Haspa Marathon Hamburg on Sunday: Kenyans Bernard Koech and Rebecca Tanui lead strong fields in Hamburg

Two-time Hamburg champion Bernard Koech and fellow Kenyan Rebecca Tanui headline the elite fields at the Haspa Marathon Hamburg this Sunday, as Germany’s premier spring marathon continues its rise as one of the fastest races in the world.

With course records of 2:03:46 for men and 2:17:23 for women, Hamburg has firmly established itself among the quickest marathon courses globally. Organizers are optimistic that another high-quality, fast race is on tap, given the depth across both fields.

The men’s race, in particular, boasts impressive strength. Six entrants arrive with personal bests under 2:06, while a further six have dipped below 2:07—an indication of both depth and competitive intent.

Koech returns to familiar ground, having twice triumphed in Hamburg. He matched his personal best of 2:04:09 here three years ago and followed up with a 2:04:24 victory in 2024. The Kenyan now eyes a third title in as many appearances.

He will not have an easy path. Gashau Ayale, the Ethiopian-born runner now competing for Israel, brings a personal best of 2:04:53 from Valencia in 2024 and earned silver at last year’s European Championships marathon. Abdisa Tola, younger brother of Olympic champion Tamirat Tola, adds further intrigue. Tola won the 2023 Dubai Marathon in 2:05:42 on debut and remains a significant contender.

Germany’s Samuel Fitwi is another athlete to watch. With a personal best of 2:04:56, he ranks as the country’s second-fastest marathoner in history. Should his altitude training block in Addis Ababa translate to race-day form, a podium finish is within reach.

In the women’s race, Rebecca Tanui steps into the spotlight following a series of late withdrawals, including top contenders Tigist Ketema and Degitu Azimeraw. Tanui, who owns a personal best of 2:21:08, now leads the field on paper.

The Kenyan has demonstrated notable consistency, winning three of her last five marathons—Mersin in 2025, Kosice in 2024, and Venice in 2023—while finishing on the podium in the other two.

She will face credible opposition from a trio of sub-2:23 performers: Ethiopia’s Kasanesh Baze and Muluhabt Tsega, along with Kenya’s Marion Kibor. While the field may lack the originally anticipated star power, the depth suggests a competitive and potentially fast contest.

As Hamburg continues to build its reputation, Sunday’s race offers another opportunity to reinforce its status as a destination for elite marathon performances.

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