Tokyo is primed for its annual marathon as elite athletes and wheelchair competitors gathered for press conferences on February 28, two days before the race. The events have heightened excitement as expectations soar among athletes who have prepared rigorously for this prestigious competition.
Among the elite women set to race, last year’s champion Asefa Kebede of Ethiopia expressed her optimism during the press conference. “I am very happy to be back here again. My condition is good, and I’ve been able to practice under favorable conditions,” she stated. Kebede, who finished with a remarkable Japan record of 2:15:55, shared her aspirations to defend her title and aims to break the Ethiopian record if circumstances permit. “If all the elements including my condition and the weather align, I hope to set the Ethiopian record,” she added, targeting to surpass the current mark of 2:11:53.
Another elite contender, Tigist Ketema, winner of the Berlin Marathon last year, showcased her enthusiasm saying, “I hope to run with a good time and place in a good position.” She took the opportunity to express her delight at visiting Japan for the first time, emphasizing her preparation to adapt to the Tokyo Marathon course.
Kenyan runner Rosemary Wanjiru, who won the event the previous year, conveyed her excitement for competing again. Speaking primarily in Japanese, she called Japan her “second home” and shared, “My condition is very good. I have been able to practice well. I’m looking forward to Sunday,” intending to achieve both personal best and victory, with aspirations of running under 2:16:00.
Japanese runners Ai Hosoda and Yuka Ando are among those representing the home nation. Hosoda, who clocked 2:20:31 at the Berlin Marathon, detailed her preparation, expressing, “My condition is improving each day.” She analyzed the course, “The downhill in the first 5km is ideal to get onto a rhythm. The second half is flat, and right for setting new records.” Fellow Japanese runner Ando shared her desire for personal growth through the marathon, stating her commitment to performing beyond her limits.
Race Director Yasuhiro Oshima expressed high expectations for the upcoming marathon, anticipating record-breaking performances. “All the runners including Kebede seem to be in good condition. I expect them to at least break the race record (2:15:55),” he commented, highlighting the possibility of Japanese runners achieving remarkable times.
Conversely, the men’s elite category featured past winners and top contenders ready to make their mark. Benson Kipruto from Kenya, who won last year’s marathon with a record time of 2:02:16, proclaimed, “I am happy to be back in Tokyo. I am fully ready to run on Sunday, and I think I may be able to break my record from last year.” His strategy involves maintaining a fast pace from the start.
Joshua Cheptegei, gold medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, expressed confidence with his debut marathon. “I want to learn from my fellow competitors,” he stated, hoping to challenge himself with the ambitious goal of running closer to 2:04:00.
Deresa Geleta of Ethiopia, who recently finished second at the Valencia Marathon, also displayed enthusiasm. “I have prepared to run under 2:03:00 if the weather conditions are good,” he stated, ready to compete alongside the Japanese runners vying for spots at the upcoming World Athletics Championships.
Japanese athletes Akira Akasaki and Yohei Ikeda shared their readiness as they aimed to demonstrate their capabilities on this elite platform. Ikeda, with the second-fastest Japanese record of 2:05:12, feels confident after thorough preparation, acknowledging the importance of competing against premier global talent to stimulate his growth.
Meanwhile, wheelchair athletes gathered for their press session, addressed by Tokyo Marathon Foundation Chairman Tadaaki Hayano, who announced innovations for this year’s race. Celebrations for the marathon’s 18th iteration include the integration of new categories. The upcoming events aim for inclusivity moving forward to the 20th anniversary marathon scheduled for 2027.
Five prominent female wheelchair athletes took the stage, including Catherine Debrunner, gold medalist at the recent Paralympic Games. Known for her aggressive racing style, she is participating for the first time at the Tokyo Marathon, hoping to capitalize on the course’s speed. “This is my debut race, but I understand it is a great, fast course,” she noted, sharing her confidence amid this promising outlook.
Madison de Rozario and Susannah Scaroni, fellow elite competitors, also shared insights about their preparations, expressing eagerness to perform well. De Rozario highlighted her comeback after taking time off and Scaroni spoke about racing strategically within the pack.
From Japan, Wakako Tsuchida and Tsubasa Nakamine conveyed their pride and excitement at racing among elite competitors. Nakamine, who holds the Japanese record, eagerly looks to improve her performance. “It may take all my effort to just follow them,” she admitted, embodying the competitive spirit felt among participants.
Suzuki Tomoki, notable for his win last year, indicated his determination to defend his title against fierce competition, acknowledging the expectations upon him as he aims for continuous improvement and performance.
Yoshida Ryota, another top contender, expressed readiness to face all challenges, highlighting the efforts involved to uphold the spirit of competition within the Tokyo populace.
Wheelchair Race Director Masazumi Soejima shared insights about the anticipated race, including expectations of rapid pacing and the strategic elements likely to shape the competition's outcome. An enticing “split-time bonus” is set for top performers who meet the designated time benchmarks.
With sunny weather predicted on race day, the excitement for the Tokyo Marathon 2025 has reached new heights. The world will be watching as the athletes aim to achieve personal and competitive bests on the iconic streets of Tokyo this Sunday.