Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe Set for Berlin Marathon Return After Historic Sub-Two-Hour Run
Kenyan marathon star Sabastian Sawe will defend his title at the Berlin Marathon in September after making history with the world’s first sub-two-hour marathon during the London Marathon in April.
Athletics - London Marathon - London, Britain - April 27, 2025 Kenya's Sabastian Sawe crosses the finish line to win the men's elite race. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Kenyan marathon star Sabastian Sawe is set to compete at the Berlin Marathon in September after making history with the first-ever marathon run under two hours.
Race organisers confirmed on Wednesday that the 31-year-old will return to defend his Berlin title during the September 27 race, widely regarded as one of the fastest marathon courses in the world because of its flat terrain and minimal corners.
Sawe stunned the athletics world in April after clocking 1 hour, 59 minutes and 30 seconds at the London Marathon, breaking the previous world record while wearing a new generation of super shoes.
The Kenyan athlete also won last year’s Berlin Marathon in 2:02:16 despite challenging hot and humid conditions in the German capital.
“I am very happy to return to the Berlin Marathon this year and to defend my title,” Sawe said in a statement released by organisers.
The long-distance runner said he remains focused on proper preparation ahead of the highly anticipated race.
“After coming off my win in London and sub-two 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 run as well and fast as possible,” he said.
Sawe added that he will let the race unfold naturally on the day, amid growing expectations that he could lower his historic time even further on Berlin’s record-friendly course.
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