Search
RUN247 / Running News / Marathon news / British legend Paula Radcliffe aces Tokyo Marathon to complete incredible comeback at the age of 51

British legend Paula Radcliffe aces Tokyo Marathon to complete incredible comeback at the age of 51

Graham Shaw
Editor-In-Chief
Published on

It was all about taking part and not about finish times for Paula Radcliffe on Sunday, and it was mission accomplished for the British great in the 2025 Tokyo Marathon.

Radcliffe stepped onto a marathon course for the first time in 10 years in the Japanese capital, as she set out with the goal of clinching a coveted Six Star medal in 2025.

The former world record holder (she held that honour for a remarkable 16 years after running 2:15:25 in London 2003), now aged 51, was not looking at the clock this time, just content to get through the race and complete her goal. And complete it she did.

Advertisement

What time did Paula Radcliffe run?

By the end of the 26.2-mile trip in the Japanese capital, Paula stopped the clock in a time of 2:57:22.

She had revealed before the event that a long-term foot injury meant there was no way she would be jeopardising her next goal – the Boston Marathon in April. A finish there would complete that Six Star mission.

Paula had insisted: “I really have no time goals whatsoever. It’s about getting out there and being a part of it. I think the camaraderie is almost bigger and better in the middle of the race than it is at the [front] in the elite race so I’m really looking forward to that side of it.

Paula Radcliffe Flora London Marathon
Paula Radcliffe raised the bar in London back in 2003 [Photo credit: Flora London Marathon]

Cannot control people’s expectations

“I can’t control other people’s expectations, I can only control my own. People will say – and it’s natural, I would say it – ”I wonder what they can do’.

“But the overwhelming thing is I want to come out the other side having had a great time, a great experience and still be able to run on my foot. I don’t want to set that back because it’s taken me a long time to get to the point of being able to run every day.

“I know that in the middle of my career I was able to get the best out of myself – so running fast at 51 is not a huge goal. Having said that, when I get out there I’m sure my competitive instinct will kick in!”

Written by
Graham Shaw
Graham has been involved with TRI247 & RUN247 since the summer of 2021. Since then he has provided strategic direction for all news and is passionate about the growth of endurance sports.

Latest Running News

Number plates of the runners at the start of the 2023 Barkley Marathons photo credit: Davidmillerphotography_ on Instagram
Barkley Marathons 2025: The course is BITING BACK – times way slower despite ideal early conditions
Claire Bannwarth 2023 winner snow photo credit Montane Spine Race
Barkley Marathons 2025: ‘Lapin DuDuracell’ Claire Bannwarth latest big name confirmed
barkley marathons gate 2023 photo credit: Davidmillerphotography_ on Instagram
Barkley Marathons 2025: High winds and freezing temperatures could be in store
Max King wins Dragons Back 2024 No Limits photography
Barkley Marathons 2025: Bannwarth, Kelly, King and who else we believe is taking part this year
Lazarus Lake Barkley Marathons
Barkley Marathons 2025: A record late start but the wait is OVER as Laz lights cigarette
trail running on your terms

Never miss out with our trail alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.

The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...