Marathon history-maker and world record holder Sabastian Sawe has withdrawn from the Berlin Marathon through injury.
The Kenyan superstar had been due to defend his title in the German capital on 27th September, in what would have been his first race since producing one of the greatest performances in distance-running history at the London Marathon in April.
Sawe became the first athlete to officially break the two-hour barrier for the marathon when he stormed to victory in London in an astonishing 1:59:30.
The 31-year-old took 65 seconds off the previous world record of 2:00:35, set by the late Kelvin Kiptum at the 2023 Chicago Marathon, while successfully defending the London title he had won 12 months earlier.
Tough news
But hopes of seeing what Sawe could produce next on Berlin’s famously fast course have now been dashed, with organisers announcing his withdrawal because of injury.
They said: “Unfortunately, some tough news from the elite field.
“Defending Champion and World Record Holder Sabastian Sawe has withdrawn from the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON on 27 September due to injury.
“We are very sorry to see Sabastian miss this year’s race and wish him a full and speedy recovery. We hope to welcome him back to the streets of Berlin soon.
“Even without Sabastian Sawe, we expect an exciting battle for victory and fast times this year – especially in the women’s race! Tigst Assefa’s stated goal is to challenge the marathon world record on Berlin’s fast course.”
Sawe’s remarkable marathon record
Sawe’s absence is a huge blow for all concerned.
He made his debut over 26.2 miles with a 2:02:05 victory in Valencia in December 2024 before winning the 2025 London Marathon in 2:02:27.
He then headed to Berlin last September, where temperatures reached around 25C, and still clocked a superb 2:02:16 to take victory.
That set the stage for his return to London in April, where Sawe took marathon running into previously uncharted territory.
He reached halfway in 60:29 before producing a stunning 59:01 second half to break two hours, with Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha – who smashed the half marathon world record last weekend – also dipping beneath the barrier in 1:59:41.
Sawe had subsequently confirmed his intention to return to Berlin and defend his crown, but injury means the wait to see the marathon world record holder in action again will now continue.
