【Report】Elite Athletes

It was cloudy with temperatures at 19.1 degrees Celsius, and 59.8% humidity at the start of the Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon 2025. The race began under conditions that were slightly warmer and more humid than expected.

In the elite men’s division, Selemon Barega (Ethiopia), secured his first win with a time of 1:01:22. The gold medalist in the 10000m at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games shared his joy. “It was a very good race. Many spectators were calling out my name and cheering me on ‘go for it, go for it’. So I’m very happy to have been able to win.” Richard Etir (Tokyo International University) picked up the pace in the straight portion of the track toward the very end of the race, chasing Barega and placing second with the same time of 1:01:22. Bernard Kimeli (Fujitsu) placed third at 1:01:34.

The pace was slow at the beginning, with the leading pack passing the first 5km mark at 14:52. The leading group was relatively large, with a pace of 14:24 from the 5km to 10km mark, and 14:35 from the 10km to 15km mark. Victor Kipchirchir (Kenya) and Etir moved out front to stimulate the pack, but the pace did not pick up. There were 8 runners in the top group past the 15km mark, and by the time they approached the uphill section around the 19km mark, only 4 remained. Barega picked up the pace at the 20km mark, pulling out from the pack and entered the Japan National Stadium with ease. Etir suddenly caught up on the track. It was a very tight race at the end, with Barega securing the win.

Barega shared his fulfillment, having won again in the city which holds fond memories. “Winning at the Olympics is a major target as an athlete. I remember that moment every time I hear the word Tokyo. I am very fond of Tokyo.”

Suguru Osako (LI-NING), who represented Japan in two consecutive Olympics in the marathon, was the top Japanese finisher with a time of 1:01:45 and finished in sixth place. He kept up with the top group until just before the 19km mark, and shared that he established a rhythm from the start. “The slow pace in the first half was ideal considering the climate and wind conditions.” He reflected on the race with an expression of acceptance. “I was able to run well despite not preparing much.” Yamato Yoshii (Toyota Motor) fell behind the leaders around the 18km mark, and placed ninth with a time of 1:02:26.

In the elite women’s field, Rebecca Mwangi (Kenya) won with a time of 1:08:46. Having been a part of a Japanese corporate team, she shared her appreciation in Japanese. “I ran a half marathon for the first time. Thank you for the encouragement from the side of the course.” Janet Nyiva (Panasonic) placed second with a time of 1:09:09, while Meskerem Mamo (Ethiopia) placed third at 1:10:58.

Mwangi, Nyiva and Mamo ran head to head from the start, with a pace of 16:23 in the first 5km. Mwangi slowly increased her lead after picking up the pace at the 10km mark, eventually running solo in the lead. She ran at a steady pace to the end, not allowing the others to catch up, and finished with a smile. She vowed further growth. “I was able to run at a good time. It made me very happy. I hope to be able to run with a better time next year.”

The top Japanese finisher was Kaede Kawamura (Iwatani Corporation) who placed fourth with a time of 1:11:42. Kaede Hagitani (Saku City Athletics Association), who made her comeback in the 5000m at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, placed fifth with a time of 1:11:59.

Race Director Yasuhiro Oshima reflected on the men’s race. “Etir chased Barega to the very end, and it was quite an exciting race to watch after they entered the track.” On the other hand, new records were not set due to the tough weather conditions. He spoke about future plans. “While there are pros and cons to having a pacemaker for this event, we need to consider having one in a race with these kinds of conditions, so that a fast pace can be set.” He assessed the women’s race. “The times were not bad considering the conditions. They gave their best.”