Yuya Yoshida wins Fukuoka marathon in Japan's 3rd fastest time

Yuya Yoshida took a fast first step toward qualifying for next year's world athletics championships by winning the Fukuoka International Marathon in 2 hours, 5 minutes, 16 seconds, Japan's third-fastest time.

The 27-year-old beat the standard qualifying time of 2:06:30 for the 2025 worlds in Tokyo. Yoshida stayed with the leading group until seizing the sole lead at the 32-kilometer mark.

"I ran this race in the belief that I have the strength to break the Japan record, and I ran knowing I had a little extra left if I needed it," Yoshida said.

"Although I didn't reach the national record, I believe this represents growth beyond just my time. Going forward, I want to get stronger still, so I can compete on the world stage."

Yusuke Nishiyama, who represented Japan at the 2022 worlds, was second in the race that started and finished at Fukuoka's Heiwadai athletics stadium.

posted Monday December 2nd
by Kyodo News