Takele and Kebede Set to Defend Tokyo Marathon Titles

Bassyonni

Published: February 28, 2026 3:36 AM ET

Takele and Kebede Set to Defend Tokyo Marathon Titles

Defending champions Tadese Takele and Sutume Asefa Kebede are set to compete in the Tokyo Marathon on Sunday. Both athletes aim to make history by becoming only the third man and woman to win the race multiple times.

Tadese Takele: Aims for Redemption

Tadese Takele, the reigning champion, is looking to improve on his last performance at the World Championships. His marathon debut was impressive, clocking 2:03:24 in Berlin in 2023, followed by a victory in Tokyo last year with a time of 2:03:23. However, he recorded a DNF (did not finish) at the World Championships held in Tokyo in 2025.

Men’s Field Competitors

The men’s marathon field is exceptionally deep this year, showcasing several notable contenders:

Timothy Kiplagat (KEN): Fastest entry with a personal best (PB) of 2:02:55.
Alexander Mutiso Munyao (KEN): Winner of the 2024 London Marathon with a PB of 2:03:11.
Milkesa Mengesha (ETH): Berlin Marathon winner with a PB of 2:03:17.
Vincent Kipkemoi Ngetich (KEN): Dual podium finisher in Tokyo with a PB of 2:03:13.

Sutume Asefa Kebede: Seeking Three-peat

Sutume Asefa Kebede has dominated the Tokyo Marathon recently. She holds the course record of 2:15:55 set in 2024 and followed it up with a time of 2:16:31 in 2025. Ranked fifth globally, she is eager to return to winning form after a disappointing 27th place at the World Championships.

Women’s Field Competitors

The women’s marathon field is fierce, featuring the champions from the past four years:

Brigid Kosgei (KEN): Former world record holder with a PB of 2:14:04.
Hawi Feysa (ETH): Fourth-ranked, boasting a PB of 2:14:57.
Rosemary Wanjiru (KEN): Last year’s champion with a PB of 2:16:14.
Megertu Alemu (ETH): Known for a PB of 2:16:34, she is a consistent podium finisher.

Notable Rising Athletes

Among the entrants, several emerging talents are expected to make their mark:

Bertukan Welde (ETH): Impressive recent performances, with a marathon PB of 2:17:56.
Mestawut Fikir (ETH): Strong contender with a PB of 2:18:48.

Japanese Hopes

Japan will also be represented by national record-holder Suguru Osako and former record-holder Kengo Suzuki, both aiming for strong finishes.

With a rich history and a competitive field, the Tokyo Marathon promises to be an exhilarating event. The performances of Kebede and Takele will be closely watched as they aim to defend their titles against formidable contenders.