Sawe was among the athletes who had confirmed their participation in the Berlin event, which is slated for September 27th. It was supposed to be Sawe’s first marathon since his historic 1:59:30 world record in London in April.
Known as one of the world’s fastest marathon courses, Berlin was to provide the perfect platform for Sawe to push beyond his remarkable 1:59:30 and chase an even faster time.
However, Sawe has confirmed through his social media pages that he will not be able to defend the title following an injury.
‘I am forced to withdraw’
“It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you I am forced to withdraw from the Berlin Marathon due to an injury,” wrote Sawe, who made his marathon debut at the 2024 Valencia Marathon, winning in 2:02:05.
“I had been looking forward to achieving something special on the streets of Berlin and crossing the finish line at the Brandenburg Gate.
“It was my wish to give something back to the race and its organisers, who have supported me so much.”
Sawe, who at the 2026 London Marathon became the first person to run a sub-two-hour marathon in a record-eligible race, added: “I want to thank everyone who continues to support me and I wish all the runners taking part in 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.”
Sawe has been an instant success over the marathon distance since taking it up last year, following his victory in the half marathon at the 2023 World Road Running Championships.
During the last Berlin Marathon, Sawe lived up to his billing as favourite as he produced a long solo run to win the men's race in a world-leading 2:02:16.
Sawe finished almost four minutes ahead of his nearest challenger, Japan’s Akiraa Akasaki, who clocked 2:16:15, with third place going to Ethiopia's Chimdessa Debele in 2:06:57.
Berlin Marathon regret Sawe’s absence
Berlin Marathon Race Director Mark Milde admitted they were looking forwards to see Sawe compete and defend his title, but wished him a speedy recovery following the turn of events.
“We would have very much liked to see Sabastian Sawe back in Berlin,” read a statement from Milde.
“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 Berlin Marathon soon.”
Sawe initially ran middle distances, only attempting the 5000 metres for the first time in 2019 under serendipitous circumstances: having arrived late to an athletics meet, it was the only race still available.
He won it in 13:56. Through his uncle’s contacts, he began training with Abel Mutai, a former peer of Chepkirwok and an assistant coach at the 2Running Club, based in Nandi County and founded by Claudio Berardelli.
In March 2020, however, he ruptured a tendon, limiting his racing, and later missed his international debut — pacing teammate Amos Kipruto at the 2020 Valencia Marathon — after failing a COVID-19 test.
During the 2026 London Marathon, Sawe became the first person to complete a competitive marathon in under two hours when he won in a world-record time of 1:59:30.
A previous sub-two-hour run by Eliud Kipchoge in the Ineos 1:59 Challenge in 2019 was not recognised as a valid record as it was not achieved under race conditions.
Sawe’s run was ten seconds faster than Kipchoge’s and 65 seconds faster than the previous official record held by Kelvin Kiptum.
His former personal best was set in his debut marathon in Valencia in 2024 with a time of 2:02:05. In his first marathon, Yomif Kejelcha of Ethiopia finished second behind Sawe in a time of 1:59:41.
Even without Sawe, the men’s field is packed with top-class athletes and promises an exciting battle for victory and fast times on Berlin’s unique course.
The women’s race is likely to be particularly intriguing. Leading the high-calibre field is Tigst Assefa. The Ethiopian has won the Berlin Marathon twice and is returning to Berlin after setting the world record here in 2023.
