Ethiopian athletes almost swept clean the podium at the Tokyo Marathon 2025 after dominating their Kenyan counterparts in a race on Sunday, March 2, 2025.

Tadese Takele and Deresa Geleta capped positions one and two, with Kenya’s Vincent Kipkemoi Ngetich coming in third for the second straight year in 2:04:00.

Takele, the Olympic steeplechaser-turned runner, took the tape in 2:03:23, while Geleta came in second after clocking 2:03:51.

Defending men’s champion and Paris 2024 Olympic Games bronze medalist Benson Kipruto faded to finish sixth (2:05:44). Before the race kicked off, Kipruto was among the favourites to win the title.

In 2024 Benson Kipruto won the 2024 race with a course record time of 2:02:16, leading a Kenyan sweep of the podium as Timothy Kiplagat and Vincent Kipkemoi finished second and third with times of 2:02:55 and 2:04:18, respectively.

In the 2025 edition, only Kipkemoi and Kipruto represented the country, as Kiplagat missed the action to prepare for the upcoming London Marathon.

Uganda’s two-time middle-distance Olympic champion Joshua Cheptegei ended up ninth in a personal best of 2:05:56 in his second career marathon.

Speaking after the race, Takele attributed his success to proper preparation. He further added that the weather in Japan did not affect him as temperatures climbed above 20 C.

“I thought I ran a very good race. I prepared well, and I’m happy I raced a new personal best,” said the 22-year-old, who made the transition from the track two years ago.

“The weather didn’t affect me much; I didn’t think it was that hot. It’s a good course and I hope to run even better in the future,” he added.

He also used the opportunity to open up about his desire to win the Olympics.

“I want to run faster and win the Olympics one day,” he revealed.

Women’s race

Ethiopia extended their winning streak in the women’s races as Sutume Asefa Kebede emerged the winner, retaining her crown in 2:16:29.

Following Kebede on to the podium were Winfrida Moraa Moseti of Kenya (2:16:56) and Hawi Feysa, also of Ethiopia (2:17:00).

Paula Radcliffe, running her first marathon since she retired in 2015, checked in 111th in 2:57:26, more than 40 minutes off the world record she used to hold.

◥◣ #TokyoMarathon 2025 ◢◤

Women’s Marathon Medal Winners
🥇 Sutume Asefa KEBEDE (ETH)
🥈 Winfridah Moraa MOSETI (KEN)
🥉 Hawk FEYSA (ETH)

Congratulations on the excellent results! 👏 🎉 pic.twitter.com/DNe47OHQ41

— Tokyo Marathon Foundation (@TokyoMarathon_E) March 2, 2025