The Tokyo Marathon 2025 press conference for the elite athletes took place on Friday, February 28, two days before the event.
First, the women athletes took the stage including KEBEDE Asefa (Ethiopia), KETEMA Tigist (Ethiopia), WANJIRU Rosemary (Kenya) and Japanese runners HOSODA Ai (Edion) and ANDO Yuka (Shimamura).
KEBEDE, who won the race last year with a Japan record of 2:15:55 commented cheerfully and seems to be in good condition. “I am very happy to be back here again. My condition is good, and I’ve been able to practice under favorable conditions.” She added strongly that she “wants to win”, recording the first consecutive win in the women’s field. When asked about her target time, she commented “if all the elements including my condition and the weather align, I hope to set the Ethiopian record”. She has her sights se to break the 2:11:53 record.
KETEMA, who won the Berlin Marathon last year with a time of 2:16:42 smiled as she commented “my condition is good, and I have been practicing since Berlin. I hope to run with a good time and place in a good position.” She shared her positive impression of Japan where she is visiting for the first time. “I have come to Japan for the first time. It is a lovely city. I am still researching the course and preparing.”
WANJIRU Rosemary who won the event in 2023 commented in Japanese as she referred to Japan as her “second home”. “My condition is very good. I have been able to practice well. I’m looking forward to Sunday.” She announced that she would be aiming for “a personal best and a win”, looking to run under 2:16:00
The Japanese runners who will be running for a spot on the national team at the World Athletics Championships 2025 Tokyo also seem to be in good shape as they prepare for Sunday.
HOSODA who finished the Berlin Marathon last year with a time of 2:20:31 shared that her condition is improving. “My condition is improving each day to be able to run at my best on Sunday.” When asked about the Tokyo Marathon course, she analyzed the course and shared her enthusiasm. “The downhill in the first 5km is ideal to get into a rhythm. The second half is also flat and ideal for setting a good record. I hope to set a new personal best in terms of beating myself.”
ANDO, who won the Nagoya Women’s Marathon last year will run toward her personal theme of “growth”. She shared her dedication for this major event and commented “I have worked toward my goal of growing more than the previous day. I want to exceed my previous marathon record by running with my sights focused forward and not giving up.” As for the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025, she shared her enthusiasm for the big event and commented, “Opportunities come to you if you can go above your past accomplishments. I hope to be able to exert my full potential.”
Race Director OSHIMA Yasuhiro shared his anticipation for the race. “All the runners including Kebede seem to be in good condition. I expect them to at least break the race record (2:15:55). It would be ideal if Japanese runners HOSODA and ANDO can run under 2:20:00.
In the men’s field, KIPRUTO Benson (Kenya), CHEPTEGEI Joshua (Uganda), GELETA Deresa (Ethiopia) and Japanese runners AKASAKI Akira (Kyudenko) and IKEDA Yohei (Kao) took part in the interviews.
KIPRUTO who won the race last year with a Japan record of 2:02:16 will look for a consecutive win. “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.” When asked about his race plan, his expression was full of confidence as he declared “Fast pace. I will run fast from the start.” He even gave some advice as he was the only runner with experience of the event. “It is a flat course, and everyone should be able to set a personal best.”
CHEPTEGEI, who is the world record holder in both the 5000ｍ and 10,000ｍ as well as the gold medal winner in both events at 2024 Paris Olympic Games shared, “This is my second marathon, and I am ready.” He ran 42.195km at the Berlin Marathon in 2023 which “was a bit disappointing, but it is the time to rise up again.” He commented humbly, “I am still learning, so I want to learn from my Kipruto and Geleta. I will be happy if my record is in the 2:04:00 range.” On the other hand, he also hinted at his enthusiasm for the marathon. “I want to challenge something new. I don’t plan to return to the track at the World Athletics Championships.”
GELETA, who placed second at the Valencia Marathon in December of last year with a time of 2:02:38 smiled as he shared his fighting spirit. “I am happy to be able to participate. My condition is good. I have prepared to run under 2:03:00 if the weather conditions are good.”
The Japanese runners who are vying for a spot at the World Athletics Championships 2025 Tokyo to be held in September, will be competing with a strong international field.
AKASAKI, who placed sixth at 2024 Paris Olympic Games – marathon, highlighted how well he has been able to prepare. “I have been able to practice without any issues and will be able to participate in ideal condition.” He revealed that he has continued to integrate the uphill running practice that he started in preparation for the Paris Olympics. “Setting a new personal best (2:07:32) is a given and being able to compete against the world’s top runners at an event of this caliber is essential for growth.” He will put in his full effort as he competes against veteran athletes.
IKEDA, who set the second fastest Japanese record of 2:05:12 at the Berlin Marathon will be focusing on his own race. “I won’t be too concerned about my time. I hope to place as well as possible while I compete.” Not participating in the Tokyo Marathon last year has been a motivating factor and seemed eager for race day. “My preparation during the past year has been fruitful. I look forward to the day of the race.”
Race Director OSHIMA predicted the fastest race to date. “We are very pleased that so many great athletes are participating. With last year’s winner KIPRUTO declaring to break his record, perhaps we can anticipate a new course record.” He also added, I also have big expectations for CHEPTEGEI who will be running his first serious marathon.”
The weather forecast for race day is sunny with temperatures at 12 to 13 degrees Celsius at the start of the race.
