Kawauchi sets record for running over 100 sub2:20 marathons

Completing the 2023 London Marathon in 2 hours 13 minutes 18 seconds, Japanese runner Yuki Kawauchi extended his sub-2:20 marathon record to 105 times.

Kawauchi on the London Marathon course on April 23. Photo: Runners World — Kawauchi on the London Marathon course on April 23. Photo: *Runner's World*

Earlier this month, Guinness World Records confirmed Kawauchi holds the record for most sub-2:20 marathons with 104.

On April 23, the Japanese runner increased this record to 105 times when participating in the London Marathon 2023, despite starting with the amateur group. On Twitter, Kawauchi - a professional runner - said that there was a misunderstanding, which prevented him from starting with the other elites.

Kawauchi finishes London Marathon 2023 — Kawauchi finishes at the 2023 London Marathon.

However, Kawauchi still completed the 42.195 km distance in London in 2 hours 13 minutes 18 seconds, leading the amateur group and finishing 11th overall. The Japanese runner also won the "Six Stars" medal for athletes who completed all six races in the world's most prestigious running system World Marathon Majors, including Boston, Chicago, New York City, London, Berlin and Tokyo.

Before London, Kawauchi had competed in three marathons in 2023, including two first-place finishes at Ishigakijima in 2:18:05, Saga Sakura in 2:11:32, and 12th in Osaka in 2:7:35.

Kawauchi averages one marathon a month and rose to fame when he won the 2018 Boston Marathon in 2 hours 15 minutes 58 seconds.

After completing the London Marathon on April 23, Kawauchi received the Six Stars medal for completing all six major races. Photo: WMM — After completing the London Marathon on April 23, Kawauchi received the "Six Stars" medal for completing all six major races. Photo: *WMM*

Although an amateur athlete, Kawauchi has represented Japan in the World Athletics Championships and the World Half Marathon Championships. Kawauchi has two younger brothers, Yoshiki and Koki Kawauchi, who are also marathon runners.

The 36-year-old runner used to work full-time for the Saitama prefectural government and trained in his spare time without any sponsorship. In 2020, after winning the Boston Marathon, Kawauchi quit his job at the local government and became a professional runner.

Kawauchi first made a splash when he ran the 2011 Tokyo Marathon in 2 hours 8 minutes 37 seconds, the best time in Japan and third overall. Kawauchi's personal best (PB) is 2 hours 2 minutes 27 seconds at the Lake Biwa Mainichi Marathon.

Kawauchi's record over six major championships.

Kawauchi also ran the 50 km Ultramarathon and won nine of his ten attempts, including eight at Okinoshima and one at Yatsugatake Nobeyama Highland. He did not finish the remaining and first attempt at the Okinoshima Ultramarathon in 2011.

Hong Duy

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