The Ethiopian Tigist Assefa ran to a fabulous world record in the marathon in Berlin. The 29-year-old last year’s winner won on Sunday in 2:11:53 hours and was more than two minutes below Brigid Kosgei’s previous record. The Kenyan ran 2:14:04 hours in Chicago in 2019.
Assefa had set the Berlin course record last year to 2:15:37 hours and had thus moved into the world elite over the 42.195 kilometers. This time, also supported by modern shoe technology, she ran on a record course from the start in perfect external conditions and broke away early in a race that was super fast, even across the board.
With initially 14 degrees and later sunny skies, the favorite appeared relaxed at all times on the flat capital city course and was even able to sprint at the end. The last women’s world record in Berlin was set by the Japanese Naoko Takahashi in 2001; 22 years ago she was the first athlete to stay under 2:20 hours in 2:19:46 hours.
Kipchoge clearly missed the world record
Eliud Kipchoge was the first runner to win the Berlin Marathon for the fifth time, but clearly missed another world record. The 38-year-old Kenyan won in 2:02:42 hours ahead of his compatriot Vincent Kipkemoi and the Ethiopian Tadese Takele. Kipkemoi crossed the finish line in 2:03:13 hours, Takele ran 2:03:24 hours. Amanal Petros beat his German record in ninth place in 2:04:58 hours. The 28-year-old ran the 42.195 kilometers in Valencia on December 5, 2021 in 2:06:27.
Last year, Kipchoge set the valid world record in 2:01:09 hours. Initially, the two-time Olympic champion was once again on course for a record, but was unable to maintain the high pace in perfect running conditions. At least he saved the success from the approaching pursuers to the finish and no longer has to share the number for the most victories in the German capital with the Ethiopian Haile Gebrselassie.
Shortly before the start of the race, activists from the climate protection group Last Generation tried to block the Street of June 17th. The group then claimed responsibility for the attempted disruption on the X platform, formerly Twitter.
