Kenyan marathon record-holder Sawe sidelined for Berlin
Sabastian Sawe, who set a world record in the London Marathon in April, has withdrawn from next month's Berlin Marathon because of an injury. The Kenyan had been scheduled to defend his title in Berlin, where he won last year. Race organizers confirmed the withdrawal but did not disclose details of the injury.
Sawe's withdrawal leaves the Berlin men's field without its defending champion and headline attraction. His April performance in London made him the first runner to break two hours under legal race conditions, a milestone that elevated him alongside Eliud Kipchoge, who achieved the feat in a curated event in 2019. Sawe's perfect record across four major marathons — victories in London and Berlin in 2025, plus two earlier wins — had positioned him as the sport's dominant figure.
The timing is notable: the announcement comes exactly one month before race day, giving organizers limited time to adjust marketing and media plans. Berlin's flat course and typically favorable conditions have made it a preferred venue for record attempts, and Sawe had hinted at improving his time this autumn. With the men's field now lacking its biggest draw, attention shifts to Tigst Assefa, whose women's-only world record in London and previous Berlin mark of 2:11:53 make her the clear headliner.
This withdrawal may affect the marathon's global visibility and viewership, as Sawe's record-breaking status had made him a major draw for casual sports fans. His absence could reduce international media coverage and diminish the race's commercial appeal, potentially impacting sponsorship interest and broadcast ratings. For the running community, it may also delay the next chapter in the sub-two-hour narrative, leaving fans to wait longer for a potential repeat or improvement of his historic London performance.