Just now, marathon world record holder and Berlin Marathon defending champion Sabastian Sawe has withdrawn due to injury from the 2026 Berlin Marathon, which will be held on September 27, 2026.

Sawe said: “It is with a heavy heart that I tell everyone that, due to injury, I must withdraw from the Berlin Marathon. I had been looking forward to producing a strong performance on Berlin’s course and crossing the finish line at the Brandenburg Gate. I also wanted to give back to the race and its organizers — thank you for your continued strong support.”

Sawe’s withdrawal is certainly regrettable, but the race still brings together many top athletes and remains likely to deliver a spectacular competition, especially in the women’s field:

Tigst Assefa, the women’s-only marathon world record holder (2:15:41) and two-time Berlin Marathon champion, will make a bid for the women’s marathon world record (2:09:56).

Chinese elites He Jie, Zhang Deshun, Huizhang, Tiedan, Zhu Qing and others are also set to compete, and deserve our continued attention.

With Sawei withdrawing from the Berlin Marathon due to injury, Yomif Kejelcha has just broken the half marathon world record at the Buenos Aires Half Marathon with a commanding 56 minutes 51 seconds.

Will the marathon world record change hands at the Chicago Marathon on October 11? Can “竹竿哥” achieve the double of both the full-marathon and half-marathon records? What do you think?

Image source: Sawe’s social media
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