Sawe, Wanjiru to lead Kenyan charge at Berlin Marathon
Kenya's Sebastian Sawe crosses the finish line to win the men's Half Marathon at the Riga World Road Running Championships on October 1, 2023. Photo courtesy of WA.
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The event will feature a stacked field of elite runners from across the world, but all eyes will be on Sawe and Wanjiru as they seek to assert Kenyan dominance in both the men’s and women’s races.
Sawe, 29, comes into Berlin as one of the top contenders, having made a stunning full marathon debut at the 2024 Valencia Marathon, clocking 2:02:05 to beat a seasoned field.
He followed up that performance with another commanding victory at the 2025 London Marathon, finishing in 2:02:27, cementing his place as one of the fastest marathoners on the current circuit.
Sawe will renew his rivalry in Berlin with defending champion Milkesa Mengesha, who won the 2024 edition in 2:03:17.
Also in the men’s field are fellow Kenyans Daniel Mateiko, Samwel Mailu, and Ethiopians Guye Adola and Haymanot Alew, promising a competitive showdown.
In the women’s race, Rosemary Wanjiru is expected to lead Kenya’s charge. She has a personal best of 2:16:14, the fastest in the women’s elite lineup, giving her a strong advantage going into the race.
Wanjiru is no stranger to Berlin, having finished second in 2022 and aiming to go one better this year.
Her key rivals include Ethiopia’s Degitu Azimeraw and Mestawut Fikir, both seasoned marathoners with strong credentials.
The organizers of the Berlin Marathon have promised a high-quality field and thrilling action as top athletes battle not just for the win but also for valuable Abbott World Marathon Majors points.
With Sawe in peak form and Wanjiru eager to secure a significant title, Kenyan fans will have plenty to cheer for in Berlin.


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