Sawe Withdraws from Berlin Marathon Due to Injury

Sabastian Sawe, the marathon world record holder, has withdrawn from the Berlin Marathon due to an injury, denying him a bid to defend his title on September 27. The Kenyan, who smashed the sub-two-hour barrier with a 1:59:30 in London this April, had hoped to build on that achievement in Berlin, one of the sport’s fastest courses. Race organizers confirmed his absence, noting they would have liked to see him compete but wishing him a speedy recovery. Sawe has not disclosed the nature of the injury or a timeline for his return, and his withdrawal opens the men’s field while the women’s race will still feature Ethiopian star Tigst Assefa. His decision ends a season in which he had pursued a potential milestone after his historic London run, underscoring ongoing concerns about injuries in elite distance running. Sawe’s exit also leaves Berlin as a key stop in a calendar of major marathons where he had previously secured wins in London and Berlin.