Tokyo Marathon Kicks Off 2025 Majors Season with Ethiopian Dominance
The 2025 World Marathon Majors season began in spectacular fashion on Sunday, March 2nd, in Tokyo. Under clear, spring-like skies and temperatures reaching a balmy 20 degrees Celsius, the Tokyo Marathon delivered thrilling races and impressive performances across the board. The event marked the first of seven races in the prestigious series, which this year expands to include Sydney, Australia, solidifying its status as the ultimate challenge for marathon runners worldwide.
The men’s race saw Ethiopian Tadese Takele emerge victorious, crossing the finish line in a blistering 2 hours, 3 minutes, and 23 seconds. This impressive time not only secured him the top spot but also shaved a second off his personal best. At just 22 years old, Takele, primarily a 3,000-meter steeplechase specialist, was only competing in his third marathon. His potential in the longer distance was evident in his previous performance at the Berlin Marathon in 2023, where he finished third behind Kenyan legends Eliud Kipchoge and Vincent Kipkemoi.
Kipkemoi, also a strong contender, secured the third position in Tokyo with a time of 2 hours and 4 minutes. The Ethiopian Deresa Geleta rounded out the top three, claiming second place with a time of 2 hours, 3 minutes, and 51 seconds. The race was a testament to the incredible depth of talent in East African distance running.
In the women’s race, Ethiopia continued its dominance as Sutume Kebede successfully defended her title. Kebede led the race from start to finish, showcasing her strength and endurance to complete the course in 2 hours, 16 minutes, and 31 seconds. Her victory cemented her position as a force to be reckoned with in the marathon world.
Kenyan Winfridah Moraa Moseti put in a strong performance to finish second with a time of 2 hours, 16 minutes, and 56 seconds. Another Ethiopian, Hawi Feysa, completed the podium, finishing third in 2 hours, 17 minutes. The women’s race highlighted the intense competition and unwavering determination that define the World Marathon Majors.
Adding further intrigue to the event was the participation of Joshua Cheptegei, the Ugandan double Olympic champion in middle-distance running. Cheptegei, who claimed gold medals in the 5,000 meters at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics and the 10,000 meters at the Paris 2024 Olympics, finished ninth in the marathon. His time of 2 hours, 5 minutes, and 59 seconds set a new personal best for him in only his second attempt at the 42.195-kilometer distance. Cheptegei’s transition to the marathon demonstrates the growing trend of elite track athletes testing their limits in longer races.
The defending champion from the previous year, Kenyan Benson Kipruto, faced a tougher challenge this time around. Kipruto, also a bronze medalist at the Paris Olympics, finished sixth with a time of 2 hours, 5 minutes, and 46 seconds. The marathon’s unpredictable nature and the intense competition ensured that even former champions had to fight for every position.
The Tokyo Marathon also saw the return of a legendary figure to the world of marathon running. Paula Radcliffe, the British former world record holder, participated in her first marathon since retiring in 2015. At 51 years old, Radcliffe completed the race in 2 hours, 57 minutes, and 22 seconds, finishing 111th among the women. While her time was considerably slower than her personal best of 2 hours, 15 minutes, and 25 seconds, set in London in 2003, her participation served as an inspiration to runners of all ages and abilities.
Radcliffe’s appearance in Tokyo was not a one-off event. The native of Northwich, England, plans to participate in the Boston Marathon in six weeks, driven by the ambition to become a Six Star finisher. This prestigious honor is bestowed upon runners who complete all six of the original World Marathon Majors: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. With the addition of Sydney to the series this year, the challenge has become even greater, solidifying the World Marathon Majors as the pinnacle of achievement for marathon runners around the globe.
The 2025 Tokyo Marathon was a resounding success, showcasing world-class performances, inspiring stories, and the unwavering spirit of marathon running. It set the stage for an exciting season of World Marathon Majors, culminating in Sydney, and highlighted the growing global appeal of this challenging and rewarding sport. The performances in Tokyo will undoubtedly fuel anticipation for the upcoming races in Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York, as runners from around the world strive to achieve their personal goals and chase the ultimate dream of becoming a World Marathon Majors champion. The inclusion of Sydney marks a significant step forward for the series, expanding its reach and solidifying its position as the premier marathon circuit in the world.
