TOKYO (Reuters) - Kenya's Brigid Kosgei may be the woman to beat in the marathon at the Tokyo Olympics but Japan's runners are ready to challenge for a spot on the podium, Sydney 2000 gold medallist Naoko Takahashi said.

Takahashi told Reuters in a recent interview that Kosgei was already ahead of the pack by virtue of her 2:14:04 world record, followed closely by world champion and fellow Kenyan Ruth Chepngetich.