The Kobe Marathon's elite field is set for Sunday, with Japanese runners eyeing Olympic qualifying times. Women must run sub-2:27, men sub-2:09 for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Kaede Hagitani, Ayaka Shimoyamada, and Kotomi Tsubokura aim to improve their spring times.

On the men's side, Keijiro Mogi and Hiroto Kanamori lead the Japanese pack. Mogi's 2:09:06 and Kanamori's 2:10:01 are the best Japanese times. International runners Barnaba Kipkoech, Elisha Rotich, and Goitom Kifle also pose strong competition. Read more racing coverage.

Kenyan Antonina Kwambai, with a 2:23:47, is well-positioned to help Japanese women achieve the qualifying time. JRN will cover the event on-site, highlighting the race's significance for Olympic trials. Related: Indianapolis Monumental Marathon Sets New Course Records.

This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Japan Running News. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.