The athletics spotlight may be firmly on the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25, but as the summer season winds down, distance running fans are turning their attention to the autumn road racing calendar. At the center of it all is the Berlin Marathon, the fastest of the World Marathon Majors and a race renowned for producing world records.

This year marks the 51st edition of the Berlin Marathon, set for Sunday, 21 September 2025, and the elite fields promise high drama, with East African stars headlining both the men’s and women’s races.

Men’s Elite Race: Sawe Leads the Pack

Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe may be a relative newcomer with just two marathons under his belt, but his reputation as a rising star makes him the headline act this year. Known for his powerful closing speed, Sawe will be looking to make a statement in Berlin, where the flat and fast course has historically favored bold front-runners.

He won’t have it easy, though. The men’s field also features:

• Milkesa Mengesha (Ethiopia) – The defending champion, looking to defend his crown and build on his impressive Berlin legacy.

• Gabriel Geay (Tanzania) – The Tanzanian national record holder, whose experience on the global stage makes him a serious contender.

With such a high-caliber lineup, the men’s race could be both tactical and blisteringly fast.

Women’s Elite Race: Familiar Names Return

The women’s race brings together athletes with unfinished business in Berlin. Two former runners-up will look to finally claim victory:

• Mestawut Fikir (Ethiopia) – Determined to turn her past near misses into a breakthrough win.

• Rosemary Wanjiru (Kenya) – Returning to the very course where she made her marathon debut, Wanjiru is eager to rewrite her Berlin story and contend for the title.

Both athletes are proven performers at the highest level, ensuring a tightly fought contest.

Why Berlin Matters

The Berlin Marathon has long been known as the fastest of the World Marathon Majors. Its pancake-flat course and cool autumn conditions have been the backdrop for numerous world records, including some of the most iconic moments in marathon history. With the 2025 race set just weeks after the World Championships, Berlin offers another chance for athletes to showcase their form — and perhaps chase record times.

Schedule and Where to Watch

• Date: Sunday, 21 September 2025

• Location: Berlin, Germany

• Broadcast: Coverage will be available globally via sports networks and live streaming platforms (official broadcast partners to be confirmed closer to race day).

Fans worldwide can follow live updates, splits, and results through the official Berlin Marathon website and app, ensuring no one misses a moment of the action.

Guide to the 2025 Berlin Marathon

As the anticipation builds, here is everything you need to know to follow all the action from the 2025 Berlin Marathon.

• Who to Watch: The men’s race features Sebastian Sawe (KEN), Milkesa Mengesha (ETH), and Gabriel Geay (TAN). The women’s race will be fiercely contested by Mestawut Fikir (ETH) and Rosemary Wanjiru (KEN).

• Date: Sunday, 21 September 2025.

• Where to Watch: The event is typically broadcast globally through various sports networks and streaming services. Check local listings for official broadcast partners in your region for live coverage and highlights.

Where to Watch:

The Berlin Marathon is one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors and is broadcast globally. Broadcast rights vary by country, but viewers can typically find coverage on the following platforms:

• United Kingdom: BBC, Eurosport
• Europe: Eurosport
• Kenya: NTV
• Australia: FloTrack
• Global: Check the official BMW Berlin Marathon website for a comprehensive list of international broadcast partners closer to race day.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Berlin Marathon is shaping up to be a showdown of established champions and hungry newcomers. With Sabastian Sawe leading the men’s race, and Mestawut Fikir and Rosemary Wanjiru headlining the women’s field, fans can expect a thrilling spectacle on the streets of the German capital.

As the marathon season kicks into gear, Berlin once again stands as the race where legends are made — and records are broken.