The BMW BERLIN-MARATHON has confirmed that world record holder Sabastian Sawe will return to defend his title on September 27, 2026. Approximately 60,000 athletes from 160 countries are expected to participate in the event in the German capital, including runners, wheelchair athletes, handbikers, and skaters.
The Kenyan athlete secured victory in the 2025 edition of the Berlin race with a time of 2:02:16. Despite warm conditions reaching 25°C, the performance was noted as a world-leading time for the 2025 season.
In late April, Sawe made history at the London Marathon by setting a new world record of 1:59:30. This marked the first time an athlete has completed the official 42.195km distance in under two hours during an official competition.
Sabastian Sawe said “I am very happy to return to BMW BERLIN-MARATHON this year and to defend my title. Many people may be wondering what my goals are this time round. After coming off my win in London and sub-2 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 organisation which have invited me, and to run as well and fast as possible.”
Mark Milde, Race Director of the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, said “As SCC Events, we are absolutely delighted to welcome Sabastian Sawe back to the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON. With his impressive development over the past months and his historic world record, he has firmly written his name into the history books of marathon running. The fact that Sabastian consciously chose to return to Berlin is a great recognition of the global standing of our event and its fast course.”
The BMW BERLIN-MARATHON is organised by SCC Events and is one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors. Known for its flat and fast course, the event has been the site of multiple world record performances over the last two decades.
