Tokyo Marathon 2025: Elite Runners Set for Thrilling Showdown

The Tokyo Marathon 2025, taking place on March 2, is shaping up to be a thrilling spectacle as some of the world’s best marathon runners gather for this World Athletics Platinum Label event. With defending champions and record-breaking athletes in the mix, this year’s race promises intense competition and potential new records.

Women’s Race Preview

Defending champion Sutume Kebede of Ethiopia, who set a Japanese all-comers’ record of 2:15:55 in 2024, is back to defend her title. She will face an elite field featuring 11 sub-2:20 runners, including several marathon legends.

Leading the field is Brigid Kosgei of Kenya, the former world record-holder with a personal best of 2:14:04. She is joined by her compatriot Rosemary Wanjiru, who clocked 2:16:14 as runner-up to Kebede in last year’s race. Ethiopia’s Tigist Ketema, who debuted with an impressive 2:16:07 in Dubai, adds to the excitement, alongside multiple Olympic and World Championships gold medallist Tirunesh Dibaba.

Other notable entrants include Ethiopia’s Hawi Feysa, 2022 world champion Gotytom Gebreslase, and Japan’s Ai Hosoda and Yuka Ando, ensuring a fierce competition.

Men’s Race Preview

Kenya’s Benson Kipruto, who broke the Japanese all-comers’ record with a time of 2:02:16 in 2024, returns as the defending men’s champion. Joining him is Joshua Cheptegei of Uganda, the world record-holder in the 5000m and 10,000m, looking to improve on his marathon debut of 2:08:59 from Valencia.

The men’s field is packed with talent, featuring six sub-2:04 athletes. Ethiopia’s Deresa Geleta, with a personal best of 2:02:38, and two-time Tokyo Marathon winner Birhanu Legese are key contenders. Kenya’s Vincent Kipkemoi Ngetich and Ethiopia’s Tadese Takele and Dawit Wolde are also among the favorites.

Noteworthy additions include Ethiopia’s world bronze medallist Leul Gebresilase, Uganda’s Stephen Kissa, and Japan’s Yohei Ikeda and Akira Akasaki. Adding intrigue to the race, Kenya’s Benard Koech will make his marathon debut.

Conclusion

With such a competitive line-up, the Tokyo Marathon 2025 is set to deliver a thrilling spectacle for fans around the globe. From potential record-breaking performances to captivating head-to-head battles, this event will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the marathon calendar.