Sabastian Sawe confirms Berlin Marathon return after historic record
Kenyan world record holder Sabastian Sawe has confirmed he will defend his Berlin Marathon title on 27 September following his unprecedented sub-two-hour finish in London.
The 31-year-old made athletics history last month by completing the London Marathon in a groundbreaking one hour, 59 minutes and 30 seconds.
He will now return to competitive action in the German capital to race on what is widely considered one of the fastest marathon courses on the planet.
Targeting another historic milestone
The famously flat Berlin route provides optimal conditions for record-breaking performances in global endurance running.
An incredible nine men’s world records were established at the prestigious European event between 1998 and 2022.
The pioneering distance runner previously conquered the Berlin race in two hours, two minutes and 16 seconds, despite battling energy-sapping temperatures up to 25 degrees.
“After my victory in London and my sub-two-hour performance, I can only say that I will – as always – prepare as well as possible,” Sawe stated.
“[I will] come to Berlin to honour this great event and the organisation that invited me, and aim to run as well and as fast as I can.”
Following in legendary footsteps
Fellow compatriot Eliud Kipchoge currently retains the official course record in the German metropolis.
The revered Olympic champion clocked a staggering 2:01:09 during the 2022 edition to set what was then a new global standard.
The defending Berlin champion remains deeply focused yet pragmatic about his chances of producing another monumental time on the asphalt.
“We’ll see what happens on race day,” he added.
Organisers are preparing for a spectacular showcase, expecting nearly 60,000 athletes from 160 different countries to line up at the start.