Sawe’s Berlin withdrawal raises questions on marathon record durability
The absence of the world record holder from the upcoming Berlin Marathon leaves a gap in the competitive calendar, with the next potential challenge to his mark scheduled for Valencia in December.
Kenya’s Sebastian Sawe has withdrawn from the Berlin Marathon scheduled for 27 September, citing an undisclosed injury that has forced him to pull out of what was intended to be his first competitive appearance since April. The 31-year-old announced the decision on Instagram on Thursday, stating that he was forced to withdraw despite having looked forward to achieving something special on the streets of Berlin.
The Berlin race was widely anticipated as a key test for Sawe following his record-breaking performance in London, where he became the first man to break the two-hour marathon barrier with a time of 1:59:30. The very flat course in Berlin has historically made it a favourite venue for potential records, a status that was further cemented when Sawe won the 2025 edition with a time of 2:02:16.
In that previous Berlin victory, Sawe ran alone at the front from the 24th kilometre onward without a pacemaker, navigating heat and humidity to secure the win. His current withdrawal leaves the immediate future of his world record in a state of uncertainty, as the specific nature and severity of his injury have not been disclosed.
Looking ahead, the competitive landscape shifts to the Valencia Marathon on 6 December, a course also known for producing fast times. Ethiopian runner Yomif Kejelcha is set to compete in that event, presenting a potential threat to Sawe’s record. Kejelcha finished 11 seconds behind Sawe in London, making him the second man to run a marathon in less than two hours.
Kejelcha’s form remains strong, having recently broken the world half-marathon record with a time of 56:51. This recent performance adds institutional weight to the expectation that the Valencia race could be a significant moment for marathon history, even in Sawe’s absence.
The withdrawal comes shortly after Sawe returned to Kenya, where he received a hero’s welcome including cash and a car from the country’s president. While the domestic reception was celebratory, the international competitive schedule now hinges on the outcomes in Valencia.
