Kenyan Sabastian Sawe, the current marathon world record holder (1:59:30), will return to the BMW Berlin Marathon on Sunday, September 27, the organizers of Germany’s biggest marathon race. Just over two weeks ago, the 31-year-old became the first runner to achieve a record eligble time of under two hours in London. He smashed one of the biggest barriers in the history of athletics.
Sawe, who is also the current half-marathon World Champion, has won all four of his marathons, running sub 2:02:30 in each of them: His debut in Valencia in 2024 (2:02:05) was followed by victories in London (2:02:27) as well as Berlin (2:02:16) in 2025 and now his 1:59:30 world record.
Sawe has the potential to improve his world record further. The choice of Berlin, with its famously fast course, suggests that he is aiming to run very fast again.
“I am very happy to return to Berlin and to defend my title. Many people may be wondering what my goals are this time around. After coming off my win in London and a sub-2 performance, I can only say that, like always, I plan to prepare myself to the best of my ability and to come to Berlin to honour this great event and organization and to run as well and fast as possible. Then, on the day, we will see what will happen. I look forward to again experiencing the fantastic atmosphere and crowds that line the course,” said Sawe.
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Sabastian Sawe back to the Berlin Marathon. With his impressive development and his historic world record, he has firmly written his name into the history books of marathon running. The fact that Sabastian chose to return to Berlin is a great recognition of the global standing of our event and its fast course,” said Race Director Mark Milde. “If all conditions are right on race day, the weather cooperates, and Sabastian is in top shape, then anything is possible.”
More information is available online at: www.berlin-marathon.com
Service by: www.race-news-service.com
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