Eilish McColgan smashes British record in Berlin

The 32-year-old Scot improved her own national record time of 1:06:26 by 43 seconds and established a European lead. With around five kilometers to go Eilish McColgan, who will run her marathon debut in London later this month, overtook the leading Tsigie Gebreselama. The silver medallist from the World Cross Country Championships finished second in 1:06:13 while fellow Ethiopian Yalemget Yaregal took third in 1:06:27. Deborah Schöneborn, who competes for Marathon Team Berlin, was the fastest German with a time of 1:12:12.

The fastest runner on the start list was the winner at Brandenburg Gate: Sabastian Sawe finished in a strong 59:00 while fellow-Kenyan and defending champion Alex Kibet was second with 59:11. Surprisingly a pacemaker finished in third place: Bravin Kiprop of Kenya crossed the line in 59:22. Samuel Fitwi was the fasest German runner with a personal best of 1:01:44.

A total of 35,515 athletes from 131 countries entered the 42nd edition of the Generali Berlin Half Marathon. 34,458 runners competed in the half marathon, making it one of the world’s biggest races over this distance.

Like last year, there was a German double victory in the skaters, each won in the final sprint. Felix Rijhnen (Powerslide World Team) finished first in the men’s race (30:53 minutes), Josie Hofmann (Powerslide World Team) won the women’s race in 36:58 minutes.