Tokyo marathon 2025: Ethiopian double victory and a spectacular finish among the men

The bustling streets of Tokyo witnessed 36,202 finishers this Sunday. Although the blazing sun created challenging conditions, Ethiopians Tadese Takele and Sutume Asefa Kebede prevailed over the legendary distance. Under the gaze of an entranced crowd, backed by traditional drumming and the cheers of the masses, the Tokyo Marathon proved to be swift, intense, and steeped in Japanese fervor, where the sporting feat brushes with the ceremonial.

| Ethiopia on top

Tokyo resonated with Ethiopian strides. As last year, Sutume Asefa Kebede took charge of the race dominantly. Starting at an impressive pace (reaching the halfway mark in 1h06’20), she slightly eased up during the second half but still finished strong with 2h16’31, just shy of her personal best. Behind her, Kenyan Winfridah Moraa Moseti (2h16’56) and Ethiopian Hawi Feysa (2h17’00) completed the podium. Accompanied by a group of elite amateur runners, Kebede was propelled by the energy of an elite peloton, bridging the gap between amateur running and the world’s best. Yuka Ando was the first Japanese athlete to cross the finish line in 2h23’37.

| A tactical race among the men

Marathoning is about endurance. But in Tokyo, it often boils down to timing and strategy. Tadese Takele knew this well. Positioned comfortably in the lead pack, the Ethiopian let the marathon work its natural selection, observing the lead group dwindle over the kilometers. A waiting game that preluded his grand showcase. At the 39th kilometer, he unleashed a thunderous and gradual acceleration, leaving the remaining competitors behind with a dazzling pace of 2’51/km. The outcome: his first major victory with a stellar time of 2h03’23. Close behind were his compatriot Deresa Geleta (2h03’51) and Kenyan Vincent Kipkemoi Ngetich (2h04’00). But Tadese Takele was untouchable this Sunday. In contrast, a challenging day for the 2024 winner Benson Kipruto, who fell behind by the 28th km, finishing 6th in 2h05’46.

Meanwhile, Joshua Cheptegei, the Ugandan prodigy of 5,000 and 10,000 meters, continues to learn the ropes of the marathon. Finishing ninth in 2h05’59, he started cautiously (halfway mark at 1h02’09) but lost some ground towards the end. He aimed for a better outcome but improved his marathon time by 3 minutes. It’s an encouraging time for his future long-distance endeavors.

Among local runners, Japanese Tsubasa Ichiyama secured a remarkable 10th place with a time of 2h06’00.

| Paula Radcliffe, the timeless icon

ISome legends never fade. Paula Radcliffe, the former British long-distance athlete and ex-world record holder, made her comeback to marathons a decade after her retirement. At 51, she wasn’t chasing a record-breaking time, but a symbolic achievement: she’s now just one marathon away from earning her Six Star Finisher medal at Boston. Her result? 2h57’22 in Tokyo, a fitting nod to her legendary status.

The day’s other surprise was the participation of Harry Styles. The star from the former pop-rock band One Direction took on the Tokyo Marathon and achieved an impressive time of 3h24. His performance was celebrated by fans and running enthusiasts, showing that running can captivate beyond the circle of specialists.

| Dorian Louvet, the daring project continues

Tokyo was the first stop of his “Miles of Discovery” project: running all seven Majors in one year. Mission accomplished for Dorian Louvet, the running influencer who shattered his personal best (2h18’56) and was the first French runner to finish. This performance highlights his discipline and mental toughness. The documentary of his Japanese venture is available on his YouTube channel. Next stop: the iconic Boston Marathon on April 21.

| Tokyo, temple du running

The Tokyo Marathon is more than just a race. It’s a fusion of Japanese running culture, where precision and passion combine in a meticulously organized event. It’s also proof that marathoning in Japan is more than just a sport: it’s a true testament to effort, resilience, and discipline.

The greatest marathon champions have passed through Tokyo, and the story is just beginning for the youngest marathon on the Abbott World Marathon Majors circuit.