On March 9, 2025, the Nagoya Women's Marathon, the last selection race for the World Championships taking place in Tokyo later this year, commenced at 9:10 AM from the Vantelin Dome Nagoya. This event not only marks the end of the JMC Series III but also serves as the final opportunity for Japanese athletes to secure their spots for the prestigious international competition later this year.
This year’s race was significant for various reasons, particularly due to the high caliber of athletes participating. Among the main competitors were Rika Kaseda from Daihatsu, who previously represented Japan at the 2023 World Championships, and Yuka Sato of Sekisui Chemical. Rina Ejima, representing Shiseido and set to make her marathon debut, was also highlighted as she aims to challenge Japan's historic records, including the domestic record of 2 hours 21 minutes 36 seconds.
The day of the race brought clear weather with temperatures around 8.7 degrees Celsius, creating nearly perfect conditions for running. The initial pace was promising, with the leading group, including Kaseda and Sato, who passed the 5 km mark at 16 minutes and 42 seconds, and continued to maintain their momentum.
Challenges arose early on when the pacemakers, expected to guide the front-runners through the race, made misjudgments about the course. While leading the pack, Kaseda stood out as she skillfully navigated their confusion by directing the competitors back onto the correct path.
Despite initial setbacks, the athletes pushed through, reaching the 10 km mark at 33 minutes 28 seconds, which was slightly slower than their intended pace. Kaseda continued to perform steadily, encouraged by her husband, Ayumu Kobayashi, who was present to support her.
At the halfway point, the runners had covered the distance in 1 hour 10 minutes 37 seconds, but with the time ticking down, it became clear they would need to increase their pace to meet the qualification standard for the World Championships, set at 2 hours 23 minutes 30 seconds.
Entering the latter stages of the race brought fresh challenges. By the 25 km marker, Kaseda managed to clock a time of 1 hour 23 minutes 42 seconds. It was around this point—23 km—when the controversy involving the pacemakers unfolded as they again deviated from the prescribed course.
Despite the setback, Kaseda’s quick thinking kept her within reach of the leaders. Her perseverance was remarkable as she pursued the lead, and as the race progressed, interest grew around the fierce competition between other elite international runners, including Sheila Chepkirui from Kenya and Yuniche Chebet from Bahrain.
Chepkirui surged forward at the 30 km mark, putting even more pressure on Kaseda and Sato. By the final stretch, it became evident who would claim the victory and who would post personal bests. Chepkirui capped the race with stunning performance, finishing at 2 hours 20 minutes 40 seconds, whereas Sato crossed the finish line second, achieving her personal record of 2 hours 20 minutes 59 seconds—a remarkable improvement of 1 minute 14 seconds from her previous best.
Other notable finishes included Chebet, who secured third place with 2 hours 21 minutes 35 seconds, followed closely by Mao Uesugi and Kaseda, who finished fourth and fifth respectively. The race concluded with approximately 19,000 runners completing the course, illustrating the competitive spirit and dedication common among marathon participants.
Despite the early hiccups, organizers and spectators alike heralded the Nagoya Women’s Marathon as not only a race but also as a celebration of female athleticism and empowerment on such grand international scales.
The event was broadcast live by Fuji Television, drawing attention nationwide, and commentators included legends of the sport such as Yuko Arimori and Naoko Takahashi. Excitement and anticipation for the upcoming World Championships are high as athletes now prepare for their next steps, with many aiming for Olympic qualifications as the Paris Games draw nearer.