Ethiopian runners dominated the 2025 Tokyo Marathon, with Tadese Takele (2:03:23) winning the men’s race, marking him as the youngest winner. Defending champion Benson Kipruto placed sixth at 2:05:46, while Sutume Kebede defended her title in the women’s race with a time of 2:16:31. Significant prize money was awarded, further highlighting the event’s prestige and competitive spirit.
The 2025 Tokyo Marathon witnessed an Ethiopian triumph, as athletes from Ethiopia claimed both the men’s and women’s titles. Tadese Takele emerged victorious in the men’s race, completing the marathon in a remarkable personal best of 2:03:23, notably becoming the youngest winner in the event’s history at age 22. Meanwhile, Benson Kipruto, the defending champion and holder of the previous year’s course record, placed sixth this year, clocking a time of 2:05:46, which marks his first finish outside the top three since 2020.
In the men’s race, the best-performing Kenyan was Vincent Kipkemoi, who secured third place with a time of 2:04:00, just nine seconds behind second placeholder Deresa Geleta of Ethiopia. Kipkemoi, who achieved a podium finish last year, remained consistent despite the fierce Ethiopian competition, while his fellow countryman Titus Kipruto finished fourth at 2:05:34. Remarkably, Kipruto and Geoffrey Toroitich had a photo finish, both recording a time of 2:05:46, but Kipruto placed sixth, and Toroitich seventh.
The Ugandan marathon champion Joshua Cheptegei, who holds the world title in the 10,000 meters, finished ninth in the Tokyo Marathon, registering a personal best of 2:05:59. Ethiopian Birhanu Legese, a two-time Tokyo Marathon winner, returned to the competition with an 11th place finish in 2:06:06.
On the women’s side, Sutume Kebede defended her title impressively, achieving a time of 2:16:31. She became the first female athlete to win consecutive titles in the Tokyo Marathon and only the second woman in history to accomplish this feat since Birhane Dibaba. Following her, Winfridah Moraa of Kenya finished strong in second place with a personal best of 2:16:56.
Hawi Feysa of Ethiopia secured third with a time of 2:17:00, while Magdalyne Masai and Rosemary Wanjiru, both Kenyans, completed the top five with times of 2:19:28 and 2:19:57, respectively. The event reported significant prize money, totaling $286,000, with both male and female winners awarded $78,100 each for their remarkable performances.
The results of the competition reflect a continuing trend of Ethiopian dominance in long-distance running, with the 2025 Tokyo Marathon illustrating a shifting dynamic in the sport as Kenyans strive to reclaim their former supremacy. The performances this year showcased the exceptional talent and competitiveness of athletes from both nations, setting the stage for future marathons and further rivalries.
The 2025 Tokyo Marathon highlighted the impressive performances of Ethiopian runners, securing both top titles in men’s and women’s races, while Kenyan athletes faced challenges in maintaining their dominance. Tadese Takele’s remarkable win and Sutume Kebede’s successful title defense signal a shift in marathon prowess. As the sport evolves, both Ethiopia and Kenya continue to produce outstanding talent, promising thrilling competitions ahead.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
