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Berlin, Germany – September 2025: Harry Styles has made history on the roads, trading concert stages for marathon streets. The global music icon stormed through the 2025 Berlin Marathon in 2:59:13, becoming the fastest major singer ever to run the 26.2-mile distance.

From Tokyo to Berlin: A Remarkable Leap

Earlier in March, Styles completed the Tokyo Marathon in 3:24:07. That debut alone was a respectable effort, but few expected the pop star to chop off nearly 25 minutes in just six months. His Berlin run showed not only improved conditioning but also a deep commitment to the craft of marathon training.

Breaking the Sub-3 Barrier

Crossing the finish line under three hours is an achievement that sets serious marathoners apart. Fewer than 5% of all marathoners reach this benchmark, placing Styles in the top tier of amateur competitors. His average pace of 6:50 per mile (4:15 per kilometer) required discipline and precision from start to finish.

Although he missed the Boston Marathon qualifying standard of 2:55:00 by just over four minutes, his Berlin time makes it clear he is edging closer to that goal.

Racing Under the Radar

To stay focused, Styles ran Berlin under the alias “Sted Sarandos.” While the disguise may have hidden him from the spotlight, it couldn’t mask his performance. Compared to Tokyo, he ran almost one minute faster per mile, maintaining an average speed of 8.77 mph (14.13 km/h) with consistent 21:14 5K splits.

A True Outlier

The contrast is striking: while the average male marathoner crossed the line in 4:21:03, Styles was already cooling down after achieving a personal milestone. His effort highlights what is possible when talent, dedication, and smart training align.

What’s Next?

With a sub-three-hour finish in his second marathon, Styles has firmly established himself as more than a hobby jogger. The question now is how far he can go—whether that means chasing a Boston qualifier, returning to Tokyo for redemption, or taking on another World Marathon Major.

For now, Harry Styles has earned a place not only in music history but also in the story of amateur marathoning: a performer who turned his passion into a performance of an entirely different kind.

Harry Styles is best known for his chart-topping music, sold-out world tours, and effortless charisma. But in addition to his accolades in entertainment, Styles has now established himself as a legitimate marathon runner. His recent performance at the 2025 Tokyo Marathon, where he finished in an impressive 3 hours, 24 minutes, and 7 seconds, has sparked widespread attention in the running community.

The Musician-Turned-Marathoner

While many celebrities dabble in fitness, Harry Styles' commitment to distance running is far from casual. The 30-year-old singer-songwriter, formerly of One Direction, has always been known for his energetic stage presence and relentless touring schedule, both of which require significant stamina. But his disciplined approach to marathon training reveals a new layer of dedication beyond the spotlight.

At the Tokyo Marathon on March 2, 2025, Styles placed 6,010th out of over 26,000 runners, finishing ahead of more than 20,000 competitors. His pace of 7:47 per mile was remarkably steady, with near-identical splits for the first and second halves of the race—1:42:03 and 1:42:04, respectively. This consistency is a hallmark of experienced marathoners, proving Styles' preparation and race strategy were well-executed.

How Did He Train?

While Styles has yet to publicly detail his full training regimen, sources close to the musician have hinted at his intense dedication. Reports suggest he followed a structured training plan, incorporating long runs, speed work, and cross-training. Given his history of staying active and embracing challenges, it’s no surprise that Styles approached marathon running with the same level of focus he applies to his music career.

What Shoes Did He Wear?

Runners always want to know about gear choices, and Styles opted for the Nike Alphafly 3, one of the most advanced marathon racing shoes on the market. The carbon-plated, energy-returning design of the Alphafly series has helped many elite runners achieve fast times, and Styles’ choice indicates he’s serious about performance.

Harry’s Background in Fitness

Long before tackling 26.2 miles, Styles was no stranger to an active lifestyle. His concerts, which involve hours of movement and high-energy performances, have kept him in excellent shape. During his One Direction days, Styles often spoke about playing football (soccer) and enjoying hikes, but running a full marathon is a leap into an entirely new level of endurance.

Styles has also embraced wellness trends, including yoga and meditation, as part of his holistic approach to health. Running seems to fit seamlessly into his lifestyle, giving him both a physical and mental outlet amid the chaos of global fame.

Will He Run More Marathons?

With a sub-3:30 marathon debut, the big question now is what’s next for Harry Styles as a runner? Many fans and experts believe this won’t be his last race. Given his steady pacing and strong finish, he has the potential to go even faster in future marathons. Could a sub-3-hour marathon be in his future? Time will tell.

Harry Styles is more than just a music icon—he’s now part of the global running community. His impressive debut at the Tokyo Marathon has not only inspired his fans but also demonstrated that elite-level entertainment careers and serious marathon training can go hand in hand. Whether he’s breaking records on the stage or on the racecourse, one thing is certain.

Harry Styles is in it for the long run.

What do you think about Harry’s marathon performance? Should he try for a Boston Qualifier next? Share your thoughts on My Best Runs!

The 2025 Tokyo Marathon, held on March 2, showcased remarkable performances, particularly from Ethiopian runners who dominated both the men’s and women’s categories. The event also featured a diverse mass participation, highlighting the marathon’s global appeal.

In the men’s division, Tadese Takele of Ethiopia delivered an outstanding performance, securing first place with a personal best time of 2:03:23. His compatriot, Deresa Geleta, followed in second place, finishing in 2:03:51. Kenya’s Vincent Kipkemoi Ngetich claimed third with a time of 2:04:00. The fourth and fifth positions were taken by Kenya’s Titus Kipruto (2:05:34) and Ethiopia’s Mulugeta Asefa Uma (2:05:46), respectively.

The men’s race began with a swift pace, with a leading pack maintaining a competitive tempo. Takele made a decisive move in the latter stages, breaking away to secure his victory.

The women’s marathon saw defending champion Sutume Asefa Kebede of Ethiopia retain her title, finishing with a time of 2:16:31. Kenya’s Winfridah Moraa Moseti secured second place, clocking in at 2:16:56, while Ethiopia’s Hawi Feysa finished third with a time of 2:17:00. Kenya’s Magdalyne Masai (2:19:28) and Rosemary Wanjiru (2:19:57) completed the top five.

Kebede established an early lead, maintaining a strong pace throughout. Despite challenges in the final kilometers, she held on to her lead, showcasing resilience and determination.

The Tokyo Marathon is renowned for its vast participation, and the 2025 edition was no exception. Over 26,000 runners completed the course, reflecting the event’s inclusivity and global appeal.  

Among the participants was musician Harry Styles, who completed the marathon in an impressive time of 3:24:07, finishing 6,010th overall. Styles’ participation garnered significant media attention, highlighting the marathon’s wide-reaching allure.  

Established in 2007, the Tokyo Marathon has rapidly ascended in prominence, becoming one of the six World Marathon Majors. The inaugural event attracted approximately 30,870 participants, and the marathon has continued to grow, with recent editions seeing over 36,000 finishers.   

The marathon’s course offers runners a unique tour of Tokyo, starting at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and passing landmarks such as the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Tower, before finishing near Tokyo Station.  

The 2025 Tokyo Marathon not only highlighted the dominance of Ethiopian athletes but also underscored the event’s status as a premier global running festival, uniting elite competitors and amateur runners from around the world.