Running News Daily

Toshikazu Yamanishi Shatters 20km Race Walk World Record in Kobe

On February 16, 2025, Japan’s Toshikazu Yamanishi delivered a historic performance at the Japanese 20km Race Walking Championships in Kobe, setting a new men’s world record in the 20km race walk with a time of 1:16:10. This incredible feat shattered the previous record of 1:16:36, which had been held by fellow Japanese race walker Yusuke Suzuki since 2015.

Held on Kobe’s Rokko Island, the event is part of the World Athletics Race Walking Tour Bronze series and drew top competitors from around the country. Yamanishi, a two-time world champion, dominated the race from the outset. By the 13th kilometer, he had surged ahead of the field, maintaining a relentless pace that ultimately saw him cut 26 seconds off the world record.

A career-defining achievement

Yamanishi’s record-breaking time also marks a significant improvement on his own personal best of 1:17:15, set in 2019. This latest milestone further cements his status as one of the greatest race walkers of his generation.

His performance in Kobe was a masterclass in pace control and endurance. Over the grueling 20km course, Yamanishi averaged an astonishing pace of 3 minutes and 48 seconds per kilometer. Translated into miles, that equates to an impressive 6 minutes and 7 seconds per mile—a testament to his efficiency and conditioning.

Already a double World Athletics Championships gold medalist (2019 and 2022), Yamanishi has been a dominant force in race walking for years. With this new world record, he continues to push the boundaries of the sport, bringing international attention to Japan’s thriving race walking community.

Perfect conditions for a historic race

The race-day conditions in Kobe were nearly ideal, with a mild 23°C (73°F) temperature and clear skies—factors that contributed to Yamanishi’s blistering pace. The atmosphere was electric, with thousands of spectators lining the course, cheering him on as he powered toward history.

His ability to execute a flawless race strategy, maintaining a strong cadence and controlled form, showcases not only his physical endurance but also his tactical intelligence. His disciplined approach allowed him to sustain his pace without faltering—a hallmark of an elite athlete at the peak of his game.

Japan’s legacy in race walking continues

Yamanishi’s world record underscores Japan’s continued dominance in the race walking discipline. With deep-rooted traditions in endurance sports and a strong competitive circuit, Japan has consistently produced some of the world’s finest race walkers.

His latest achievement also raises expectations for the upcoming international competitions, where he will likely be a top contender for further gold medals. As Yamanishi continues his remarkable career, race walking enthusiasts around the world eagerly await what he will accomplish next.

With this record-breaking performance in Kobe, Toshikazu Yamanishi has not only rewritten history but also reaffirmed his place as one of the greatest race walkers of all time.