Sabastian Sawe will attempt to back up victory in the TCS London Marathon after signing up for the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON on September 21.
The 29-year-old Kenyan stole the show in London in April, cruising home to his first Abbott World Major Marathon win in 2:02:27, more than a minute ahead of Jacob Kiplemo.
Sawe made a statement last December when he ran 2:02:05 to win the Valencia Marathon.
“We are very pleased that Sabastian Sawe appreciates the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON and its course," said Race Director Mark Milde.
“He already proved how well he performs on the capital’s asphalt with his impressive victory at the 2023 GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON. One thing is certain - the race will be very exciting!”
But the prodigious talent will need to be at his best to win in Berlin.
Returning to defend the title he won last year is Ethiopian Milkesa Mengesha, who ran a personal best of 2:03:17.
Joining the field is Gabriel Geay, the Tanzanian marathon record holder. The 28-year-old ran 2:03:00 in Valencia three years ago, finishing second.
The women’s field also features several elite runners. Rosemary Wanjiru returns to the German capital, where her impressive marathon career began in 2022.
The Kenyan finished second in Berlin with a time of 2:18:00 on her debut. Six months later, she won the Tokyo Marathon, and in 2024 she was runner-up there with her current personal best of 2:16:14.
Another standout athlete is Degitu Azimeraw, who has already run well under 2:20:00 multiple times. The 24-year-old Ethiopian delivered her best performance to date in London in 2021, surprising with a second-place finish in 2:17:58.
Mestawut Fikir, also from Ethiopia, is returning to the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON as well. After winning her marathon debut in Paris last year, the 25-year-old improved her time in Berlin, finishing second in 2:18:48.
