Yuma Hattori became the first Japanese runner in 14 years to win the Fukuoka International Marathon on Sunday.

The 25-year-old held off Ethiopia's Yemane Tsegay and Eritrea's Amanuel Mesel to cross the finish line in 2 hours, 7 minutes, 27 seconds at Heiwadai Athletic Stadium for his first victory.

Amid high temperatures that reached 20.2 C at noon, Hattori broke away from the leading pack after the 36-kilometer point to become the first Japanese runner since Tsuyoshi Ogata in 2004 to win the race.

"This was my fourth marathon. I've always lost speed during the race, but I'm glad I was able to overcome it this time," Hattori said. "The time was about what I was aiming for, so I think my training paid off."

With the victory, Hattori booked a spot in next September's Marathon Grand Championship, the qualifying race for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Yuta Shitara, the previous holder of the national record at 2:06.11, clocked 2:10:25 for fourth as Japan's second-best showing. Hayato Sonoda was six seconds behind for fifth.