Sub-Two-Hour Marathon King, Sawe, Sets Sights on Berlin Title Defence
Sub-Two-Hour Marathon King, Sawe, Sets Sights on Berlin Title Defence
Kenyan long-distance sensation, Sabastian Sawe, the man who stunned the athletics world by breaking the marathon time barrier, is set to return to action at the Berlin Marathon this September as he aims to defend his crown.
The 31-year-old runner, who made global headlines after clocking a historic 1:59:30 at the London Marathon in April, will line up in Berlin on September 27, race organisers confirmed on Wednesday.
Sawe’s record-shattering performance in London – achieved with the aid of a new generation of “super shoes” – made him the first athlete ever recorded to complete a marathon in under two hours, rewriting endurance running history.
The Kenyan star also won last year’s Berlin Marathon in 2:02:16, despite tough conditions marked by heat and humidity in the German capital.
Berlin, known for its fast and flat course that has produced multiple world records, is now set for another high-stakes showdown as Sawe returns with even bigger expectations.
Speaking ahead of the race, Sawe expressed excitement about defending his title, while keeping his ambitions measured.
“I am very happy to return to the Berlin Marathon this year and to defend my title,” he said in a statement released by organisers.
He added that while fans may be speculating about another record-breaking run, his focus remains on preparation and performance on race day.
“After coming off my win in London and sub-2 performance, I can only say that, like always, I plan to prepare myself to the best of my ability and to come to Berlin to honour this great event… then on the day we will see what will happen,” he said.
Sawe’s return sets the stage for what could be another defining moment in marathon history when the world’s fastest man hits the streets of Berlin.
