Edesa Clinches Consecutive Title at Osaka Women's Marathon

Ethiopian runner Workenesh Edesa showcased her exceptional endurance and skill by winning the Osaka Women's Marathon for the second consecutive year, finishing the race at Yanmar Stadium Nagai on January 26, 2025. Her impressive time of 2 hours and 21 minutes placed her 19 seconds ahead of the surprising runner-up, Japan's Kana Kobayashi.

Throughout the marathon, Edesa maintained a commanding lead, particularly during the final 15 kilometers, where she ran unchallenged. After her victory, the 32-year-old athlete expressed her satisfaction with repeating her triumph in this prestigious event and indicated her aspiration to achieve an even faster time in future races.

Finishing third was Yuka Suzuki, who clocked in at 2:21:33. Suzuki, a notable competitor who ranked sixth at the previous summer's Paris Olympics, demonstrated remarkable performance as she also secured a spot for the upcoming world athletics championships in Tokyo this September, having met the qualifying standard time of 2:23:30.

Israel's Lonah Chemtai Salpeter claimed fourth place with a time of 2:24:03, while three-time champion Mizuki Matsuda finished seventh in 2:27:11.

Last year's marathon saw Honami Maeda setting a new national record with a time of 2:18:59, finishing second to Edesa. This year's event not only highlighted Edesa's dominance but also served as a crucial selection event for Japanese runners aiming to compete on the world stage.

As the marathon drew to a close, the atmosphere at Yanmar Stadium Nagai was filled with excitement, reflecting the significance of this event in the global athletics calendar. The performance of the athletes not only showcased their individual talents but also underscored the growing prominence of long-distance running in Japan.