Nagoya, Japan – The Nagoya Women’s Marathon, recognized as the world’s largest women-only marathon and a World Athletics Platinum Label road race, has announced its elite athlete roster for the 15th edition, scheduled for Sunday, March 8, 2026. A field of ten runners boasting personal bests under 2:22:00 will compete, promising a high-caliber and fast-paced race. The competition will see defending champion Sheila Chepkirui of Kenya return, alongside rising Ethiopian talent Aynalem Desta, and a strong contingent of Japanese runners vying for Olympic qualification.
Sheila Chepkirui, with a personal best of 2:17:29 set at the 2022 Valencia Marathon, aims to defend her title after a successful 2024 season that included winning the New York City Marathon. She will face a challenge from 22-year-old Aynalem Desta, who recorded a personal best of 2:17:37 at the 2025 Amsterdam Marathon, establishing herself as a formidable contender on the international stage. The race is particularly significant for Japanese athletes, as it serves as a key qualification event for the Marathon Grand Championship, the selection race for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
The depth of the field extends beyond the frontrunners. Experienced marathoner Eunice Chebichii Chumba of Bahrain (2:20:02) and Selly Chepyego Kaptich of Kenya (2:20:03) are similarly set to compete, bringing a wealth of experience to the race. Athletes from Spain, Morocco, Australia, Mexico, and New Zealand will also participate, adding to the international flavor of the event.
Japanese Runners Aim for Olympic Berth
Japan’s domestic field is exceptionally strong, led by Honami Maeda, the current Japanese record holder (2:18:59), who set the national record in 2024. She will be joined by Sayaka Sato (2:20:59), the top Japanese finisher in the 2025 race, Yuka Ando (2:21:18), the 2024 Nagoya champion, Tokyo Olympian Ayuko Suzuki (2:21:33), and Rika Kaseda (2:21:55), a 2023 World Championships representative. This group of accomplished athletes will be under pressure to perform, with Olympic selection on the line.
Adding further intrigue, Japanese track stars Rino Goshima, a Paris Olympic 10,000m representative, and Wakana Kabasawa, a marathon debutante and Paris Olympic 5,000m representative, will make their marathon debuts. Nozomi Tanaka, a prominent middle-distance runner, will serve as a pacemaker, aiming to set a fast pace for the leading group.
A Race for the Record Books
The Nagoya Women’s Marathon attracts approximately 20,000 participants, solidifying its position as the world’s largest women’s marathon. Each finisher will receive a commemorative crystal tumbler crafted by Baccarat, a French luxury brand. The design for this year’s tumbler will be unveiled on the Marathon EXPO stage the day before the race.
The elite athlete press conference is scheduled for Friday, March 7, and a flash report will be issued on race day, Sunday, March 9.
Here is a list of the Special Invited Elite Athletes:
| Name | Nationality | Personal Best |
|---|---|---|
| CHEPKIRUI, Sheila | Kenya | 2:17:29 |
| DESTA, Aynalem | Ethiopia | 2:17:37 |
| MAEDA, Honami | Japan | 2:18:59 |
| CHUMBA, Eunice Chebichii | Bahrain | 2:20:02 |
| KAPTICH, Selly Chepyego | Kenya | 2:20:03 |
| SATO, Sayaka | Japan | 2:20:59 |
| MAAYOUF, Majida | Spain | 2:21:01 |
| ANDO, Yuka | Japan | 2:21:18 |
| SUZUKI, Ayuko | Japan | 2:21:33 |
| KASEDA, Rika | Japan | 2:21:55 |
| GOSHIMA, Rino | Japan | 30:53.31 (10k) |
| KABASAWA, Wakana | Japan | 31:03.14 (10k) |
| BENHENIA, Hayat | Morocco | 2:24:48 |
| ATANANE, Soukaina | Morocco | 2:24:57 |
| GREGSON, Genevieve | Australia | 2:23:08 |
| KAMULU, Pauline Kaveke | Kenya | 2:31:04 |
| VALDEPEÑAS CERNA, Argentina | Mexico | 2:35:16 |
| CAMP, Katherine | New Zealand | 1:14:40 (Half Marathon) |
With a strong international field and the added incentive of Olympic qualification for Japanese athletes, the 2026 Nagoya Women’s Marathon is poised to be a compelling event. The race will not only showcase elite athleticism but also highlight the growing prominence of women’s marathon running globally. The focus will now shift to final preparations and race-day strategy as these athletes prepare to compete on March 8th.
Share your thoughts on the upcoming race and who you predict will take the title in the comments below!
