Tokyo Marathon 2025: A Spectacular Edition to Kick Off the Majors Season

The Tokyo Marathon 2025 will take place on Sunday, March 2. As a flagship race on the Abbott World Marathon Majors circuit, this event attracts the world’s marathon elite and offers participants a unique immersion in Japanese running culture. This year, a strong turnout of 37,500 runners is expected at the starting line.

Benson Kipruto Takes on Champion Joshua Cheptegei

A prestigious men’s competition.

This 2025 edition boasts an exceptionally strong men’s field. Kenyan Benson Kipruto, who holds the course record with a time of 2:02:16 set last year, returns to the streets of Tokyo to defend his title. A winner of three Majors and a bronze medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympics, he is the hot favorite. However, he will face stiff competition from Ugandan champion Joshua Cheptegei. A triple world champion, double Olympic champion, and world record holder for the 5000m and 10,000m, he is eager to improve upon his debut marathon experience in Valencia in 2023, where he encountered the infamous “marathon wall” (2:08:59).

The field also includes six athletes who have run sub-2:04, including Ethiopians Deresa Geleta (2:02:38), Birhanu Legese, a two-time Tokyo Marathon winner (2:02:48), Tadese Takele (2:03:24), Dawit Wolde (2:03:48) and Kenyan Vincent Kipkemoi Ngetich (2:03:13).

A Top-Tier Women’s Competition

In the women’s race, Ethiopian Sutume Asefa Kebede, last year’s winner with a time of 2:15:55, will be back to defend her title. Another big name to watch is Kenyan Brigid Kosgei (2:14:04), silver medalist at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics and a seasoned competitor at major events. She has already claimed victory in five Majors.

In the women’s race, Ethiopian Sutume Asefa Kebede, last year’s winner with a time of 2:15:55, will be back to defend her title. Another big name to watch is Kenyan Brigid Kosgei (2:14:04), silver medalist at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics and a seasoned competitor at major events. She has already claimed victory in five Majors.

An Iconic Course Through the Heart of Tokyo

naugurated in 2007, the Tokyo Marathon is the youngest of the World Marathon Majors. Since joining this prestigious circuit in 2013, it has become an unmissable event for marathoners worldwide.

The Tokyo Marathon course is renowned for its speed and traverses many iconic sites in Japan’s capital. The race begins in front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku. Runners then pass through historic and modern districts such as Iidabashi, Nihonbashi, Asakusa, and Ginza, offering a comprehensive panorama of the city. The finish line is located near Tokyo Station and Hibiya Park, a western-style garden in the heart of Tokyo. Bridging modernity and traditional Japanese temples, this route symbolizes Tokyo’s past, present, and future, providing an ultra-immersive cultural and sporting experience.

A Rich History and Deep-Rooted Running Culture

Each year, 37,500 runners begin the Tokyo Marathon to the cheers of a million spectators lining the course. This enthusiasm underscores just how deeply embedded running is in Japanese culture! Here, in a culture where discipline and respect are paramount, running holds a special place. This is reflected in meticulous organization and an electrifying atmosphere on the streets of the capital. After the Ekiden, it is one of the country’s most publicized sporting events.

Dorian Louvet Takes on the 7 Majors

A few French runners will have the opportunity to line up at the start, including Dorian Louvet, a well-known figure in the running community on social media. With his immersive and inspiring videos, he shares his passion for running daily. The Tokyo Marathon marks the beginning of a grand adventure for him. Through his project “Miles Of Discovery“, he embarks on an XXL challenge: to run all the Majors in just one year !

TV Broadcast

For enthusiasts wishing to follow the event from France, the Tokyo Marathon 2025 will be broadcast live on Eurosport360 at 1 a.m. (French time) and replayed on Eurosport at 7 a.m. (French time) on Sunday, March 2, allowing viewers to experience the entire race. The race will start at 1:10 a.m. French time (9:10 a.m. Tokyo local time).

The weather forecast for March 2, 2025, predicts ideal performance conditions with a morning temperature of 11 degrees Celsius.

The Tokyo Marathon 2025 promises to be a memorable edition, bringing together 37,500 runners, the world’s elite, and an iconic course through the streets of Japan’s capital.

| The event is set for Sunday, March 2, to kick off the Abbott World Marathon Majors season.