Few marathoners can match the championship record of Alphonce Simbu. Here are the defining races of his career so far.
Rio 2016 Olympics — 5th Place
Simbu announced himself on the biggest stage with a brilliant 5th-place finish in the Olympic marathon, the best result by a Tanzanian man in decades.
London 2017 World Championships — Bronze
A year later, he claimed bronze at the World Championships marathon in London, confirming his status as a big-race performer.
Mumbai Marathon Champion
Simbu became a fan favourite in India, winning the Tata Mumbai Marathon and returning repeatedly to podium finishes there.
Tokyo 2025 — World Champion
The crowning moment: gold at the 2025 World Athletics Championships marathon in Tokyo, won in a photo finish and securing Tanzania’s first world title.