Kenyan Duo Sabastian Sawe and Rosemary Wanjiru wins 2025 Berlin Marathon Titles.

Kenyans Sabastian Sawe and Rosemary Wanjiru won the men’s and women’s Berlin Marathon on Sunday, both earning their first victories in the German capital.

Sawe crossed the line in 2:02:16 in only his third career marathon title in Germany, just 11 seconds off his personal best from Valencia in 2024. His time ranks ninth-fastest in history, though outside Kelvin Kiptum’s world record of 2:00:35 and Eliud Kipchoge’s Berlin course record of 2:01:09.

“It was hard but I gave my best. I’m happy about my performance,” Sawe told RTL. Despite being tipped to challenge the records, he refused to fault the hot and humid 25°C conditions. “I felt good. You can’t change the weather. I was well prepared and I’m pleased. I enjoyed the atmosphere in Berlin. I want to be back next year and hope I can do better.”

Japan’s Akira Akasaki took second in 2:06:15, while Ethiopia’s Chimdessa Debele finished third in 2:06:57.

In the women’s race, Wanjiru, runner-up in Berlin in 2022, became the first Kenyan woman to win Berlin Marathon since 2018. The 30-year-old surged after 25km, building a lead of 36 seconds by the 40km mark. As Ethiopia’s Dera Dida closed the gap near the Brandenburg Gate, Wanjiru pushed through to win in 2:21:05, just three seconds clear. Ethiopia’s Azmera Gebru placed third, 24 seconds back.

Wanjiru’s time was well outside Ruth Chepngetich’s world record of 2:09:56 set in Chicago in 2024, and Tigst Assefa’s 2023 Berlin course record.

The men’s race began at record pace, with the fastest opening kilometre in Berlin Marathon history. Sawe and a pack including 2024 champion Milkesa Mengesha and Gabriel Geay were inside world record pace through 10km. By 15km, Sawe had pulled away, building an 11-second lead. He reached halfway in 60:16, still on track for the record, before fading slightly in the second half as the heat took its toll.

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Why Records Survived the Berlin Heat

Berlin is renowned for its fast, record-breaking course. However, this year's unseasonably warm and humid weather made elite times impossible. The men’s lead pack still started at a record-breaking pace but could not sustain it as temperatures rose, proving that even the best athletes are at the mercy of the elements.