The 2025 Tokyo Marathon is officially set to kick off the World Major Marathon season on March 2, 2025. This prestigious event will showcase top athletes from around the world, all vying for victory on the scenic streets of Tokyo. The anticipation builds as last year’s champions, Kenya’s Benson Kipruto and Ethiopia’s Sutume Asefa Kebede, return to defend their titles, both having set remarkable course records of 2:02:16 and 2:15:55, respectively.
Covering the race live, fans will have access to pivotal updates and viewing options to follow every thrilling moment. Athletes started from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, running the full 26.2-mile course to Tokyo Station. This year, the marathon welcomes 169 elite competitors amid 38,000 total participants, setting the stage for intense competition.
Notable competitors include defending champion Kipruto, who earned bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, and elite women runners like Sutume Asefa Kebede, along with her formidable rivals such as Olympic silver medalist Brigid Kosgei and reigning champion Rosemary Wanjiru. The presence of legendary athlete Paula Radcliffe at 51 years old adds extra excitement to the mix.
If you’re located outside of Japan and want to catch the action, here’s the lowdown on how to watch the marathon. Viewers can tune in through various streaming platforms worldwide, ensuring no one misses out on the excitement.
For those watching from the United States, the marathon will stream live on FloTrack, requiring a subscription of $29.99 per month or $150 annually. You might need to use VPN services like NordVPN if you travel abroad to access your subscription. Meanwhile, viewers from the United Kingdom can catch the action on TNT Sports and Discovery+, which also requires subscriptions comparable to those for U.S. viewers. Notably, viewers will encounter free coverage options if they're located within Japan through TVer.
Here’s the quick guide for viewing times (All times Eastern):
- 7:05 PM - Wheelchair race start
- 7:10 PM - Marathon start
The marathon’s grandiosity is not only about the competition but also about the camaraderie and spirit it showcases. The event begins at Tokyo’s iconic metropolitan building, winding through countless landmarks, making it visually spectacular. The marathon’s course runs through several districts, including Suidobashi, Kanda, and Ginza, among others, with the expected 2025 route ensuring participants enjoy the chance to witness the beautiful Tokyo skyline.
For the runners, the challenge extends beyond just completing the race. A strict cut-off time exists, with the typical marathon required to finish within seven hours, aiming to streamline the experience smoothly for both athletes and spectators. Wheelchair participants have their own set duration of two hours, allowing more inclusivity within the sporting sphere.
Bringing attention to the elite female race, Kebede is not only defending her title but is also aware of the rising talents. The fierce competition is indicative of the growing stature of women's marathon running, inspiring more female athletes to step up. Ketema, Wanjiru, and Kosgei represent the new generation ready to challenge Kebede, and spectators can expect thrilling performances from all athletes involved.
The race will not just showcase incredible athletic skills but also come with significant financial rewards. A prize purse of approximately $286,000 will be awarded to winners, with both first-place finishers from the men’s and women’s categories expected to earn around $78,100 each. This notable prize funds add motivation for all participants, pushing the limits of human endurance and determination.
Reflecting on the marathon’s history, significant milestones include the 2020 event, which consisted only of elite runners, and the cancellation of the 2021 run due to COVID-19. This year’s race signifies resilience as thousands of runners tie their laces and take to the streets once more.
With runners like Joshua Cheptegei, the Ugandan middle-distance superstar and world record holder, setting his competitive gaze on marathon running, the 2025 Tokyo Marathon is shaping up to be one of the best yet. Cheptegei won Olympic gold medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics and now seeks to solidify his distance running prowess. All these athletes will compete not just for the records and prize money but also for pride, recognition, and the chance to etch their names among the race’s illustrious history.
For those eager to watch, make sure you have your streaming plans sorted out early. With so many platforms involved, from FloTrack to TNT Sports, there's no reason to miss the excitement. Remember, if you are not located where the streams are broadcast, using NordVPN can help you access your usual streaming services freely and easily.
With the blend of competitive spirit, athletic prowess, and global camaraderie, the 2025 Tokyo Marathon promises to be unforgettable. Be prepared for exhilarating races and inspiring stories as elite athletes and passionate amateurs alike hit the streets of Tokyo!