Kenya stamped its authority on long-distance running once again with a remarkable clean sweep at the 2025 Berlin Marathon.
Sabastian Sawe stormed to victory in the men’s race, while Rosemary Wanjiru powered to triumph in the women’s category, sealing a memorable double for the East African nation.
Sawe, 30, crossed the finish line in an impressive time of 2:02:16, extending his flawless record to three wins in three marathons. Already the champion of this year’s London Marathon, the Kenyan set a blistering pace in Berlin, pulling away early and running much of the race in the company of only his pacesetters.
Japan’s Akasaki Akira, who mounted a strong surge in the latter stages, claimed second place almost four minutes adrift, while Ethiopia’s Chimdessa Debele settled for third.
“I did my best and I am happy for this performance,” Sawe said afterwards. “I am so happy for this year. I felt well, but you cannot change the weather. Next year will be better.”
The Kenyan appeared to be chasing Kelvin Kiptum’s 2023 world record of 2:00:35 when he passed the halfway mark in 1:00:12. But despite the fast start, his pace tapered off in the closing stages.
