National 5,000m champion Mwangi made a stunning debut in the half-marathon scene, storming to victory at the Tokyo Legacy race on Sunday morning.
The 24-year-old produced a commanding run, stopping the clock at 1:08:46 to claim her maiden title over the 21km distance.
She led a strong Kenyan showing, finishing ahead of compatriot Janet Nyiva, who clocked 1:09:09 for second. Ethiopia’s Meskerem Mamo settled for third in 1:10:58.
The Japanese-based athlete, who has long had a soft spot for Tokyo, expressed her joy after the memorable win.
“I call Tokyo my second home. This is where I had my first sub-15-minute race in the 5,000m,” Mwangi shared.
In 2020, Mwangi clocked 14:55.32 to win the 5,000m at the 68th All Japan Corporate Teams Championships, her first sub-15-minute performance, which is also her lifetime best.
Having now conquered the half-marathon, Mwangi was elated to have successfully tested her strength over the longer distance. “Today I stepped up to the challenge of the 21km. I am happy for picking up the win,” she said.
“I want to thank the race organisers for inviting me and my coach as well.”
Since launching her 2025 season, Mwangi’s journey has been a blend of highs and learning moments. She opened the year with the National Cross Country Championships on February 8, where she placed 21st in the women’s 10km, clocking 37:16 in a race dominated by Brillian Kipkoech (34:30), Maurine Chebor (34:33) and Stacey Ndiwa (34:55).
Mwangi then placed eighth at the Sirikwa Classic in 35:22, before bouncing back to winning form at the 5th AK Weekend Meeting at Ulinzi Sports Complex, where she triumphed in the 10,000m with an impressive 32:28.17.
Her versatility was once again on display at the Kip Keino Classic on May 31, where she featured in the 1,500m, finishing 11th in 4:30.97.
At the National Championships, Mwangi clinched bronze in the 10,000m after clocking 32:22.85, behind Loice Chemnung (31:39.09) and Cintia Chepng’eno (32:22.44).
She went one better in the 5,000m, storming to the national title in 15:39.78, edging Cynthia Chepkirui (15:40.83) and Faith Chebet (15:45.62).
However, she narrowly missed out on a ticket to the World Championships in Tokyo, finishing sixth in the 10,000m trials on July 22 in 31:35.16.
Her form picked up later in the season with a series of strong road performances, including a second-place finish at the Tshwane 10K in South Africa on August 24, clocking 32:41, followed by another runner-up spot at the Moscow 10K on September 20 with a time of 31:46.
In the men’s race at the Tokyo Legacy event, Ethiopia’s Selemon Barega reigned supreme, breaking the tape in 1:01:22. He was followed closely by Kenya’s Richard Etir (1:01:22) and Benard Kimeli (1:01:34).
Meanwhile, at the Hakone Ekiden Half Marathon, Brian Kipyegon led a commanding Kenyan podium sweep, clocking 1:00:16 ahead of Shadrack Kipkemei (1:00:31) and Joseph Muigai (1:00:52).
