OSAKA, Japan — The Osaka Marathon 2025, held on February 24, marked another impressive chapter for marathon enthusiasts as runners navigated the 42.195-kilometer course from the Osaka Prefectural Office to the picturesque Osaka Castle Park. This year’s event not only produced incredible individual performances but also served as the selection event for the upcoming World Athletics Championships set for September 2025.
Leading the charge was Ethiopia's Ihunilig Adan, who clinched victory with a stunning finishing time of 2 hours, 5 minutes, and 37 seconds, setting a new event record. Adan's victory was closely contested, with Japan's Ryota Kondo, representing Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, trailing just two seconds behind and breaking the Japanese record for debut marathon runners with his time of 2 hours, 5 minutes, and 39 seconds. This remarkable finish propelled him to fifth on the all-time Japanese list.
The competition was fierce, with other notable finishes including Kohei Hosoya of Kurashiki Ablaze, who took fourth place with a commendable 2 hours, 5 minutes, and 58 seconds, and graduate runner Kuroda Asa from Aoyama Gakuin University finishing sixth at 2 hours, 6 minutes, and 5 seconds. Notably, the 2021 national record holder, Kengo Suzuki, managed to finish eighth with 2 hours, 6 minutes, and 18 seconds.
This marathon's race conditions began under clear skies and brisk temperatures—around 5.2 degrees Celsius—ideal for marathon runners. The initial pace started strong, with groups clocking under 15 minutes for the first 5 kilometers. It wasn't long before the lead pack began to stretch out, with early competitors like Kazuyoshi Nishiyama from Toyota Motors dropping off by the 15-kilometer mark.
Despite earlier success, celebrated athletes including Suzuki and Kuroda maintained their positions within the leading group. By the 26-kilometer mark, Tokyo Olympic representative Naoki Koyama faced difficulties, gradually losing pace from the front pack, which continued to coalesce tightly even after the 30-kilometer turnaround point, albeit with some confusion leading runners to take extra distance.
At the 32-kilometer mark, Hosoya, who had been contesting within the lead group, started to lag, leaving only four to chase the title. Yet, as the race marched toward the final stretch, the pace steadied. With just over 5 kilometers to go, snow flurries crept around the course, introducing another layer of challenge.
Near the 38-kilometer mark, both Adan and fellow Ethiopian runner Abdisah Torra broke away from the frontrunners, setting up what looked to be an impending showdown. But as Kondo rallied back from the pack, it became clear he wasn't done, catching up to the lead duo and pushing to the front with only about one kilometer remaining. While Kondo showcased incredible tenacity, it was Adan who out-sprinted him to take the race, showcasing both speed and endurance to secure his place as champion, with Kondo close behind recording the fastest debut by any Japanese runner.
A series of commendable performances by Japanese athletes highlighted the depth of talent, as Kuroda and others marked personal best performances, solidifying their standing for future international competitions. According to observers and event organizers, there was not only excitement over individual achievements but also strong anticipation brewing for the ramifications of this marathon on future races.
The marathon was broadcasted nationally on NHK and streamed live on YouTube, allowing interested viewers to catch all the thrilling moments. It’s not just the excitement of the race but the atmosphere surrounding it and the challenges faced by runners—many of whom have dedicated their lives to this sport—that took center stage. “I am thrilled with the outcome today; this marks the culmination of our hard work!” said Adan following his impressive race.
With conditions presenting unique challenges—strong headwinds near the end and the unusual snowfall—it was apparent this year’s Osaka Marathon tested athletes' resolve. Reflecting on the event, one organizer remarked, “Conditions were tough, yet the runners pushed through successfully, showcasing their dedication”.
Looking forward, this marathon not only sets the stage for the athletes as they eye the World Championships but also enriches the legacy of the Osaka Marathon as it continues to draw top-tier talent from around the globe.