In the Tokyo Marathon, Olympic 10,000m champion Joshua Cheptegei showcased a remarkable performance, achieving a personal best time of 2:05:59 and securing the ninth position. This marked a significant improvement for Cheptegei in his second attempt at the 42.2km distance, shaving off three minutes from his previous best. Despite a strong start, two-time former Tokyo Marathon winner Birhanu Legese from the NN Running Team eventually finished 11th, trailing Cheptegei by a mere seven seconds.
The NN Running Team also made a strong showing in the women’s race, with Desi Jisa of Bahrain achieving a commendable sixth place by slashing 40 seconds from her lifetime best, finishing in 2:20:07. Her teammate Degitu Azimeraw clocked 2:20:26 to secure the eighth spot. The competition took place under challenging conditions with temperatures ranging from 13°C to 16°C in Tokyo.
During the men’s race, Vincent Yegon led the pack at the initial checkpoint, setting a solid pace. Cheptegei and his teammate Stephen Kissa trailed behind in the chase group. The lead group maintained a strong pace in the first half, reaching the halfway mark in 1:01:17. As the race progressed, the field began to splinter, with Cheptegei and Kissa positioning themselves for a final push towards the finish line.
At the 38km mark, Takele made a decisive move, securing victory with a time of 2:03:51. Geleta followed closely in second place, while Ngetich finished third. Cheptegei, despite battling fatigue, achieved a notable personal best in ninth place. In the women’s race, defending champion Kebede dominated early on but faced strong competition from Ketema. Jisa delivered an outstanding performance, finishing sixth, with Azimeraw claiming eighth place.
Kebede maintained her lead to clinch back-to-back titles, with Moseti and Feysa setting personal best times to secure second and third place, respectively. The NN Running Team continues to excel in marathons, showcasing talent and determination in competitive races. The Tokyo Marathon proved to be a platform for athletes to push their limits and achieve remarkable feats in the world of long-distance running.
As the 2025 Abbott World Marathon Majors season kicked off in Tokyo, athletes from around the globe displayed resilience and skill in the face of tough competition. The event highlighted the evolving landscape of marathon running, with new talents emerging and established stars pushing their boundaries. The Tokyo Marathon once again proved to be a stage where athletes could test their endurance and showcase their prowess on an international platform.
The NN Running Team’s success in Tokyo underscored the team’s commitment to excellence and continuous improvement. With each race, athletes like Cheptegei and Jisa demonstrate the dedication and passion required to compete at the highest level. As the marathon season unfolds, fans can anticipate more thrilling races and record-breaking performances from the world’s top long-distance runners.
With the Tokyo Marathon setting the stage for a thrilling season ahead, the world of marathon running is poised for more excitement and achievements. As athletes continue to push the boundaries of human performance, marathons like the Tokyo Marathon serve as a testament to the endurance, skill, and determination of elite runners striving for greatness.
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