Osako, 34, sets his third Japanese record — 2:04:55 at the Valencia Marathon
On December 7, at the Valencia Marathon in Spain, 34-year-old Suguru Osako (Li-Ning) produced a stunning run and crossed the line in 2:04:55 (provisional). He clipped just one precious second off the former Japanese record of 2:04:56 held by Kengo Suzuki and reclaimed the national marathon record for the first time in four years and nine months.
The weight of “one second” — hardship and challenge at 34
After the race, Osako updated his social media with a photo alongside his manager, Yuichiro Nishikawa. Looking back on his journey, he wrote of “many doubts, fears and confusion, then realizations, and stripping away so many things.” He went on to say that while it was “just one second,” for them that one second was “unbelievably huge.” His words, and his stance as a relentless challenger, resonated deeply with many fans.
Official Instagram of Suguru Osako: @suguru_osako
From the early stages through the middle of the race he kept a calm, even pace, passing halfway in 1:02:41 (provisional). After 25 km he pushed again with powerful strides, and over the final 2.195 km he held on with a gritty, determined effort. Although he ultimately finished fourth overall, the way he broke the Japanese record turned the race into a dramatic story.
His challenge is about more than simply updating a time on the clock. In 2022 he once announced his “retirement,” then chose to return and resume his career. He also made a major change off the road, switching his long-time sponsor from Nike to Li-Ning and continuing to follow his own independent path. Carrying the memories of his past Olympic appearances and his former Japanese record at the Tokyo Marathon, as well as his experience at the Paris Games, he has once again rewritten history.
Video: new Japanese record, the finish — from manager Yuichiro Nishikawa on X
“Japanese record!!! 2:04:55! Marathon Japanese record! I may not be the one running, but I’m proud to be fighting at his side. And we are still in the middle of our evolution.”
Looking ahead — MGC and the road to the Los Angeles Olympics
Osako’s “one-second improvement” is backed by years of effort, doubt, anxiety and the resolve he found after returning to competition. Setting a new Japanese record at 34 is sure to give a huge boost to the upcoming Marathon Grand Championship (MGC) and the selection race toward the Los Angeles Olympics, as well as to the Japanese marathon scene as a whole.
