Tokyo World Athletics Championships 2025: Global Giants Collide in the Tokyo Women’s Marathon

By: Denise N. Fyffe

The women’s marathon at the Tokyo World Athletics Championships 2025 promises to be one of the most competitive and star-studded races in recent memory. With former world record holders, Olympic champions, and rising debutants all lining up, the streets of Tokyo are set to witness a battle of endurance, strategy, and resilience.

Tigist Assefa: The Star Returns to Japan

Leading the field is Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa, one of the most dominant marathoners of the past three years. The 28-year-old stunned the world with her breakthrough victories at the Berlin Marathon in 2022 (2:15:37) and 2023, where she set a then-world record of 2:11:53, obliterating the previous mark. This year, she added the London Marathon 2025 crown in 2:15:50, further solidifying her legacy. At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Assefa engaged in a thrilling shoulder-to-shoulder battle with Dutch superstar Sifan Hassan, ultimately settling for silver. Now, Tokyo presents her with another shot at a global title that has eluded her so far.

Sutume Assefa Kebede: Tokyo Specialist

Ethiopia’s strength is reinforced by Sutume Assefa Kebede, a proven force in Japan. Kebede has won the last two Tokyo Marathons, setting the Japanese all-comers record with 2:15:55 in 2024. Earlier this year, she claimed her third consecutive Tokyo crown with 2:16:31, the second-fastest time in the world this season. Her familiarity with Tokyo’s roads and conditions makes her one of the strongest threats to Assefa’s dominance.

Peres Jepchirchir: The Veteran Champion

Kenya’s Peres Jepchirchir brings pedigree and consistency. A three-time World Half Marathon Champion, Jepchirchir has shown she can convert speed into marathon strength. She memorably won the Tokyo 2021 Olympic gold medal and has added prestigious titles in New York (2021), Boston (2022), London (2024), and Valencia (2020). Her winning time of 2:16:16 in London 2024 remains among the fastest in history, proving she is still a major contender on the global stage.

The Ethiopian Depth: Ketema and Beyond

Another Ethiopian to watch is Tigist Ketema, who transitioned from the 800m to the marathon with extraordinary success. She debuted with a 2:16:07 victory in Dubai, finished seventh in London, and then won the Berlin Marathon 2024 in 2:16:42. Her versatility and relative freshness in the marathon distance make her a fascinating challenger.

The Kenyan Contingent: Emerging Stars

Alongside Jepchirchir, Kenya fields an impressive roster. Magdalyne Masai has shown steady progression, clocking a personal best of 2:18:58 in Frankfurt and a strong fourth-place finish in Tokyo 2025. Meanwhile, Jackline Cherono, a former 3000m steeplechase specialist, has quickly adapted to the marathon, winning in Rotterdam 2025 with 2:21:14.

Japan’s Home Hopes

The Japanese team, running in front of home crowds, will be eager to shine. Sayako Sato leads the charge after finishing second at the Nagoya Marathon 2025 in 2:20:59. She will be joined by Kana Kobayashi, the Osaka Marathon champion, and Yuka Ando, winner in Nagoya 2024. With Japan’s reputation for disciplined pacing and tactical racing, they could be dark horses for a podium finish.

Other Global Contenders

Lonah Salpeter (Israel): Bronze medallist at Eugene 2022 and fourth in Budapest 2023, Salpeter remains a consistent force, with a PB of 2:20:45 set in Tokyo 2020.
Stella Chesang (Uganda): Improved to 2:18:26 in Valencia, then placed seventh at the Paris Olympics and sixth at London 2025.
Barhein’s Shitaye Eshete and Eunice Chumba: Chumba enters with a PB of 2:20:42 in Hamburg 2025 and top-10 Olympic experience.
China’s Zhang Deshun: The rising star set a PB of 2:20:53 at the Tokyo Marathon 2025 and is expected to lead a motivated Chinese squad.

The Race Ahead

The Tokyo marathon course is known for its tactical unpredictability, blending flat, fast sections with late-race challenges that test both physical and mental endurance. With so many champions in the lineup, the race could come down to pacing strategies and finishing kicks over the final kilometers.

Ethiopia and Kenya, as always, dominate the headlines, but Japan’s home runners and Europe’s breakthrough athletes add intrigue. One thing is certain: the Tokyo 2025 women’s marathon will be a race for the ages, with world records, national pride, and global titles all on the line.

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About the writer: Denise N. Fyffe is a publisher and author for more than 15 years. She has written more than 70 books and enjoys mentoring, gardening and traveling. She is also a trainer and educator, helping others to achieve their dreams.