Kenya’s marathon world record holder Sebastian Sawe has withdrawn from the Berlin Marathon scheduled for September 27 due to an injury, according to multiple reports. The 31-year-old defending champion confirmed the news on Instagram on Thursday, without disclosing the nature of the injury.
Sawe had been expected to make his first competitive appearance since his historic run at the London Marathon in April, when he became the first man to complete a record-eligible marathon in under two hours, clocking 1:59:30. He also won last year’s Berlin Marathon in 2:02:16, making his absence a significant blow to the men’s field.
In his announcement, Sawe expressed disappointment at having to withdraw, saying, “It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you that I am forced to withdraw from the Berlin Marathon due to injury.” He added that he had been looking forward to achieving something special on the streets of Berlin. He thanked organisers and fans for their support.
The Berlin Marathon is known for its flat course, which has made it a favourite for record attempts. Sawe’s withdrawal leaves the men’s race wide open.
Meanwhile, Ethiopian runner Yomif Kejelcha is set to compete in the Valencia Marathon on December 6, a race also known for its fast course. Kejelcha was the second man to run a marathon in under two hours, finishing 11 seconds behind Sawe in London. On Sunday, he broke the world half-marathon record with a time of 56:51.
The women’s event at the Berlin Marathon is set to feature Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa, who recently set a new women’s marathon world record in London.
Sawe received a hero’s welcome in Kenya after his record-breaking run in London, with fans thronging the airport in Nairobi and the country’s president giving him cash and a car.