Ethiopian Runners Take Charge in the 2025 Tokyo Marathon
In a stunning display of dominance, Ethiopian runners swept the top spots in the 2025 Tokyo Marathon, leaving Kenyan competitors struggling to keep pace. The race saw Ethiopian athlete Tadese Takele take the top honor in the men’s event, clocking an impressive 2:03:23 to secure the title. At just 22 years old, Takele also became the youngest-ever winner of the Tokyo Marathon, marking a new chapter in the history of the race.
The event was also notable for the absence of any Kenyan taking the lead. Benson Kipruto, the defending champion who set a course record of 2:02:16 in 2024, fell short in his bid to defend his title. He crossed the finish line in sixth place with a time of 2:05:46. It was the first time since the 2020 London Marathon that Kipruto failed to finish in the top three.
Despite Kipruto’s setback, the Kenyan contingent showed promise, with Vincent Kipkemoi taking third place in a time of 2:04:00, just nine seconds behind the runner-up, Deleta Geresa of Ethiopia. It was a race that highlighted the fierce competition between the two East African nations.
Tadese Takele’s Triumph: A Historic Victory
Tadese Takele’s victory in the 2025 Tokyo Marathon was one for the history books. The Ethiopian runner, who entered the race as an underdog, exceeded expectations and clinched the men’s title with a personal best of 2:03:23. Takele’s performance not only earned him the gold but also made him the youngest-ever winner of the marathon. His achievement at the age of 22 was a testament to his talent and determination.
Takele’s victory also marked a significant moment for Ethiopia, which continues to dominate long-distance running events globally. His victory adds to Ethiopia’s growing legacy in marathon racing, where the country has produced some of the world’s most legendary athletes. For Takele, this win represents a career-defining moment, putting him on the global map as a future star in the world of marathon running.
The 2025 Tokyo Marathon was a reminder of Ethiopia’s supremacy in the sport, with Takele’s victory underscoring the strength of Ethiopian runners on the international stage. As Takele celebrates his triumph, his performance will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of athletes to follow in his footsteps.
Benson Kipruto’s Disappointing Performance
Benson Kipruto’s performance at the 2025 Tokyo Marathon was far from what fans and experts had expected. The Kenyan runner, who had set a course record of 2:02:16 in the previous year’s race, struggled to keep up with the pace set by his Ethiopian counterparts. Kipruto finished sixth with a time of 2:05:46, marking a significant departure from his previous successes.
This result was particularly surprising given Kipruto’s consistent performance in marathons over the past few years. However, it was clear that the competition this year was fierce, with Takele, Geresa, and other Ethiopian runners setting a blistering pace that even Kipruto could not match. Despite his efforts, Kipruto was unable to replicate the form that saw him dominate the Tokyo Marathon in 2024.
For Kipruto, this defeat is a setback, but it is not the end of his career. The 33-year-old has shown time and again that he can bounce back from difficult races. Kipruto will likely focus on training for future marathons, including the upcoming major events where he hopes to reclaim his position among the world’s best.
Vincent Kipkemoi’s Solid Performance
Kenya’s best performance in the men’s race came from Vincent Kipkemoi, who secured third place with a time of 2:04:00. Although he did not finish at the top, Kipkemoi’s podium finish was a commendable effort in a highly competitive race. He finished just nine seconds behind the second-place finisher, Ethiopia’s Deleta Geresa, who clocked 2:03:51.
Kipkemoi’s performance was a reminder of Kenya’s strength in marathon running, despite the dominance of Ethiopian runners in this particular race. Last year, Kipkemoi also finished in the top five at the Tokyo Marathon, further solidifying his reputation as one of the top marathoners in Kenya. His consistent performances at the highest level demonstrate his determination to remain competitive in future races.
Although Kipkemoi did not capture the title, his strong finish in the 2025 Tokyo Marathon keeps him in the conversation as a key player in the marathon circuit. With continued training and preparation, Kipkemoi could very well be a contender in future events.
Struggles for Joshua Cheptegei and Other Kenyans
Joshua Cheptegei of Uganda, the reigning world and Olympic champion in the 10,000 meters, faced another setback in his marathon career. The Ugandan athlete finished ninth in the 2025 Tokyo Marathon with a personal best time of 2:05:59. While it was an improvement over his previous marathon performances, it was clear that Cheptegei still has a long way to go to reach the level of success seen in track events.
Cheptegei’s struggle in the marathon is a reminder of the difficulty in transitioning from shorter distances to the marathon. While his Olympic and world championships in the 10,000 meters have brought him global recognition, the marathon presents an entirely different challenge. Nevertheless, Cheptegei remains a formidable athlete, and he will likely continue to refine his marathon skills in future races.
Other Kenyan competitors, including Titus Kipruto and Geoffrey Toroitich, also faced challenges in the 2025 Tokyo Marathon. Kipruto finished fourth with a time of 2:05:34, while Toroitich, making his marathon debut, finished seventh with a time of 2:05:46. Both athletes showed promise but were unable to match the pace of the leading Ethiopian runners. Despite the setbacks, the Kenyan runners displayed their resilience and commitment to improving in future events.
Ethiopian Success in the Women’s Race
The women’s race at the 2025 Tokyo Marathon saw another Ethiopian triumph, as Sutume Kebede defended her title with a winning time of 2:16:31. Kebede’s victory marked a remarkable achievement, as she became the first woman to win two consecutive Tokyo Marathons. Her victory in 2025 came just a year after she set a course record of 2:15:55, further solidifying her place among the best marathon runners in the world.
Kebede’s performance in the 2025 race was a testament to her consistency and skill. The Ethiopian runner showed great strength throughout the race, holding off strong competition from Kenya’s Winfridah Moraa, who finished second with a personal best time of 2:16:56. Kebede’s victory added another chapter to Ethiopia’s dominance in women’s marathon running, continuing the legacy of iconic athletes like Birhane Dibaba and Tirunesh Dibaba.
For Kebede, the win in Tokyo is a career-defining moment. As the first woman to secure back-to-back victories in the prestigious marathon, she has firmly established herself as one of the sport’s most accomplished athletes. Her continued success in the marathon world will be closely watched by fans and experts alike.
Winfridah Moraa’s Strong Second-Place Finish
Kenya’s Winfridah Moraa came close to capturing the top spot in the women’s race, finishing second with a personal best time of 2:16:56. Moraa, who had previously shown promise in marathons, put in a strong performance that demonstrated her growing potential in long-distance running. Despite finishing behind Kebede, Moraa’s time was still an impressive achievement, further cementing her reputation as one of Kenya’s top marathoners.
Moraa’s second-place finish was particularly notable because it came after her strong performance in last year’s Hamburg Marathon, where she also finished second. This consistency in her performances suggests that Moraa can compete at the highest level and could be a serious contender in future marathon events. As she continues to develop her skills, Moraa will likely be a key figure in the women’s marathon scene.
Although Moraa did not win in Tokyo, her performance in the 2025 race was a significant step forward in her career. As she looks ahead to future marathons, Moraa will be focused on refining her technique and strategy, with the goal of one day capturing the elusive marathon victory.
