The 52nd Berlin Marathon took place on Sunday, with Ethiopian athletes dominating the elite field. Tigst Assefa won the women's race in a course-record 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 4 seconds. The 29-year-old had targeted a world record but fell short, despite maintaining a strong pace throughout the second half of the race. Assefa was supported by several pacemakers, quickly pulling clear of her rivals to build a commanding advantage.
Assefa's challenge for the world record ended shortly before the finish as physical problems forced her to slow sharply. Nevertheless, she crossed the line in 2:11:04, lowering the Berlin course record and recording the third-fastest women's marathon time in history. This was Assefa's third victory in the German capital, following wins in 2022 and 2023. Her previous performance in Berlin in 2023 was a world record, but it was later broken by Ruth Chepngetich in Chicago in 2024.
Ethiopia swept the women's podium, with Bedatu Hirpa finishing second in 2:16:53 and Dera Dida taking third in 2:16:55. The men's race saw Guye Adola complete Ethiopia's double by winning in a personal-best 2:02:50. The 35-year-old, the oldest athlete in the men's elite field, claimed his second Berlin Marathon title after previously winning in 2021.
Fellow Ethiopian Gemechu Dida Diriba finished second in the men's race in 2:03:19, while Tanzania's Gabriel Gerald Geay was third in 2:03:59. Haftom Welday was the fastest German man, finishing in 2:08:25. In the women's race, Esther Pfeiffer abandoned her attempt to challenge the German record before the 15-kilometer mark.
A total of 56,187 runners registered for the 42.195-kilometer race, which took place in near-ideal running conditions. The elite field started in temperatures of around 13 degrees Celsius. The Berlin Marathon is one of the most prestigious marathons in the world, attracting top athletes from around the globe.
Assefa's performance cemented her position as one of the top marathon runners in the world. Her third victory in Berlin is a testament to her endurance and skill. Adola's win in the men's race marked a successful return to the top for the 35-year-old, who has now won two Berlin Marathon titles.
The 52nd Berlin Marathon was a successful event, with athletes from around the world competing in ideal conditions. The marathon will look to build on this success in future years, continuing to attract top athletes and providing a platform for runners to achieve their personal bests.
Key points
- Tigst Assefa won the women's race in a course-record 2:11:04.
- Guye Adola won the men's race in a personal-best 2:02:50.
- Ethiopia swept the women's podium, with Bedatu Hirpa finishing second and Dera Dida taking third.
