**Kenya’s World Record Holder Sawe Withdraws from Berlin Marathon Due to Injury**
Kenyan marathon runner Sebastian Sawe, renowned for being the first athlete to break the two-hour barrier in marathon history, has announced his withdrawal from the upcoming Berlin Marathon due to an unspecified injury. The announcement was made via his Instagram account on August 27, 2026, just weeks before the race scheduled for September 27.
Sawe, 31, achieved a historic milestone in April 2026 when he completed the London Marathon in a record-breaking time of 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 30 seconds. This remarkable feat not only secured him a victory in London but also placed him in the annals of sports history as the first man to officially finish a marathon in under two hours.
In his statement regarding the withdrawal, Sawe expressed his disappointment, stating, “It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you that I am forced to withdraw from the Berlin Marathon due to injury.” While he did not elaborate on the specifics of his injury, he conveyed his eagerness to compete, saying he had been looking forward to achieving something special on the streets of Berlin.
The Berlin Marathon is renowned for its flat course, making it a popular venue for runners aiming to set new records. Sawe previously won the Berlin Marathon in 2025, finishing with a time of 2:02:16 despite challenging conditions, including heat and humidity. During that race, he faced the added challenge of running alone without a pacemaker from the 24th kilometer onward.
Sawe’s world record may face potential challenges in the near future, particularly on December 6, when Ethiopian runner Yomif Kejelcha is set to compete in the Valencia Marathon, another course known for its speed. Kejelcha, who finished just 11 seconds behind Sawe in London, recently made headlines by breaking the world half-marathon record with a time of 56:51.
Following his historic achievement in London, Sawe received a hero’s welcome upon returning to Kenya. Fans gathered at Nairobi's airport to celebrate his accomplishment, and he was honored by the country’s president, who presented him with cash and a car in recognition of his groundbreaking performance.
As Sawe steps back from the Berlin Marathon, the running community will be watching closely to see how his recovery progresses and whether he will return to competitive racing in the future.