The Tokyo Marathon on 2nd March was something special. While all the performers were great, one of them just might have cemented his place among the new crop of elites. The man in question, Tadese Takele, is a rising star from Ethiopia who just won the race with a time of 2:16:31. While the world had already gotten hints of his talent, he has made quite the claim after winning his first title.

Those who have followed him for a while now know of his exploits. After all, he had already secured third place two years back in the 2023 Berlin Marathon with a 2:03:24 finish. But now he has taken it a step further and delivered yet another victory. The Ethiopian star Tadese Takele has made history and called it a great day for himself.

Ethiopian dominance was evident to track and field fans, as Ethiopian athletes won both the men’s and women’s titles at the Tokyo Marathon. Athletic Weekly posted on X about the win, and the caption reads, “Ethiopians Tadese Takele and Sutume Kebede win Tokyo Marathon titles.” Takele defeated Kenya’s Vincent Kipkemoi Ngetich (2:04:00) and fellow Ethiopian Deresa Geleta (2:03:51) with a personal best time of 2:03:23. After winning, Takele made a confession, and what’s that?

“The weather wasn’t a problem; it wasn’t too hot and for me, it was comfortable,” the Tokyo Marathon winner said. He talked about the weather, as it was a sunny day, and it can be a hindrance to performing better. He further added, “The course was good and this was a great day for me. In the future, I hope to run even better than I did today.”

This was his 22-year-old personal best till now and indeed the best one in his marathon career. While Takele won the title, Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei secured the ninth position. As per Athletic Weekly, Cheptegei stated, “I’m so grateful today that I came to Tokyo.” Despite falling short of victory, Cheptegei remained optimistic and grateful for the opportunity. This is the sportsmanship that every athlete should have.

But Cheptegei further added, “There are some good positives to take home and prepare for another step forward.” Indeed, every performance brings learning with it—whether you lose or win. “I’m not complaining. I’m really satisfied with the result and it can be a build-up for next season.”

With a solid finish and so much space for progress, he regards this as a foundation for more significant upcoming achievements. Cheptegei holds the world records for the 5000 and 10,000-meter marathons. But did Takele get any advantage from the weather?

Did the weather favor Tadese Takele?

Marathon racing isn’t just about speed—it’s a battle against the elements. With temperatures reaching 20°C in the latter stages, conditions in Tokyo weren’t scorching, but they were warm enough to test the runners’ endurance. While some competitors found the heat challenging, the champion dismissed any concerns, calling the conditions “comfortable.”

His ability to thrive under such circumstances raises an intriguing question: Did the weather play into his strengths? Ethiopian runners have long dominated long-distance racing, and one key factor is their high-altitude training. Accustomed to thinner air and varying temperatures, they often excel where others struggle.

This race was no different, as yet another Ethiopian talent surged ahead when it mattered most, proving once again why the nation remains a powerhouse in marathons. And not to forget, Ethiopians secured the top two positions at one marathon. It clearly shows the Ethiopian dominance on the track, agree?

With this victory, Takele adds his name to the long list of Ethiopian greats who have ruled the sport. From legendary champions to modern-day stars, Ethiopia’s legacy in long-distance running continues to grow. His triumph wasn’t just about winning a race. It was a testament to endurance, strategy, and a tradition of excellence that shows no signs of slowing down.