Ethiopians dominate in Tokyo

Ethiopia celebrated double joy in Tokyo as Sutume Asefa Kebede and Tadese Takele took the women’s and men’s 2025 titles.

In the opening race of AbbottWMM Series XVII, Takele won the arm wrestle in the final 10km to shake off his countryman Derese Geleta to claim his first win in a Major after a third place in Berlin in 2023.

Kebede did not have anyone for company other than her male pacemakers for much of the race, and eventually found herself in a race against the clock to retain the title she won last year.

The rising temperatures in the Japanese capital took their toll on her efforts to lower her 2:15:55 mark set last year, and she ultimately came home in 2:16:31.

Takele was also unable to come close to Benson Kipruto’s course record of 2:02:16 but did slice a second from his own previous best to win in 2:03:23 to move into the No.1 spot this year so far.

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Both athletes will hope to be back in Tokyo later this year for the World Championships marathon after these strong performances.

Geleta was second behind Takele in 2:03:51 with Kenya’s Vincent Kipkemoi Ngetich third in 2:04.

Kebede was followed home by Winfridah Moraa Moseti in 2:16:56 with Hawi Feysa third in 2:17.