Kenyan long-distance runner Sheila Chepkirui secured her second consecutive marathon victory after winning the 2025 Nagoya Women’s Marathon held earlier today in Japan. The 34-year-old, who triumphed at the 2024 New York City Marathon, continued her dominance by clocking an impressive time of 2 hours, 20 minutes, and 40 seconds.
Chepkirui outpaced Japan’s Sayaka Sato, who crossed the finish line 19 seconds later with a time of 2:20:59, while Bahrain’s Eunice Chumba, originally from Kenya, completed the podium in third place, finishing in 2:21:35. Despite the strong competition, Chepkirui displayed resilience and endurance to clinch the prestigious title.
Although she fell short of Ruth Chepngetich’s 2022 course record of 2:17:18, Chepkirui’s victory was significant, cementing her status as one of the top marathon runners in the world. Her impressive performance saw her claim a lucrative prize of Ksh 32.5 million, highlighting the financial rewards associated with top-tier marathon races.
Chepkirui’s success was aided by expert pacing from former world champion Janeth Jepkosgei, who played a crucial role in helping her maintain a strong rhythm throughout the race. The well-strategized race plan allowed her to break away in the final kilometers and hold off Sato’s challenge.
The win adds to Chepkirui’s growing list of achievements, further establishing her as a dominant force in women’s marathon running. Her recent victories indicate that she is in peak form as she eyes more success on the global stage.
Her performance in Nagoya also adds to Kenya’s rich legacy in long-distance running. As a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officer, Chepkirui has continued to uphold the country’s strong reputation in athletics, serving as an inspiration to aspiring runners.
Looking ahead, Chepkirui’s next focus will likely be on major upcoming events, including potential participation in the 2025 World Championships or the 2026 Olympic preparations. With her current form and determination, she remains one of Kenya’s top contenders in global marathon races.
