The highly anticipated Tokyo Marathon, scheduled for March 2, 2025, promises to be a thrilling spectacle with an elite women’s field featuring six sub-2:18 runners and a total of 11 athletes who have clocked under 2:20. Among the headliners are Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei, the former world record holder, and Rosemary Wanjiru, the 2023 Tokyo Marathon champion, alongside other world-class talents vying for glory in one of the most prestigious marathons on the calendar.
Elite Women’s Field Packed with Star Power
Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei enters the Tokyo Marathon as a three-time major marathon winner, having claimed victory in Tokyo in 2022. With a personal best of 2:14:04, Kosgei holds the fastest time among the competitors and remains a formidable contender despite a fifth-place finish at last year’s London Marathon in 2:19:02. Known for her consistency and incredible endurance, Kosgei’s presence adds weight to the already competitive lineup.
Joining her is Rosemary Wanjiru, who captured the Tokyo Marathon title in 2023 with an impressive 2:16:14. Although Wanjiru’s recent outing at the Bangsaen Half Marathon in December saw her finish third in 1:10:53, her proven ability to deliver on the big stage makes her a strong favorite to reclaim the title.
Another Kenyan star in the field is Winfridah Moraa Moseti, who secured victory at the Bangsaen Half Marathon last year in 1:10:01 and placed third at the Amsterdam Marathon in 2:18:25. Moseti’s remarkable consistency over the past year positions her as a serious contender in Tokyo.
Magdalene Masai, another Kenyan elite, also enters the race with strong credentials. Her second-place finish at the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon last year in 2:18:58 underscores her potential to challenge for the podium in Tokyo.
Ethiopian Contenders Bring Depth to the Field
Ethiopia’s Sutume Kebede, the reigning Tokyo Marathon champion and current Japanese all-comers’ record holder with a time of 2:15:55, is expected to mount a fierce defense of her title. Kebede’s victory in Tokyo last year showcased her tactical acumen and speed, which she will aim to replicate in this year’s race.
Hawi Feysa, another Ethiopian standout, comes into the race after winning the Frankfurt Marathon in 2:17:25. Her strong finish in Frankfurt makes her a formidable opponent in the Tokyo lineup. Fellow Ethiopians Degitu Azimeraw (2:17:58) and Gotytom Gebreslase (2:18:11), the 2022 world champion, also add firepower to the field, ensuring a tightly contested race.
Ethiopian legend Tirunesh Dibaba, a three-time Olympic gold medalist with a marathon best of 2:17:56, rounds out the list of top Ethiopian challengers. Dibaba’s experience and proven track record make her a dark horse in this star-studded competition.
Japanese and International Representation
Japan’s Ai Hosoda leads the home contingent with a personal best of 2:20:31, followed by Yuka Ando (2:21:18) and Rie Kawauchi (2:25:35). The local athletes will aim to make their mark on home soil amidst a dominant Kenyan and Ethiopian presence.
Other international runners to watch include Australia’s Jessica Stenson, who boasts a marathon best of 2:24:01, and Bahrain’s Desi Jisa Mokonin, clocking a personal best of 2:20:47. China’s Zhang Deshun (2:24:05) and Mongolia’s Khishigsaikhan Galbadrakh (2:26:32) also add diversity to the elite field.
What Makes the Tokyo Marathon Unique
As one of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors, the Tokyo Marathon is renowned for its fast course, world-class organization, and electrifying atmosphere. The 2025 edition promises to be no different, with a mix of established champions and rising stars ready to compete on the streets of Japan’s capital. This year’s field highlights the growing depth of talent in women’s marathon running, with athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia leading the charge.
Tokyo’s reputation for delivering record-breaking performances adds an extra layer of excitement. With six women who have run under 2:18 and 11 sub-2:20 athletes, the potential for fast times and thrilling finishes is undeniable.
Key Matchups to Watch
The battle between Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei and Ethiopia’s Sutume Kebede is shaping up to be a highlight of the event. Both athletes have the speed and experience to dominate the race, but the presence of Rosemary Wanjiru, Hawi Feysa, and Tirunesh Dibaba ensures that the competition will be fierce.
Winfridah Moraa Moseti’s consistency and Magdalene Masai’s recent strong performances make them strong candidates to upset the favorites. Meanwhile, the local crowd will rally behind Ai Hosoda and Yuka Ando as they aim to challenge the international elite.
What’s at Stake
For many of the elite runners, the Tokyo Marathon offers not just the chance to claim a prestigious title but also the opportunity to make a statement ahead of the World Athletics Championships later this year. With Olympic dreams on the horizon, a strong performance in Tokyo could set the tone for the rest of the season.
The Tokyo Marathon also provides a platform for emerging talent to shine. With younger runners like Winfridah Moseti and Hawi Feysa looking to make their mark, the race could serve as a springboard for future success.
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