Marathon world record holder Sawe injured – comeback in Berlin called off

Sawe holds the marathon world record and had used Berlin’s fast course in recent years to produce his best performances. A return to the scene of past triumphs was not possible this time. Details about the nature of the injury and when it was diagnosed were not initially reported; Sawe himself did not initially comment publicly on the reasons for the withdrawal.

Tigst Assefa targets the world record

Attention in the women’s race is meanwhile focused on Tigst Assefa. The Ethiopian has announced that she intends to challenge the women’s marathon world record in Berlin. The course through the German capital is considered one of the fastest in the world, raising hopes of a new mark. Assefa has previously produced outstanding times in Berlin.

Esther Pfeiffer and the German record

Alongside Assefa, Esther Pfeiffer is one of Germany’s leading hopefuls in the field. The runner has set her sights on the German national marathon record. A new German record would make a powerful statement for the country’s elite sport. Pfeiffer and Assefa are therefore among the female athletes attracting the most attention on Sunday.

Sawe’s withdrawal significantly changes the race’s outlook. Without the world record holder, the leading field lacks a benchmark. At the same time, his absence gives other runners the opportunity to move into the spotlight without being compared directly with the record holder. The organisers must adjust their marketing at short notice, as Sawe had been enlisted as a major draw.

Significance of the Berlin Marathon

Alongside the races in London, New York, Chicago and Boston, the Berlin Marathon is one of the six World Marathon Majors. Year after year, the race draws tens of thousands of runners and hundreds of thousands of spectators to a course that finishes at the Brandenburg Gate. Several tens of thousands of participants are again expected for this year’s main race.

For Kenya’s long-distance running scene, Sawe’s withdrawal is a setback. Kenyan runners have achieved numerous top positions in international marathons in recent years; Sawe was regarded as one of the country’s leading figures in road running. It remains unclear how long his injury layoff will last.

Overall, the race remains strongly competitive despite the withdrawal of one of its biggest names. With Assefa in the women’s field and Pfeiffer targeting the German record, two clear sporting narratives take centre stage. The Berlin Marathon begins on Sunday with the start of the elite fields, and the weather conditions are considered favourable for fast times.