Berlin Marathon: Wanjiru defends her title as Assefa targets a record
The women’s field takes centre stage on September 27. Sawe has withdrawn through injury; runners start from 08:45 Berlin time.
Events: 27 Sept 2026
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A title defence and a record attempt meet in Berlin on September 27: Rosemary Wanjiru returns after last year’s victory, while Tigst Assefa aims for another world record. The women’s race deserves its own place in your diary. Men’s defending champion Sabastian Sawe will not start because of injury. The organiser’s latest update
Different ambitions, the same finish tape
Wanjiru won in hot conditions in 2025 with 2:21:05. Assefa’s 2:11:53 in Berlin in 2023 was a world record at the time; that must not be confused with the separate women-only record category. The organiser’s field announcement also names Amane Beriso, the 2023 world champion in Budapest. Women’s elite field
When does it start?
Runners start in six waves from 08:45 on Sunday, September 27 on Straße des 17. Juni. Berlin and Budapest share the same time zone. Elite handcyclists start at 08:20 and elite wheelchair racers at 08:26; the programme is subject to change. Official start times and location
Looking for a running weekend in Hungary? Read our Budapest Marathon preview for the October 10–11 event.
