Can Berlin Deliver Another World Record? With This Lineup, Maybe

Kenyan sensation Sabastian Sawe hailed by many as today’s top marathoner has made it official: he’s heading to Germany this fall to compete in the 2025 Berlin Marathon on September 21.

Despite it being just his third career marathon, the 29-year-old has already made a name for himself among the sport’s all-time greats.

Berlin is no stranger to Sawe’s speed. He stunned the crowds with a dominant win at the 2023 Berlin Half Marathon, blazing through the streets with the Brandenburg Gate in the backdrop.

That performance clearly left an impression and set the stage for his full return.

A Star-Studded Race in the Making

Race Director Mark Milde is thrilled: “We’re honored that Sabastian Sawe recognizes the prestige and speed of the Berlin Marathon.

After his brilliant half marathon here, and with what he’s already shown in Valencia and London, we can expect a thrilling race this year.”

Sawe burst onto the marathon scene with a jaw-dropping debut in Valencia in 2024, where he clocked 2:02:05.

He followed that up with a spectacular win at the 2025 London Marathon, finishing in 2:02:27 firmly establishing himself as one of the fastest men ever over 42.195 km.

Elite Rivals Ready to Challenge

He won’t have the streets to himself, though. Ethiopian runner Milkesa Mengesha is returning to Berlin after his breakout performance last year, where he won in a personal best of 2:03:17. At just 25, Mengesha is eager to defend his crown.

Tanzania’s Gabriel Geay is another top contender.

The 28-year-old holds his nation’s marathon record, having run 2:03:00 in Valencia three years ago.

After a quiet 2024, Geay came roaring back with a victory in Daegu this February, clocking 2:05:20.

Women’s Field Promises Fireworks Too

The women’s race is shaping up to be just as exciting.

Kenya’s Rosemary Wanjiru is making her return to Berlin the site of her marathon debut in 2022, where she placed second with a time of 2:18:00. Since then, she’s claimed victory in Tokyo and lowered her best to 2:16:14.

Ethiopian star Degitu Azimeraw is also a major name to watch.

She has consistently gone sub-2:20, with her best showing being a second-place 2:17:58 in London back in 2021.

Also rejoining the Berlin starting line is Mestawut Fikir. After winning her first marathon in Paris, she improved further in Berlin with a second-place finish in 2:18:48.

The 25-year-old is one of the most promising up-and-comers in the sport.

Berlin Continues to Lead the Way

No city has shaped modern marathoning quite like Berlin. With a record 13 marathon world records set on its streets, the German capital is the undisputed king of speed.

Jürgen Lock, CEO of SCC EVENTS, sees no signs of slowing down.

“Even after celebrating our 50th anniversary last year, we’re pushing forward. Berlin has become a benchmark for marathon excellence, and as a founding member of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, we aim to stay ahead.”

More elite athletes are expected to be announced in the weeks ahead, adding even more excitement. With over 50,000 runners from across the globe expected to take part, the 2025 Berlin Marathonis shaping up to be a race to remember.