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Nagoya, Japan – Kenya’s Sheila Chepkirui, the reigning champion of the Nagoya Women’s Marathon, is set to return to the streets of Japan on March 8th to defend her title in what is billed as the world’s largest women-only marathon, a World Athletics Platinum Road Race. The event promises a compelling showdown of elite marathoners, with Chepkirui aiming to solidify her position as a dominant force in long-distance running.
Chepkirui first announced her arrival in Nagoya last year with a commanding victory, completing the 26.2-mile course in 2:20:40. She outpaced Japan’s Sayaka Sato, who finished in 2:20:59 and Bahrain’s Eunice Chumba, who secured third place with a time of 2:21:35, according to World Athletics. This win cemented her reputation as one of Kenya’s most formidable marathon runners.
The 35-year-old’s 2025 season has been a testament to her versatility and resilience. Following her Nagoya triumph, Chepkirui competed at the Kenya Defence Forces Championships, finishing seventh in the 5,000m with a time of 15:57.5, behind Joyciline Jepkosgei, Daisilah Jerono, and Esther Chemtai. She quickly rebounded, claiming victory in the 10,000m in 33:34.14, narrowly defeating Jepkosgei and Cintia Chepng’eno, demonstrating her adaptability across distances.
On the road, Chepkirui showcased her speed and endurance with a seventh-place finish at the Boston 10K (32:17), trailing compatriots Sharon Lokedi and Gladys Kwamboka. She then regained top form at the Great North Run in Britain, securing a half marathon victory in 1:09:32, finishing ahead of Vivian Cheruiyot and Eilish McColgan. She concluded 2025 with a strong third-place finish at the New York City Marathon, where Kenyan women achieved a historic podium sweep, with Hellen Obiri (2:19:51) and Sharon Lokedi (2:20:07) taking the top two spots, as reported by Athletics Illustrated.
A Challenging Field Awaits in Nagoya
Nagoya 2026 is expected to present a formidable challenge, with a competitive field assembled to test Chepkirui’s mettle. She will face Ethiopia’s Aynalem Desta, fresh off her victory at the Amsterdam Marathon, and Bahrain’s Eunice Chumba, who finished third in last year’s Nagoya race. Kenya’s contingent is further bolstered by Selly Kaptich, the 2022 Frankfurt Marathon champion, adding depth and strength to the Kenyan challenge.
For Chepkirui, the Nagoya Women’s Marathon is more than just a race; it’s a platform where her tactical acumen and powerful finishing kick have earned her international recognition. Her ability to assess race dynamics and unleash a decisive surge in the final stages has become a hallmark of her racing style. With a blend of experience, endurance, and proven speed, she aims not only to defend her title but also to continue Kenya’s strong tradition of success in Japanese women-only marathons.
The 2025 Nagoya Women’s Marathon saw Sayaka Sato of Japan achieve a personal best of 2:20:59, a performance that significantly boosted her chances of securing a spot on Japan’s team for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September, according to Watch Athletics. This highlights the importance of the Nagoya race as a qualifying event for major international competitions.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Tokyo and Beyond
As the March 8th race approaches, all eyes will be on whether Chepkirui can replicate the form that propelled her to victory in 2024. Navigating a loaded field and maintaining her championship form will be crucial. Nagoya represents an opportunity for Chepkirui to not only defend her title but also to fine-tune her preparations for potential appearances at other major marathons later in the year. The outcome of the race will undoubtedly shape the competitive landscape of women’s marathon running and provide valuable insights into the athletes’ preparations for the World Athletics Championships.
The Nagoya Women’s Marathon continues to be a significant event on the international running calendar, attracting top talent and showcasing the dedication and athleticism of women marathoners from around the globe. The race’s legacy as a proving ground for elite runners ensures its continued importance in the world of long-distance running.
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