Full Breakdown
Sawe Pulls Out of Berlin Marathon Amid Injury Concerns
8/27/2026, 8:53:30 PM
Sawe’s Withdrawal and Its Immediate Impact
Organisers announced in late August that defending champion and marathon world-record holder Sebastian Sawe will not start the BMW Berlin Marathon scheduled for September 27, 2026 because of an injury. The withdrawal removes the only male athlete who had previously broken the two-hour barrier in race conditions from the elite men’s field, reducing expectations for a new world-record performance in Berlin.
Background & Context
Sawe set the marathon world record of 1:59:30 at the London Marathon on April 26, 2026, becoming the first man to complete the distance in under two hours in official competition. The achievement was celebrated in Kenya, where President William Ruto greeted Sawe at State House on April 30, 2026. Sawe’s previous Berlin appearance came in 2025, when he won in 2:02:16 despite warm conditions and the absence of a pacemaker after the 24-km mark.
Data & Statistics
- Race date: September 27, 2026 (the event’s scheduled day).
- Expected participants: about 55,000 runners.
- Men’s elite field: now led by Tanzania’s Gabriel Geay (personal best 2:03:00) and includes seven athletes with personal bests of 2:05 or faster, such as Ethiopia’s Selemon Barega.
- Women’s elite field: features two-time Berlin champion Tigist Assefa (who broke the women’s-only world record in 2023), current women’s world-record holder Ruth Chepngetich (2:09:56) – currently suspended for a doping violation – and defending champion Rosemary Wanjiru (PB 2:16:14).
- Future sub-two-hour prospects: Ethiopian runner Yomif Kejelcha is slated to race the Valencia Marathon on December 6, 2026, a course also noted for fast times.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — Sebastian Sawe, defending champion
- “It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you that I am forced to withdraw from the Berlin Marathon,” — Sebastian Sawe, defending champion
- “I want to thank everyone who continues to support me and I wish all the runners taking part a great race. I hope they can enjoy the moment, trust in the work they’ve done and be proud of what they achieve in Berlin. I look forward to seeing you again soon at the starting line in Berlin.” — Mark Milde, Race Director at SCC Events
- “We would have very much liked to see Sabastian Sawe back in Berlin. All the more, we regret that he will not be able to compete this year. We wish him all the best for his recovery and hope to welcome him back to the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON soon.” — Race Director, at SCC Events
