The next generation of marathon runners is set to shine at Sunday’s Berlin Marathon, as the event proceeds without some of its biggest stars, including Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge and Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa, the women’s world record holder.
With many of the top marathoners sitting out due to the recent Paris Olympics, this year’s race promises to be wide open, offering rising talents a chance to make their mark. Kenyan Kibiwott Kandie and Ethiopian Tadese Takele lead the men’s field, while Tigist Ketema, training partner to Assefa, is a favorite in the women’s race.
Berlin’s renowned marathon conditions, which have produced 13 world records over its 50-year history, make it the perfect stage for fast performances. In recent years, Kipchoge set the men’s world record in 2022, and Assefa shattered the women’s mark in 2023.
Although Kipchoge’s dominance in Berlin – with five wins since 2015 – may be nearing its end, the 39-year-old is not ready to bow out just yet. He hinted in a recent interview that he still aims to inspire and run fast for a while longer. However, his absence opens the door for fresh talent to emerge.
Five men in Sunday’s race have clocked marathon times under 2:05, ensuring a highly competitive race. Takele, just 22, has the fastest time in the field at 2:03:24, which he set last year in Berlin. Meanwhile, Kandie, a former half-marathon world record holder, is also expected to challenge for the top spot.
In the women’s race, Ketema, 26, who debuted with an impressive 2:16:07 marathon time, is poised for another strong performance. Ethiopian Genzebe Dibaba, the 2014 Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year, will also be in contention, aiming to improve on her personal best of 2:18:05.
Berlin’s flat, fast course and mild September weather make it ideal for record-setting performances, and while a new world record may not be guaranteed, the stage is set for the next wave of marathon stars to take center stage.
Ennywealth
