Ugandan distance running sensation Joshua Cheptegei is set to make his second marathon appearance at the 2025 Tokyo Marathon on March 2. After a challenging debut in Valencia in 2023, where he finished 37th with a time of 2:08:59, Cheptegei has shifted his focus entirely to marathon racing following his retirement from track events post the 2024 Paris Olympics.
In preparation for Tokyo, Cheptegei has been training intensively, aiming to improve upon his previous marathon performance. He expressed his determination, stating, “I’ve stood on podiums and set world records, but true greatness is about how you rise after you fall. Tokyo, I am ready to rise again.”
The Tokyo Marathon boasts a highly competitive field this year. Defending champion Benson Kipruto of Kenya, who set a course record of 2:02:16 in 2024 and secured a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, is among the frontrunners. Ethiopia’s Deresa Geleta, with a personal best of 2:02:38, and two-time Tokyo Marathon winner Birhanu Legese are also strong contenders.
Cheptegei’s compatriot, Stephen Kissa, the Ugandan marathon record-holder with a time of 2:04:48, will also be competing, adding to the anticipation surrounding the event.
The Tokyo Marathon is renowned for its flat and fast course, starting at the Tokyo Metropolitan Building and concluding at Tokyo Station. Here’s a table clearly showing the time of the race in selected locations.
| Location | Start Time |
| Chicago, United States | 6:10 p.m. (Saturday) |
| Boston, United States | 7:10 p.m. (Saturday) |
| New York, United States | 7:10 p.m. (Saturday) |
| London, United Kingdom | 12:10 a.m. |
| Berlin, Germany | 1:10 a.m. |
| Kaptagat, Kenya | 3:10 a.m. |
| Kapchorwa, Uganda | 3:10 a.m. |
| Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | 3:10 a.m. |
| Sydney, Australia | 11:10 a.m. |
As Cheptegei transitions from track to road racing, all eyes will be on Tokyo to see if he can translate his track dominance into marathon success.
