Kenyan Star Pockets Ksh12 Million After Conquering Nagoya Women's Marathon

Kenya’s Sheila Chepkirui made it back-to-back wins at the Nagoya Women’s Marathon in Japan on Sunday.

Chepkirui returned to familiar grounds in search of a second straight win while also looking to dip under 2:20 but succeeded in one, winning the race for another year.

The 2024 New York Marathon champion had clocked 2:20:40 in 2025 but hopes of going lower went up in smoke this time as she could only manage 2:21:54 for first place in the Japanese city.

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Chepkirui finished ahead of Sayaka Sato (2:21:56) of Japan with Ainalem Desta of Ethiopia completing the podium after clocking 2:22:37.

The 35-year-old had expressed confidence of doing well in Sunday’s race and lived up to the promise with her only blemish being a slower time.

"It will also depend on the weather. If we have good weather, I will push myself to run 2:20 or under,” she had said before hitting the streets of Nagoya. "I haven't changed my training; it is similar to my training before last year's race. My main area of focus has been on gym work."

It was a good day at the office for Chepkirui as she made over Ksh12 million for the two-hour job as the race is one of the highest-paying marathons in the world.

The Nagoya Marathon winner walks away with 15 million Japanese Yen, which translates to $95,000 or Ksh12.2 million. That sees Chepkirui pocket the biggest amount after winning the race.

The race is the world’s largest women-only marathon with the 2026 edition estimated to have attracted 20,000 runners.