- Sabastian Sawe withdrew from the September 27 Berlin Marathon via Instagram due to an unspecified injury, missing the chance to defend his 2025 title.
- In his absence, the men’s focus shifts to Gabriel Geay, Guye Adola, and Shura Kitata, alongside a women’s field headlined by Tigst Assefa and Rosemary Wanjiru.
- Sawe shattered the world record earlier this year at the London Marathon in April by becoming the first runner to officially break the sub-two-hour barrier in 1:59:30.
Marathon world record holder Sabastian Sawe has officially withdrawn from the upcoming Berlin Marathon due to an injury, race organizers announced on Thursday afternoon.
In a statement shared on his Instagram account and distributed by race officials, the 31-year-old Kenyan athlete confirmed that an unspecified physical setback will prevent him from competing on September 27.
The decision delivers a major blow to one of the most anticipated events on the global distance running calendar, where Sawe had been tipped to mount another historic performance on Berlin’s notoriously fast course.
Expressing deep disappointment over missing the opportunity to line up in the German capital, Sawe detailed his unfortunate situation directly to his followers.
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“It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you I am forced to withdraw from the BMW Berlin Marathon due to an injury,” Sawe wrote.
He added, “I had been looking forward to achieving something special on the streets of Berlin and crossing the finish line at the Brandenburg Gate. I want to thank everyone who continues to support me and I wish all the runners taking part a great race.”
The withdrawal temporarily halts what has been a wonderful season for the distance running icon. In April, Sawe made international headlines by winning the London Marathon in an astonishing 1:59:30, becoming the first runner in history to officially break the sub-two-hour barrier in an open competition.
Sawe had previously shared his excitement about defending his crown, noting earlier this summer that his goal was to prepare ,himself to the best of his ability and to come to Berlin to honour the great event and to run as well and fast as possible.
Returning to Berlin was meant to build upon his momentum from last year, when he braved warm conditions to win the 2025 title in 2:02:16.
Sabastian Sawe’s expected replacements
With Sawe out, focus turns to a highly competitive field led by former champions.
In the men’s race, Tanzania’s Gabriel Geay, 2021 Berlin champion Guye Adola and former London Marathon winner Shura Kitata are set to headline the contenders for the crown..
Meanwhile the elite women’s event will be anchored by world record holder Tigst Assefa and defending champion Rosemary Wanjiru.