From the opening miles to the dramatic finish, 2026 Tokyo Marathon, has once again established itself as a landmark edition in marathon history, set by an unprecedented wave of not only world-leading times, but also national records. Elite runners from all over the world converged on Tokyo, racing through the city’s fast-paced streets and rewriting their countries’ record books in the process.
This year’s race saw two world-leading times and set several national records, most notably the most famous Brigid Kosgey’s Japanese all-time record of 2:14:29 and the seventh-fastest marathon time in history. Behind him, several athletes achieved record performances for their countries.
Also stood out in the men’s race as Tadese Takele ran 2:03:37 to win, setting another world leading time. The men’s events also contributed to a historic day of sprinting, pushing several athletes to new personal and national bests.
In an impressive display of fitness and experience, Kosgei came out on top as the leading women covered 10km in 32:14, a course record pace previously held by Sutume Asefa Kebede in 2:15:55, set in 2024. In a group of six, they crossed the half marathon mark in 37:07.
Kebede was there to experience the hard pace that could have broken his own record as he raced with Kosgei until 30km where they crossed in 1:35:53. The hard pace Kosgei set and maintained for the rest of the race would cost him as he was eventually overtaken by his compatriots, leaving him in fourth place. Bertukan Welde, 21, secured second place in 2:16:36, while Havi Feisa edged Kebede into third, both in 2:17:39.
The Tokyo Marathon men’s race was a showcase of national record-breaking performances. Italian Ilias Awani, fresh from the bronze medal of the world championship, Sbroke the long-standing Italian marathon record with a time of 2:04:26, ranking sixth in the world-class field. China’s Feng Peiyu also rose to the occasion. setting a new Chinese national record of 2:05:58.
These milestones, achieved in one of the fastest marathon fields ever assembled, highlighted: The Tokyo Marathon’s reputation as a race where global talent rises to meet the formidable conditions— and history is being rewritten.
While Japan’s Ryuichi Hashimoto led the early stages of the race, it was the depth and pace of the field that allowed several athletes to achieve record runs. As the lead pack gradually thinned out, the relentless pace helped push competitors to their limits, resulting in both personal and national bests.
In fierce competition, Daniel Matejko, Alexander Munyao, Jeffrey Toroitichand Takele battled through the final kilometers. Takele’s winning stroke secured victory in 2:03:37 as he edged out Toroichi, with Munyao and Mateiko closely following. Muktar Edris set a fifth personal best with a time of 2:04:07. adding to the impressive performances of the day.
The Tokyo Marathon once again proved to be the stage where athletes from all over the world can chase and achieve national records, underscoring its status as one of the premier races on the world calendar.
