Tokyo Marathon 2025 – Who Will Win the Men’s Race?

The Tokyo Marathon 2025 will officially kick off this year’s World Marathon Majors (WMM) series, setting the stage for an epic battle among some of the fastest marathoners in history. With an elite field of 29 runners boasting personal bests under 2:08, the competition promises to be fierce. The big question remains: Who will take home the men’s title?

Benson Kipruto: The Defending Champion

All eyes are on Benson Kipruto, the reigning Tokyo Marathon champion and course record holder. Kipruto dominated the 2024 edition with a sensational time of 2:02:16, securing both his victory and a spot on Kenya’s Olympic team. He later proved his consistency by winning bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympics. With his calm racing style, tactical intelligence, and experience in high-pressure races, Kipruto remains the pre-race favorite.

Vincent Ngetich: The Kenyan Challenger

Kipruto won’t have an easy title defense, as he faces stiff competition from his Kenyan compatriot Vincent Ngetich. Ngetich, a training partner of the late Kelvin Kiptum, is coming off an impressive run of performances. He finished second at the 2023 Berlin Marathon behind Kiptum and secured third place in Tokyo last year. If Ngetich has refined his endurance and race-day strategy, he could pose a serious challenge to Kipruto’s reign.

Derese Geleta: Ethiopia’s Rising Star

Another major contender is Derese Geleta, Ethiopia’s rising marathon sensation. Geleta finished fourth at the Paris 2024 Olympics and delivered a stunning 2:02:38 personal best at the 2024 Valencia Marathon. He is known for his aggressive racing tactics and powerful finishing kick, making him a serious threat. Geleta views Tokyo 2025 as his opportunity to establish himself among the world’s top marathoners, and he will likely push the pace early to test his competitors.

Other Key Contenders

The field also features several experienced marathoners with sub-2:05 credentials, all of whom have the potential to challenge for victory:

Birhanu Legese (Ethiopia) – Two-time Tokyo Marathon champion and former course record holder.
Tadese Takele (Ethiopia) – Third-place finisher at the 2023 Berlin Marathon with a 2:03:24 PB.
Leul Gebresilase (Ethiopia) – 2023 World Championship bronze medalist and a consistent top-five finisher in major races.

The Wildcard: Joshua Cheptegei’s Marathon Redemption?

Perhaps the most intriguing storyline is the return of Joshua Cheptegei, the 5,000m and 10,000m world record holder and reigning Olympic 10,000m champion. Cheptegei made his marathon debut at the 2023 Valencia Marathon, but it was a disaster—he struggled to a 2:08:59 finish (37th place) and required medical attention post-race.

This time, however, Cheptegei is better prepared. He recently claimed victory at the 2024 Delhi Half Marathon in 59:46, demonstrating his endurance and heat resistance. Most importantly, he has adjusted his race strategy, vowing to stay with the lead pack longer instead of pushing an unsustainable early pace. If his training adaptations pay off, Cheptegei could be a serious dark horse contender in Tokyo.

A Battle for Glory

With a field stacked with seasoned marathoners, rising stars, and a track legend making his comeback, the Tokyo Marathon 2025 promises to be an unpredictable, high-stakes showdown. Will Benson Kipruto successfully defend his title and cement his legacy? Will a new Ethiopian champion emerge? Or will Joshua Cheptegei defy the odds and complete a stunning marathon redemption?

All will be revealed on March 2, 2025, when the runners take to the streets of Tokyo for what promises to be an electrifying start to the marathon season.

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