Quote from Alex bobby on September 22, 2025, 4:10 AM

Kenya’s Sawe and Wanjiru Dominate Berlin Marathon with Stunning Victories

The streets of Berlin once again witnessed long-distance running excellence as Kenya cemented its dominance on the global marathon stage. In a remarkable display of endurance and tactical brilliance, Sabastian Sawe and Rosemary Wanjiru captured the men’s and women’s titles at the 2025 Berlin Marathon, giving Kenya a clean sweep of the podium’s top honours.

Sawe Extends Perfect Marathon Record

Sabastian Sawe, 30, has quickly established himself as one of the brightest stars in marathon running. On Sunday, he crossed the finish line in 2:02:16, claiming his third consecutive marathon victory after earlier triumphs in Valencia and London.

“I did my best and I am happy for this performance,” Sawe said afterward, smiling broadly as fans cheered along the finish line near the Brandenburg Gate. “I am so happy for this year. I felt well but you cannot change the weather. Next year will be better.”

From the very start, Sawe signalled his intent. He reached the halfway mark in an astonishing 1:00:12, putting him on track to challenge Kelvin Kiptum’s 2023 world record of 2:00:35. However, the gruelling pace and less-than-ideal race conditions took their toll in the final stages, and Sawe faded slightly.

Still, his dominance was unquestionable. Japan’s Akasaki Akira surged late in the race to take second, finishing nearly four minutes behind, while Ethiopia’s Chimdessa Debele secured third place. Sawe, though, was never seriously challenged. For much of the course, he ran with only his pacesetters for company, an indication of just how far ahead he was.

His win underscores Kenya’s tradition of producing world-class marathoners — a tradition Sawe is now carrying forward. Already, whispers of him being the heir to Eliud Kipchoge’s marathon legacy have begun.

Wanjiru Powers to Women’s Victory

The women’s race offered drama and a thrilling head-to-head battle. Kenya’s Rosemary Wanjiru broke free from a tightly packed lead group after the 25-kilometer mark and never looked back. She clocked 2:21:05 to claim victory, edging out Ethiopia’s Dera Dida, who finished just three seconds behind. Ethiopia’s Azmera Gebru rounded out the podium in third with a time of 2:21:29.

For Wanjiru, the win marks a major milestone in her career. Known for her strong finishes, she timed her surge perfectly, gradually wearing down her competitors before pulling away in the final kilometres.

“I wanted to stay patient and then push when the time was right,” Wanjiru explained after the race. Her strategy paid off as she secured one of the most prestigious titles in marathon running.

Her finishing time, however, was 12 minutes slower than Ruth Chepng’etich’s world record of 2:09:56 set in Chicago in 2024. While Wanjiru admitted she had hoped for a faster result, the tactical nature of the race and the competition’s intensity made the win even sweeter.

A Testament to Kenya’s Depth

Kenya’s double triumph in Berlin highlights the nation’s unmatched depth in marathon talent. For decades, Kenyan athletes have dominated long-distance running, and Sunday’s results reinforced their global reputation.

Berlin has historically been a stage for record-breaking performances — from Haile Gebrselassie to Kipchoge, the course is known as one of the fastest in the world. While records did not fall this year, the Kenyan sweep was a reminder of the country’s enduring excellence.

The World Record Chase

Much of the pre-race hype centred on whether Sawe could break Kelvin Kiptum’s record of 2:00:35. With his halfway split of 1:00:12, hopes were high. But even the most elite runners must reckon with fatigue and weather conditions. By the final stretch, Sawe was focused on securing victory rather than chasing history.

Still, his performance placed him among the top 10 fastest marathon times ever recorded, a remarkable achievement considering it was only his third marathon. His steady rise suggests that, with more experience, a serious world record attempt is on the horizon.

Global Competition Rising

The Berlin Marathon also underscored the increasing diversity of global marathon talent. Japan’s Akasaki Akira delivered an impressive performance to take second place in the men’s race. His strong finishing kick demonstrated Asia’s growing presence in the sport, a trend that could reshape the future of marathon competition.

Meanwhile, Ethiopia once again proved itself as Kenya’s fiercest rival. With Dida and Gebru pushing Wanjiru to the wire, the women’s race reminded fans of the intense East African rivalry that has long defined long-distance running.

Reflections and Looking Ahead

For both Kenyan champions, Berlin represented more than just another win. For Sawe, it was confirmation that he belongs at the very top of the sport. With three consecutive wins, including the London Marathon earlier this year, his name is now firmly etched among the elite. For Wanjiru, the victory marked her arrival as a serious global contender, capable of withstanding Ethiopian pressure and executing her race plan to perfection.

Looking ahead, attention will inevitably turn to whether Sawe can challenge Kiptum’s world record in future races. Given his aggressive pacing and unbroken winning streak, many believe it’s only a matter of time before he makes history.

For Wanjiru, the next challenge will be to lower her time closer to the record books. With the women’s marathon world record dipping under 2:10, the bar has been raised dramatically. But her composure and tactical intelligence suggest she is more than capable of rising to that challenge.

Looking Forward

All eyes will now turn to the next major races on the marathon calendar, where both Sabastian Sawe and Rosemary Wanjiru are expected to return stronger. Sawe’s blistering first half in Berlin proved that Kelvin Kiptum’s world record is within touching distance, and many expect him to mount a serious challenge in 2026. For Wanjiru, her Berlin triumph establishes her as a major contender for global titles, and with further refinement, she could push closer to the sub-2:15 barrier.

Kenya’s dominance in Berlin may well be a preview of what’s to come — a new era of marathon excellence where athletes are not only winning but also chasing history.

Final Thoughts

Kenya’s clean sweep in Berlin through Sabastian Sawe and Rosemary Wanjiru is more than a victory — it’s a continuation of a proud tradition in distance running. Sawe’s near-record pace and Wanjiru’s perfectly timed surge showcased not only individual brilliance but also the remarkable depth of Kenyan talent on the world stage.

While the records stood firm this year, the performances hinted at even greater achievements to come. For Sawe, the world record remains within reach, and for Wanjiru, her victory signals the rise of a new force in women’s marathoning. Berlin 2025 reminded the world why marathon running continues to inspire: its about endurance, strategy, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

Conclusion

The 2025 Berlin Marathon was not just another race — it was a statement. With Sebastian Sawe and Rosemary Wanjiru claiming emphatic victories, Kenya once again reminded the world of its supremacy in marathon running. While the world records remain intact, the performances in Berlin signal that new chapters in long-distance history are waiting to be written.

As Sawe reflected on his victory, he summed up the spirit of the day: “I am happy for this performance. Next year will be better.” For Kenya’s marathoners, “better” often means faster, stronger, and even more dominant — and the world will be watching.

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Kenya swept the 2025 Berlin Marathon as Sabastian Sawe won the men’s race in 2:02:16 and Rosemary Wanjiru claimed the women’s crown in 2:21:05, showcasing Kenyan dominance on the world stage.