Ethiopian athlete Tigst Assefa came close to breaking the women's world record at the 52nd Berlin Marathon, held on September 27, 2026, in Berlin, Germany. Despite being on record pace for most of the race, Assefa finished with a time of 2:11:04, which is the third-best time in history. Her performance was impressive, but she fell short of the women's world record of 2:09:56, currently held by Ruth Chepngetich of Kenya.
Assefa's race was marked by a strong start, with her opening up a lead of 25 seconds by the 5km mark, which grew to a minute at 15km. She maintained a record pace throughout, only dropping below it around the 25km mark at the flat course's only incline, before returning to record speed. Assefa was still on track for the record at 35km, pulling 15 seconds clear of the pace needed. However, she began to struggle with a foot problem in the final kilometers.
The Ethiopian athlete's late fade meant she missed the podium ceremony, as she was receiving medical treatment at the time the honors were handed out. Despite the setback, Assefa's performance was enough to secure her third win in Berlin and break her personal best and course record of 2:11:53, set in 2023. Bedatu Hirpa finished second in 2:16:53, and Dera Dida came third in 2:16:55, making it an all-Ethiopian podium.
In the men's race, Guye Adola of Ethiopia emerged victorious, finishing with a time of 2:02:50. Adola's performance was impressive, but it was off world record pace and outside the course record of 2:01:09, set in 2022 by Eliud Kipchoge. Adola took the lead in the race at the 30-kilometer mark and emerged with a lead of almost 30 seconds when he crossed the finish line.
Adola expressed his satisfaction with his performance, stating that his goal was to hold back and see what the pacemakers did. He attributed his success to his strategy, saying it "worked wonderfully well." Adola also expressed his love for the Berlin Marathon, hinting at a possible return in the future. Gemechu Dida took second in 2:03:19, while Gabriel Geay of Tanzania finished third in 2:03:59.
The Berlin Marathon is considered one of the fastest major courses, with the world record being broken 13 times in the city. The late withdrawal of men's world record holder Sabastian Sawe meant that hopes of another world record shifted to Assefa. Despite her disappointment, Assefa's performance showcased her determination and resilience.
The women's world record remains in the possession of Ruth Chepngetich, despite her three-year doping ban handed down in 2025. Assefa's near-record performance sets her up well for future competitions, and her pledge to run "better than my best" before the race proved true.
Key points
- Tigst Assefa finished with a time of 2:11:04, narrowly missing the women's world record at the Berlin Marathon.
- Guye Adola won the men's race with a time of 2:02:50.
- The Berlin Marathon is considered one of the fastest major courses, with 13 world records broken in the city.
