Everything is possible, say Berlin organisers

This year, that moment becomes even more intense – with an athlete who has redefined the limits of what is possible.

And if you haven’t secured your race entry yet, participation is still within reach.

Sabastian Sawe – winner of the 2025 BMW BERLIN-MARATHON and marathon world record holder with an incredible 1:59:30 – returns to Berlin.

On September 27, you’ll share the start line with the fastest marathon runner of all time.

And while he sets the pace at the front, you follow him on the same course through Berlin. His world record writes history. Together, you continue the story.

Sabastian Sawe also competed in last year’s BMW BERLIN-MARATHON. Despite warm conditions with temperatures reaching up to 25 degrees Celsius, the Kenyan achieved what was then the ninth-fastest marathon time ever recorded. It was described as a “warm-weather world record.” With a world-leading time of 2:02:16 hours, he won the 2025 race in Berlin.

This year, Sawe set a new world record at the London Marathon with a time of 1:59:30 hours. Never before had a human being completed the official marathon distance of 42.195 kilometers in under two hours during an official competition. While still in London, the Kenyan hinted in a conversation with Race Director Mark Milde that he intended to return to Berlin. Now, Sebastian Sawe has officially announced his return to Berlin.

He said: “I am very happy to return to BMW BERLIN-MARATHON this year and to defend my title. Many people may be wondering what my goals are this time round. After coming off my win in London and sub-2 performance, I can only say that, like always, I plan to prepare myself to the best of my ability and to come to Berlin to honor this great event and organization which have invited me, and to run as well and fast as possible. Then on the day we will see what will happen. I look at again experiencing the fantastic atmosphere and crowds that line the course.”