Paula Radcliffe Returns to Competitive Marathon Running in Tokyo

Image credits: Flora London Marathon

Paula Radcliffe, the former world record holder in the women's marathon, made a remarkable return to competitive marathon running at the Tokyo Marathon, finishing in a time of 2 hours, 57 minutes, and 26 seconds. This was her first competitive marathon in a decade, following her retirement from professional athletics after the 2015 London Marathon. Radcliffe, now 51, had held the world record for 16 years with a time of 2:15:25, set in 2003, before it was broken by Kenya's Brigid Kosgei in 2019.

The Tokyo Marathon saw Ethiopia's Sutume Asefa Kebede defend her title in 2:16:31, with Kenya's Winfridah Moraa Moseti and Ethiopia's Hawi Feysa finishing second and third, respectively. The men's race was won by Ethiopia's Tadese Takele in 2:03:23, his first major marathon title, followed by Ethiopia's Deresa Geleta and Kenya's Vincent Kipkemoi Ngetich. Radcliffe's participation in the Tokyo Marathon is part of her goal to complete all six major marathons, which include Berlin, Chicago, New York, London, Boston, and Tokyo. She will next participate in the Boston Marathon, a city that holds special significance for her, having won the world junior cross-country title there in 1992.

Radcliffe has stated that her primary goal is not to achieve a specific time but to enjoy the experience and complete the marathon without exacerbating a long-term foot injury. She has emphasized the importance of camaraderie and the joy of participating in the event, rather than focusing on her competitive instincts. The marathon community has welcomed Radcliffe's return, with many praising her dedication and perseverance. As she prepares for the Boston Marathon, Radcliffe will be looking to complete her sixth major marathon, a feat that will earn her the prestigious Six Star Finisher accolade.

The Six Star Finisher program recognizes runners who complete all six major marathons, and Radcliffe is determined to achieve this goal. Her participation in the Tokyo and Boston Marathons marks a significant milestone in her running career, and she will be looking to complete the remaining marathons in the coming years. The athletics world will be watching Radcliffe's progress with interest, as she continues to inspire and motivate runners around the world. With her remarkable comeback and determination to complete all six major marathons, Radcliffe is proving that age is no barrier to achieving greatness in distance running.

Here are the results of the Tokyo Marathon:

• Women's race:
  1. Sutume Asefa Kebede (Ethiopia) - 2:16:31
  2. Winfridah Moraa Moseti (Kenya) - 2:16:56
  3. Hawi Feysa (Ethiopia) - 2:17:00
• Men's race:
  1. Tadese Takele (Ethiopia) - 2:03:23
  2. Deresa Geleta (Ethiopia) - 2:03:51
  3. Vincent Kipkemoi Ngetich (Kenya) - 2:04:00

Radcliffe's finish time of 2:57:26 is a testament to her enduring spirit and dedication to the sport, and she will be looking to build on this performance in the Boston Marathon and beyond.

marathon radcliffe paula tokyo runn competitive six holder distance finisher