Benson Kipruto and Brigid Kosgei will lead the Kenyan charge at the Tokyo Marathon against a star-studded Ethiopian-Ugandan line-up.
Benson Kipruto and Brigid Kosgei are set to lead the Kenyan charge at the 2025 Tokyo Marathon on March 2, with high expectations riding on their shoulders.
For Kipruto, the stakes are particularly high as he aims to defend his title. The reigning champion secured a memorable victory in the 2024 edition, overcoming a formidable field that included former world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge.
Buoyed by this stunning performance, Kipruto went on to claim the bronze medal at the Paris Olympic Games later that year.
Benson Kipruto aims to defend his Tokyo Marathon title and achieve greater milestones in 2025 after winning bronze at Paris Olympic Games.
Reflecting on his plans following the Olympics, Kipruto stated, “This festive season, I’ll be in training and not celebrating that much, but I will try and enjoy with my relatives and family.”
His focus and determination will be critical as he prepares for another showdown in Tokyo, facing off against a strong field.
The men’s field for the 2025 marathon promises to be fiercely competitive. Kipruto will face stiff opposition from Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei, the world record holder in the 5000m and 10,000m, as well as Ethiopia’s Deresa Geleta, the Olympic fifth-place finisher and Valencia Marathon runner-up as reported by World Athletics.
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Also in contention is Kenya’s Vincent Kipkemoi Ngetich, who finished third in last year’s Tokyo Marathon. The star-studded lineup ensures a thrilling battle for the top spot.
In the women’s race, Brigid Kosgei will be looking to reclaim her title and dethrone reigning champion Sutume Kebede of Ethiopia.
Kebede, who is returning to defend her title, will be joined by fellow Ethiopian marathon great Tigist Ketema. However, Kosgei’s credentials speak for themselves. With a personal best of 2:14:04 set at the Chicago Marathon in 2019, Kosgei remains the fastest athlete in the field.
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Joining her is compatriot Rosemary Wanjiru, the 2023 Tokyo Marathon winner, adding another layer of intrigue to the Kenyan-Ethiopian rivalry.
As the showdown approaches, all eyes will be on Tokyo to witness these world-class athletes compete for glory. With a mix of seasoned champions and rising stars, the 2025 Tokyo Marathon promises to be a spectacle.
