Kenya’s Sheila Chepkirui displayed dominance in the Nagoya Women’s Marathon on March 9, 2025, breaking away at the 36-kilometer mark to claim victory with a time of 2 hours, 20 minutes, and 40 seconds.

Japan’s Sayaka Sato put on an impressive performance, finishing second in 2:20:59, just 19 seconds behind Chepkirui. Her time was the fastest among Japanese runners in the nation’s selection races, making her a near-certainty for her second straight World Championships appearance in September.

“I’ve always wanted to have a race that satisfies me, and I’m so happy I managed to keep my pace late in the race,” Sato said. “Setting a new personal best gives me confidence.”

Bahrain’s Eunice Chebichii Chumba, the 2023 Asian Games marathon champion, secured third place with a time of 2:21:35.

Chepkirui, who pulled ahead alongside Chumba after 33 kilometers, credited her success to training and a strong mindset:

“I feel so great. I want to thank God for good health and the energy to finish first. My strength comes from training and a positive mind.”

The marathon, which started and finished at Vantelin Dome Nagoya, was the final selection race for Japan’s women’s marathon team for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo. Yuka Ando has already secured her spot by topping the Japan Marathon Championship rankings, while up to three Japanese women will be selected for the event.

In the top five, Japan’s Rika Kaseda finished fifth, between compatriots Mao Uesugi and Australia’s Isobel Batt-Doyle.

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