TOKYO (TR) – NMB48 member Mako Sakashita on Saturday pulled off a stunning upset during a live television broadcast, becoming the first female runner in 25 years to win the grueling “Akasaka 5-chome Mini Marathon,” reports Zakzak (Oct. 10).
The 21-year-old idol dominated the race during the TBS special All Star Kanshasai ’26 Autumn, taking the lead in the early stages of the handicap-based event. Despite a fierce pursuit by rival AKB48 member Momoka Ito — who closed the gap to just six seconds on the fourth lap — and a terrifying late surge from professional runner Keita Sato, Sakashita refused to yield, crossing the finish line in first place.
Sakashita’s historic victory, the first for a woman since marathoner Mari Tanigawa took the crown a quarter-century ago, marks a dramatic comeback for the young star following a near-tragic incident earlier this year.
Osaka
Just eight months prior, in February 2026, Sakashita faced a devastating ordeal at the Osaka Marathon. While on pace to break the coveted four-hour mark, her body gave out a mere 700 meters from the finish line. Suffering from severe dehydration and a torn muscle, the idol collapsed and was rushed away in an ambulance, forced into a heartbreaking withdrawal.
Channeling that agonizing defeat into motivation, the athletic idol underwent immense physical conditioning to prepare for the Akasaka race.
“I practiced like I was going to die for NMB48,” a smiling Sakashita said, striking a triumphant pose at the finish line.
Tears of joy
The televised race itself was steeped in behind-the-scenes drama. Following a lackluster spring broadcast where a dismal turnout of just nine runners prompted visible fury from long-time MC Wakako Shimazaki, the autumn race saw a massive revival. Twenty-four competitors answered the call, including Asian Games decathlon gold medalist Yuma Maruyama, a turnout that left Shimazaki wiping away tears of joy.
Following the broadcast, social media was flooded with praise for the idol’s grit. Former AKB48 leader Minami Takahashi lauded the “wonderful running” of both Sakashita and third-place finisher Ito. Meanwhile, viewers expressed awe at Sakashita’s fierce “athlete’s face” and flawless conditioning, with many demanding she be made the center of her idol group.
Professional runner Keita Sato finished in second place, followed by AKB48’s Ito in third. Shota Gogami of the vocal group Junretsu took fourth, while television personality Sakura Inoue rounded out the top five.
