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Hassan Sets Osaka Marathon Record as Hirabayashi Leads Japanese, Secures MGC Berth

The outcome confirms fresh qualifiers for Japan's 2027 Marathon Grand Championship, shaping the selection race for the Los Angeles 2028 team.

Overview

  • Ibrahim Hassan of Djibouti won in 2:05:20, breaking the Osaka Marathon course record.
  • Hirabayashi finished fifth in 2:06:14 as the top Japanese, improving his Osaka debut best by four seconds to clinch entry to the MGC.
  • Among Japanese men, finishers through Goda earned new MGC spots, with previously qualified Hosoya not counted in the five new berths.
  • On the women's side, Kaede Kawamura placed sixth in 2:25:55 to secure an MGC berth.
  • A bold early move by debutant Yoshida disrupted the pacing, prompting Hirabayashi to adjust strategy and overtake him near 37 kilometers before the overseas leaders pulled away.