On March 8, the 2026 Nagoya Women's Marathon kicked off, Japan's women's marathon national record holderHonami Maeda competed. Among the race's pacemakers was Japan's record breaker Nozomi Tanaka, who led through 15 km before withdrawing. This race was also a key opportunity for many athletes to go after MGC qualification (to run under 2:23:30).

The first 5 km was covered by the lead group in 16:34, but they slowed slightly in the second 5 km, with the pace dipping to 3:27 per km at one point, bringing the second 5 km split to 17:00.

20 km,Honami Maeda looked a bit unsteady and gradually began to be dropped. The halfway split was 1:10:51, with Sheila Chepkirui, Ayalem Desta, Sayaka Sato, Rino Goto, Rika Kaseda and Natsuki Omori passing the timing point first.

In the 20–25 km segment the lead group picked up the pace again; after 27 km, Rino Goto fell out of the lead group.

Time at 30 km: 1:41:12, Natsuki Omori is at the back of the lead group, still trying to chase. 35 km: 1:57:54, 40 seconds faster than the previous 5 km split. The two African runners have noticeably pushed the pace.

At the end of the race, onlySayaka Sato responded toSheila Chepkirui's surge, and the two dueled all the way to the finish.

AlthoughKenyan athleteSheila Chepkirui ultimately won in 2:21:54 took the win, successfully defending her title, butSayaka Sato'sfighting spirit was admirable; when competing against opponents whose PBs far exceed her own, she gave no ground,Sayaka Satofinished second in 2:21:56, once again the first Japanese finisher. The two also reproduced last year's finishing order in the Nagoya Women's Marathon.

Ayalem Desta finished third,Rika Kaseda ran 2:22:53 to take Japan's second spot and secure MGC qualification. Japan national record holder Honami Maeda finished in 2:31:21, placing 21st.

Writer:David / Editor:David