In an inspiring moment for Bahrain, Dalia Al Sadiqi has made history by becoming the first woman from the Kingdom to complete the renowned Tokyo Marathon. The Tokyo Marathon is one of the six prestigious marathons in the Abbott World Marathon Majors series, which also includes events in Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York, and the recently added Sydney. This series is known for attracting the best marathon runners worldwide, and Dalia Al Sadiqi’s participation and completion of the Tokyo Marathon adds a significant chapter to Bahrain’s athletic achievements.
This momentous achievement marks not only a personal milestone for Al Sadiqi but also a historic accomplishment for Bahraini women in sports. By finishing this grueling race, she has made her mark on the global athletic stage, inspiring countless athletes, especially women, to pursue their dreams and overcome challenges. Al Sadiqi’s achievement is a reflection of her hard work, dedication, and commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
The Tokyo Marathon is one of the most prestigious running events worldwide, attracting top-tier athletes from across the globe. The 2025 edition of the Tokyo Marathon showcased the elite-level competition, with Deso Gelmisa of Ethiopia clinching the men’s title in a time of 2:05:22. In the women’s race, Kenya’s Rosemary Wanjiru won in a time of 2:16:28, marking one of the fastest marathon times in history.
Dalia Al Sadiqi’s accomplishment, however, stands out not because of a fast finishing time but because of the groundbreaking achievement it represents. As the first Bahraini woman to complete the Tokyo Marathon, she is setting a new precedent for future generations of athletes in Bahrain and the Gulf region. Her story is one of perseverance and inspiration, as she continues to challenge the status quo and break down barriers for women in sport.
A Journey of Dedication and Ambition
Dalia Al Sadiqi’s marathon journey is one that exemplifies dedication and ambition. Her pursuit of completing the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors began with her participation in the Berlin Marathon in 2024, where she successfully crossed the finish line. Her recent completion of the Tokyo Marathon in 2025 was a continuation of her journey to achieve the esteemed Six Star Medal, awarded to runners who complete all six marathons in the World Marathon Majors series. This medal is considered one of the highest honors in marathon running, signifying a commitment to excellence and endurance on an international scale.
Al Sadiqi’s ambition is clear, as she continues to push herself in one of the world’s most grueling athletic pursuits. In her own words, she expressed pride in representing Bahrain on the global stage. She said, “It is a privilege to represent my country in such a prestigious race. I am thrilled to have completed the Tokyo Marathon, and I look forward to the challenge of running the other major marathons.”
As she continues her journey toward earning the Six Star Medal, Al Sadiqi is also preparing for the upcoming London Marathon in April 2025. With each race, she adds to her growing legacy and strengthens her resolve to inspire others, particularly women, to pursue their own goals in sports, no matter how daunting they may seem.
The Tokyo Marathon in 2025 marked an unforgettable moment in Al Sadiqi’s athletic career, as she not only conquered a physically demanding race but also made history for Bahrain. Her persistence and drive serve as a powerful reminder that with hard work, determination, and the right mindset, anything is possible.
The Tokyo Marathon 2025: A Competitive Global Stage
The Tokyo Marathon is one of the six World Marathon Majors, and it is known for being a race that attracts the best of the best. In 2025, the marathon was highly competitive, with elite runners from around the world participating. In the men’s race, Deso Gelmisa of Ethiopia emerged victorious, securing the win with an impressive time of 2:05:22. His win came after a fiercely contested race, edging out his fellow countryman Mohamed Esa, who finished second in 2:05:23. The men’s race was one of the closest in Tokyo Marathon history, with just a second separating the top two runners.
In the women’s race, the outcome was similarly dramatic. Kenyan runner Rosemary Wanjiru won the women’s title with a time of 2:16:28, which was the seventh-fastest women’s marathon time ever recorded. Wanjiru’s victory marked her second major marathon win after her triumph at the 2024 Berlin Marathon. Her performance solidified her reputation as one of the world’s top marathon runners and added to Kenya’s dominance in the marathon discipline.
While Al Sadiqi did not achieve a podium finish in Tokyo, her achievement is in no way diminished by the elite nature of the competition. Completing such a demanding marathon, especially as the first woman from Bahrain to do so, is an extraordinary accomplishment. It highlights the growing presence of Bahraini athletes in international marathons and their continued push toward greater representation on the global athletic stage.
Bahrain’s Growing Presence in International Marathons
Al Sadiqi’s accomplishment is part of a larger trend of Bahraini athletes making waves in international marathon events. Bahrain has long been known for its success in long-distance running, and the country’s athletes have shown resilience and strength in some of the most competitive marathon races worldwide.
In recent years, Bahrain has gained international recognition for its marathon runners, with several athletes achieving top finishes in major races. At the Paris 2024 Women’s Marathon, for example, Bahraini runners showcased their talent and endurance. Eunice Chebichii Chumba, a top Bahraini marathoner, secured a top-10 finish in the race with a time of 2:26:10. Additionally, Tigist Gashaw and Rose Chelimo, two other prominent Bahraini marathoners, delivered commendable performances, finishing in the 34th and 43rd positions respectively. Their performances at the Paris Marathon, combined with Al Sadiqi’s historic finish in Tokyo, signal the rising prominence of Bahrain on the international marathon scene.
Inspiration and Future Outlook
Dalia Al Sadiqi’s success in completing the Tokyo Marathon is a story of inspiration. She has not only made history for Bahraini women in sports but has also become a role model for athletes around the world. Her perseverance in the face of intense competition and her commitment to achieving her goals show that with hard work and dedication, anyone can break through barriers and accomplish their dreams.
Al Sadiqi’s achievement also highlights the importance of supporting women in sports, particularly in regions where female athletes are still working toward achieving equality and representation. Her success encourages other women to take up long-distance running and push themselves to new heights in athletics.
Looking forward, Dalia Al Sadiqi will continue to inspire future generations of athletes, and her journey is far from over. As she prepares for the London Marathon in April 2025, the sports community eagerly anticipates her continued success and hopes that her efforts will further elevate Bahrain’s reputation in the world of athletics.
Al Sadiqi’s story is a testament to the power of determination, and her success will undoubtedly serve as an inspiration for years to come.
As Dalia Al Sadiqi continues to pursue her dream of completing the World Marathon Majors series and earning the coveted Six Star Medal, her legacy as a trailblazer for Bahraini women in sports is cemented. Through her hard work, perseverance, and groundbreaking achievement, she has shown the world that with courage and dedication, anything is possible.
Al Sadiqi’s future in marathons looks bright, and the sports world will be watching closely as she continues to break new ground and inspire others to follow in her footsteps. Her journey is far from over, and the best is yet to come for this Bahraini pioneer.
Will Bahrain and Iran Turn a New Page? There’s Been Talk of It
