The eagerly anticipated Abbott World Marathon Majors series kicks off on Sunday, March 2, with the 2025 Tokyo Marathon, now expanded to a seven-race schedule following the addition of Sydney. This prestigious global marathon season commences with the 18th edition of the Tokyo Marathon, which promises to attract elite talent alongside a vast field of amateur runners.
As the marathon approaches, attention turns to the remarkable 169 elite athletes competing in this year’s event, set against a backdrop of 38,000 runners traversing the iconic 26.2-mile route from the Tokyo Metropolitan Building to Tokyo Station. Renowned for its flat and rapid course, last year’s event saw Kenya’s Benson Kipruto and Ethiopia’s Sutume Asefa Kebede shatter the course records with impressive times of 2:02:16 and 2:15:55, respectively. Both are returning to defend their titles in what promises to be a thrilling race.
2025 Tokyo Marathon as a World Athletics Championships Qualifier
This year’s marathon is particularly significant for Japanese athletes, as it serves as a direct qualifier for the World Athletics Championships scheduled for September in Tokyo. The stakes are high, adding extra excitement as local runners aim to secure their spots on the national team. With the course’s historical reputation for producing fast times, many athletes will look to capitalize on this opportunity.
How to Watch the Tokyo Marathon
The Tokyo Marathon will kick off at 09:10 local time on Sunday, March 2, which translates to 19:10 Eastern and 16:10 Pacific (both Saturday). In Europe, coverage commences at 00:10 in the UK and 01:10 CET. For viewers in Japan, the race will be broadcast live on Nippon Television. Globally, details regarding live streaming options will be released on the race day. Last year, the marathon was accessible in over 160 countries through various media outlets, including Eurosport, Canal+, Flo Sports, and ESPN International.
Men’s Elite Field Highlights
Focusing on the men’s elite field, defending champion Benson Kipruto returns following his breathtaking record-setting performance last year. His recent achievements, including a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, solidify his status as a formidable contender. Among the other elite athletes, Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei, the two-time Olympic champion and world record-holder, is noteworthy as he makes a highly anticipated second marathon appearance.
Additionally, several other athletes boast impressive personal bests under 2:04, including Birhanu Legese, Deresa Geleta, and Tadese Takele. With such talented individuals set to compete, the men’s race promises to deliver an exhilarating showdown.
Women’s Elite Field Competitors
On the women’s side, defending champion Sutume Asefa Kebede enters the race with high expectations after her spectacular time last year, which placed her in the all-time top ten for women’s marathons. However, she faces fierce competition from Brigid Kosgei, a former world record holder, and Rosemary Wanjiru, the 2023 champion; both have faster personal bests and a history of success in the Tokyo Marathon.
Additionally, Ethiopia’s Tigist Ketema is another strong contender, having made a mark with her debut marathon performance, which was the fastest by any debutant. Alongside her are Hawi Feysa and 2022 world champion Gotytom Gebreslase, who are all set to challenge for a top finish.
Conclusion: The Excitement of the 2025 Tokyo Marathon
The 2025 Tokyo Marathon is poised to captivate spectators worldwide as elite athletes aim for glory while navigating the scenic yet challenging course of Tokyo. With opportunities both for Olympic qualification and personal achievement, it represents the pinnacle of competitive marathon running. Enthusiasts and casual fans alike should prepare for an inspiring day of athletic excellence.
