Download our Free 8-Week Plan here →
News

Tokyo Marathon 2026: Olympic Champions, Defending Winners Set for First World Major of the Year

May 19, 2026
0 Comments

Tokyo Marathon 2026 kicks off the World Marathon Majors on March 1, with Tadese Takele defending his title against Barega, Mutiso and a loaded field, while Kebede, Kosgei and Hawi Feysa headline the women’s race.

​The 2026 Tokyo Marathon will open the World Marathon Major calendar on 1st march, bringing together Olympic champions, defending winners, and a deep international field chasing one of the sport’s most prestigious titles.

​In the men’s race, defending champion Tadese Takele (ETH) returns after his breakthrough victory last year.

Tadese Takele (Credit: Getty Images)

​He is joined by 2024 runner up Alexander Mutiso (KEN), who clocked 2:03:11, and a stacked Kenyan and Ethiopian contingent including Timothy Kiplangat, Vincent Kipkemoi Ngetich, Milkesa Mengesha, and Daniel Mateiko.

​Olympic 10,000m gold medalist Selemon Barega (ETH) adds further weight to the field, stepping onto the marathon stage once again.

Selemon Barega (Credit: Getty Images)

​Japan’s hopes rest on proven names such as Suguru Osako and Kengo Suzuki, both capable of challenging on home soil.

​The women’s race is equally competitive.

​Chicago Marathon champion Hawi Feysa (ETH) headlines the field alongside former world record holder Brigid Kosgei (KEN).

Two time Tokyo winner Sutume Asefa Kebede (ETH) is chasing a third consecutive victory. American Sara Hall, Rosemary Wanjiru, and a strong Japanese lineup including Ai Hosoda round out a deep start list.

Sutume Asefa Kebede (Credit: Getty Images)

​With $147,500 in prize money available in each race and $80,000 awarded to the winners, Tokyo once again attracts the sport’s elite.

Join The Conversation

You Might Also Like

World's Most Iconic Running Track: Why Hayward Field Holds the Crown

Some venues simply host races. Hayward Field makes them.

He Did What Scientists Said Was Impossible: Sebastian Sawe Runs the First Official Sub-2-Hour Marathon

Kenyan runner Sebastian Sawe did what generations of athletes, scientists, and coaches believed was virtually impossible: he crossed the finish line of the London Marathon in 1 hour, 59 minutes and 30 seconds.

12 Things No One Tells You About Running

New to running (or returning) and surprised it feels awful at first? These 12 rarely mentioned lessons cover the real stuff gear costs, hunger, bad runs, weather, feet issues, and why you might still end up hooked.

Harry Styles Breaks Three Hours at Berlin Marathon, Finishes Among Top 5% of 48,000 Runners

Harry Styles stunned marathon fans in Berlin 2025, running 2:59:13 under an alias and finishing 2,245th out of 48,000+

Kenya’s Kennedy Kimutai Wins 2026 Paris Half Marathon as 50,000 Runners Fill the Streets

Paris welcomed 50,000 runners for the 2026 Paris Half Marathon, with Kennedy Kimutai and Ftaw Zeray taking the wins as crowds cheered along the Seine and through the Bois de Vincennes.

LA Marathon Allows Runners to Finish at 18 Miles Due to Heat Forecast

Los Angeles Marathon organizers are adding a heat-safety option: if race-day temperatures climb too high, runners may stop just after mile 18 and still receive a finisher medal. With forecasts rising from 12–13°C at the 7 a.m. start to 25–27°C by midday, the McCourt Foundation says the goal is preventing dangerous heat illness.