World record holder Sabastian Sawe has withdrawn from the 2026 Berlin Marathon after suffering an injury that enables him not to defend his title again.
“It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you that I am forced to withdraw from the Berlin Marathon due to injury,” Sawe wrote on Instagram.
He was looking to achieve the best in Berlin having broken the world record in 2025 at 1:59.30 despite heat and humidity, finding himself alone at the front without a pacemaker from the 24- kilometre mark.
“I had been looking forward to achieving something special on the streets of Berlin and crossing the finish line at the Brandenburg Gate,” he added.
Sawe has not disclosed the nature of his injury. The Berlin Marathon will take place on September 27, with the start and finish located at the Brandenburg Gate.
The marathon is expected to have 55,000 runners to participating, with Rosemary Wanjiru also expected in the marathon as she holds the fastest personal best at 2:16.14, while the elite field had been set to feature Sawe alongside women’s world record holder Tigst Assefa.