Ethiopia’s Takele, Kebede Sweep Tokyo Marathon Titles; Ichiyama, Ando Finish Top Among Japanese Runners

The Japan News

15:57 JST, March 2, 2025

Tadese Takele led an Ethiopian 1-2 finish in the men’s race in the Tokyo Marathon, while compatriot Sutume Kebede successfully defended her women’s title under warm, clear skies on Sunday.

Takele clocked a personal-best 2 hours 3 minutes 23 seconds to finish ahead of fellow Ethiopian Deresa Geleta, who finished second at 2:03:51 over the course that started in front of the Tokyo metropolitan government building and finished near Tokyo Station.

Vincent Ngetich of Kenya was third at 2:04:00. Kenya’s defending champion Benson Kipruto, who set the course record of 2:02:16 in winning last year, finished seventh in 2:05:46

Tsubasa Ichiyama was the top finisher among the Japanese entries, placing 10th in 2:06:00.

Takele clipped one second off the previous personal best he ran in placing third at the 2023 Berlin Marathon.

In the women’s race, Kebede broke away early, had a lead of over two minutes at the halfway mark, then held on to win in 2:16:31, a bit off her record-setting winning time of 2:15:55 last year.

Kenya’s Winfridah Moseti made a run at Kebede late in the race, but had to settle for second place in 2:16:56, with Ethiopia’s Hawi Feysa third in 2:17:00.

Yuka Ando finished top among the Japanese runners in 11th place at 2:23:37.