BERLIN MARATHON: KENYANS DOMINATE IN HUMID CONDITIONS
BERLIN, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 21, 2025
Kenya celebrated a double triumph in the 51st Berlin Marathon on Sunday, with first-place finishes in both the men's and women's races. Sabastian Sawe, a 29-year-old Kenyan athlete, crossed the finish line in 2:02:15 to win the men's title, while Rosemary Wanjiru secured the women's victory with a time of 2:21:05.
The performances were notable, given Berlin's reputation as one of the fastest marathon routes on the world circuit. However, both times fell short of world-record pace, attributed to the unusually humid late-summer conditions in the German capital. Temperatures ranged from 23-29C (73-84F) during the event.
"It was hard but I gave my best and I'm happy about my performance," Sawe told Germany's RTL network after finishing ahead of Japan's Akira Akasaki in second (2:06:15) and Ethiopia's Chimdessa Debele (2:06:57). "I felt good. You can't change the weather, of course. I was well prepared and I'm just pleased."
The Kenyan dominance in Berlin is part of a broader trend in international athletics. Kenya has produced numerous world-class marathon runners in recent years, with many attributing their success to the country's high-altitude training grounds and strong athletic culture.
Berlin's late-summer weather conditions presented a challenge for athletes from around the globe. "The heat was definitely a factor," said Akasaki, who finished second in the men's race. "But I'm happy with my time. It was a tough competition."
The 51st Berlin Marathon drew thousands of runners and spectators to the German capital. The event is considered one of the premier marathons on the world circuit, attracting top athletes from over 100 countries.
As the athletic community looks ahead to future competitions, the performances in Berlin will likely be analyzed for insights into training methods and strategies. For now, Kenya's double triumph serves as a testament to the country's continued dominance in long-distance running.
In related news, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has announced plans to introduce new heat management protocols for future marathons, in light of the challenging conditions faced by athletes in Berlin. The move aims to ensure athlete safety and fairness in competitions worldwide.
*Reporting by Dw.*
