Kenya Celebrates Double Victory at Berlin Marathon

This past Sunday, Kenya marked a remarkable achievement at the 51st Berlin Marathon, securing first place in both the men’s and women’s divisions.

Men’s Race Highlights

The men’s race was clinched by 29-year-old Sabastian Sawe, who finished with a time of 2:02:15, just five months after his victory at the London Marathon. Despite the historical speed of the Berlin course, this year’s conditions affected performance, with Sawe finishing 1:40 behind the world record.

Sawe commented on his performance post-race, stating, “It was hard, but I gave my best. I was well-prepared and enjoyed the atmosphere in Berlin. I hope to improve next year.”

Women’s Race Highlights

On the women’s side, Rosemary Wanjiru emerged victorious, clocking in at 2:21:05. This win marks a significant milestone as she became the first Kenyan woman to win the event since 2018. She opened a commanding lead after 25 kilometers and managed to fend off Ethiopian contender Dera Dida by just three seconds.

Celebrity Participation and Community Spirit

The marathon wasn’t just about elite athletes. Over 55,000 participants, including celebrities like former footballers André Schürrle and Felix Kroos, along with pop star Harry Styles, took to the streets for their own personal challenges.

This year’s event was kickstarted by Berlin’s Mayor Kai Wegner, who signaled the start with a big red button, setting off cheers from the hundreds of thousands of spectators lining the route.

Participants enjoyed the support of numerous volunteers who distributed refreshments, including 120,000 bananas and 1.25 million cups of water, ensuring that runners stayed energized throughout the course.

Marathon Route Overview

The marathon began at the historic Brandenburg Gate, leading participants through the scenic Tiergarten and into various vibrant districts including Moabit and Neukölln before concluding back at the iconic finish line at Unter den Linden boulevard.

Conclusion

The Berlin Marathon once again proved to be an extraordinary event, showcasing not only elite performances but also the spirit of community and participation. With Kenya’s double win, the stage is set for even more exhilarating competitions in the future.

Published: 2025-09-21 11:41:00 | Source: www.dw.com