenth. At 39 years old, it was the veteran's fourth slowest marathon in his career.
"That's how it is," Kipchoge said. "Every day is not Christmas."
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Together with Timothy Kiplagat (2:02:55) and Vincent Kipkemoi Ngetich (2:04:18), Kipruto led a Kenyan sweep.
Sutume Asefa Kebede of Ethiopia won the women's race in a time that set a record of 2:15:55.
Siffan Hassan, a two-time Olympic champion, placed fourth in her third career marathon (2:18:55).
When Kipchoge, who had not competed in this event in the previous two years, pulled out of the lead group before the 20-kilometer mark, the situation took an unexpected turn.
At 1:00:20, the half-split, Kipchoge, was already having trouble. The Kenyan legend's chances started to look bleak as he fell behind by more than a minute through kilometer 25.
Even the Japanese competitor Nishiyama Yusuke, who placed ninth in 2:06:31, finished ahead of Kipchoge.
He did not elaborate on what transpired during the 42.195-kilometer trip or discuss his hopes for Paris 2024, which will host an unprecedented three Olympic games.
"I was fit enough, but something happened in the middle of the race," said Kipchoge. "I believe it's too soon to make a determination (about Paris). I can return, take a nap, and resume my training."
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