Marathon Withdrawal
Marathon World Record Holder Sabastian Sawe Withdraws From Berlin Marathon Due to Injury
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Key Points
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Sawe highlighted his commitment to clean sport, saying he had undergone an intensive drug-testing programme to 'show the world that we can run clean and also run fast.'
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Sawe trains with a strong group including Benson Kipruto and Amos Kipruto, underscoring the lineup of competitors and teammates around him as he prepared for Berlin.
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Sawe boasted a perfect major-marathon record entering Berlin, having four wins from as many major marathons, signaling dominance across the World Marathon Majors before his withdrawal.
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Berlin race director Mark Milde expressed disappointment at Sawe's withdrawal and extended wishes for his recovery, underscoring the race's value but acceptance of the decision.
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Berlin’s status as one of the fastest and most record-laden marathon courses is highlighted in context of Sawe’s withdrawal, reinforcing the significance of his absence for the race's history.
Sabastian Sawe, the marathon world record holder, has withdrawn from the Berlin Marathon on September 27 due to injury. The 31-year-old Kenyan NBC Sports who shattered the two-hour barrier with a 1:59:30 run in London this April France24 will not defend his Berlin title, opening the men's field at one of the sport's fastest courses.
Sawe has not disclosed the injury's nature or his expected return date RFI. Race organizers said they wanted to see him compete but wished him a speedy recovery The Kenya Times. The withdrawal marks his first absence from competition since his historic sub-two-hour achievement Morning Chronicle.
Historic Record Run in London Changed Marathon Forever
Sawe became the first marathoner ever to break two hours when he ran 1:59:30 in London this April NBC Sports. The breakthrough moment put him at the pinnacle of distance running and raised expectations for Berlin. He was training with elite teammates including Benson Kipruto and Amos Kipruto to prepare for a dominant season The Kenya Times.
Berlin Marathon Loses Its Champion Defender
Sawe held a perfect record at major marathons, winning all four World Marathon Majors he entered before withdrawing The Kenya Times. Berlin was one of his previous victories. He had planned to defend his title at one of sport's fastest and most record-breaking courses France24. His absence now reshapes the men's competitive field entirely.
Injury Timeline Remains Unclear for Elite Runner
Sawe provided no details about his injury or when he might return to racing RFI. Race director Mark Milde expressed disappointment at the withdrawal The Kenya Times but acknowledged the decision. The injury ends what many hoped would be a season of continued dominance and possibly additional records.
Ethiopian Star Assefa Carries Women's Race Forward
While Sawe's absence weakens the men's field, Ethiopia's Tigst Assefa will still compete in the women's race on September 27 NBC Sports. Her presence highlights the women's division's strength even as the men's event loses its dominant champion. Berlin remains one of marathon sport's premier events despite the high-profile withdrawal.
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