Running News Daily

Former Boston Marathon champion Yuki Kawauchi showed encouraging progress in his comeback at the Osaka Marathon on February 22, 2026.

Kawauchi clocked 2:14:30, marking his first sub-2:15 performance in two years as he continues returning from injury.

The Japanese fan favorite shared afterward that the result represents an important step forward.

“I’m finally on the road to recovery now,” he wrote.

Known worldwide as the “Citizen Runner,” Kawauchi built his reputation on racing frequently and fearlessly. His career reached global attention in 2018, when he captured a stunning victory at the Boston Marathon in brutal weather conditions.

Now 38,  Kawauchi believes he can still return to a much higher level.  He has run more sub 2:20 marathons than anyone in the world.  This makes number 128.  

“This year I will once again break 2:10,” he said after the race. “It took a long time, but I will definitely do it.”

While the Osaka result was not about winning, it showed the former Boston champion is moving closer to the form that made him one of the most admired runners in the sport.

For fans around the world, seeing Kawauchi back under 2:15 is a promising sign that his remarkable racing story is still being written.

He also recently announced, "I will be the pacemaker for sub 2:50 in this year's Tokyo Marathon.  Runners aiming for sub 2:50 in this year's Tokyo Marathon, let's run together in Tokyo."