Assefa returns to Berlin targeting a new personal best
Tigst Assefa returns on 27 September to the course where she ran 2:11:53 in 2023. Seven women in the field have broken 2:20.
Events: 27 Sept 2026
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Tigst Assefa returns to the Berlin Marathon on Sunday, 27 September, on the course where she ran a world record of 2:11:53 in 2023. In World Athletics’ 24 September preview, the 29-year-old Ethiopian said she wants to improve her personal best.
A field of record depth
Seven women on the start list have personal bests under 2:20. Assefa’s main rivals include defending Kenyan champion Rosemary Wanjiru and Ethiopia’s Dera Dida, last year’s runner-up. Assefa last raced in April, winning the London Marathon in a women-only world record of 2:15:41.
Gabriel Geay, Guye Adola, Shura Kitata and Getaneh Molla are among the leading contenders in the men’s race. The organiser’s official website lists the race for 27 September. More running coverage is available in BSR’s athletics archive.
