Hamburg Marathon: Samuel Fitwi Makes History as First German Podium Finisher in 27 Years

HAMBURG — The 40th edition of the Haspa Marathon Hamburg delivered record-breaking performances on Sunday, but none resonated louder than Samuel Fitwi’s silver-medal finish. The 30-year-old became the first German man to stand on the Hamburg Marathon podium since 1999, clocking a personal best of 2:04:45 hours and setting a new benchmark for German marathon running.

Fitwi’s Breakthrough: A Race for the Record Books

Fitwi, representing Silvesterlauf Trier, entered the race as Germany’s second-fastest marathoner ever, trailing only Amanal Petros’ national record of 2:04:03 set in Valencia last December. Although he fell 42 seconds short of Petros’ mark, his 2:04:45 time is now the second-fastest ever run by a German athlete—an improvement of 11 seconds on his own 2024 Valencia performance (2:04:56).

The race unfolded under ideal conditions, with temperatures hovering in the low 50s (°F) and minimal wind. Fitwi’s strategy was aggressive from the start, matching the pace of eventual winner Othmane El Goumri of Morocco. The two pulled away from the pack after the 5K mark, with El Goumri surging ahead in the final kilometers to claim victory in 2:04:24—a new Moroccan national record. Fitwi held on for second place, finishing just 21 seconds behind the champion.

“I’m exceptionally, very happy,” Fitwi told NDR after the race, draped in a German flag. “The weather cooperated, the crowd was incredible, and the city is amazing. Tonight, we’re definitely celebrating.”

Germany’s Marathon Renaissance

Fitwi’s podium finish marks a milestone for German distance running. The last German to finish in the top three at the Hamburg Marathon was Carsten Eich, who also took second place in 1999. Before that, Jörg Peter’s 1991 victory stood as the lone German triumph in the race’s history. Fitwi’s achievement is part of a broader resurgence in German marathon performance, following Petros’ record-breaking run and Aaron Bienenfeld’s standout debut in Hamburg (2:08:47, 16th place)—the fastest first-time marathon by a German athlete.

“What we have is a huge moment for German marathon running,” said Fitwi. “To be part of this group of athletes pushing the limits is an honor.”

Kipkoech’s Record Run Steals the Show

While Fitwi’s performance captivated the home crowd, Kenyan runner Brillian Kipkoech delivered the most dominant performance of the day. The 26-year-old shattered the Hamburg Marathon women’s course record by 18 seconds, crossing the finish line in 2:17:05. Her time was nearly seven minutes faster than her previous personal best and the fastest ever recorded on German soil.

“I didn’t expect to run this fast,” Kipkoech said post-race. “The pacemakers were perfect, and I just tried to stay with them. The crowd gave me so much energy.”

Kipkoech’s victory was part of a Kenyan sweep of the women’s podium. Rebecca Tanui (2:18:25) and Ethiopian Kasanesh Ayenew (2:19:39) rounded out the top three. Germany’s top female finisher, Tabea Themann, placed eighth in 2:30:32.

The Numbers Behind the Race

• 20,000: Runners registered for the marathon, a record for the event.
• 46,000: Total participants across all races (marathon, half-marathon, and relays).
• 2:04:24: Othmane El Goumri’s winning time and new Moroccan national record.
• 2:04:45: Samuel Fitwi’s personal best and second-fastest time by a German athlete.
• 2:17:05: Brillian Kipkoech’s course record in the women’s race.

What’s Next for Fitwi and German Marathon Running?

Fitwi’s breakthrough comes at a pivotal time for German distance running. With the 2026 European Athletics Championships in Birmingham on the horizon and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles looming, Fitwi’s performance positions him as a strong contender for Germany’s marathon team. His next race has not been officially announced, but insiders suggest he may target the Berlin Marathon in September to challenge Petros’ national record.

For now, Fitwi’s focus is on recovery, and reflection. “This was a dream reach true,” he said. “But I know I can run even faster.”

Key Takeaways

• Samuel Fitwi became the first German to finish on the Hamburg Marathon podium since 1999, securing second place in 2:04:45.
• Othmane El Goumri won the race in 2:04:24, setting a new Moroccan national record.
• Brillian Kipkoech broke the women’s course record with a time of 2:17:05, the fastest marathon ever run by a woman in Germany.
• Aaron Bienenfeld set a German debut marathon record with a 2:08:47 finish (16th place).
• The event drew a record 46,000 participants across all races.

How to Follow the Story

For official updates on Samuel Fitwi and German marathon running, follow:

• German Athletics Federation (DLV)
• Haspa Marathon Hamburg
• Samuel Fitwi on Instagram

What do you think of Fitwi’s historic performance? Will he break the German marathon record next? Share your thoughts in the comments below.