World record holder Sabastian Sawe said on Thursday that he would withdraw from next month’s Berlin Marathon due to injury, delaying a return to the road in his first race since April’s London Marathon.
“It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you that I am forced to withdraw from @berlinmarathon due to injury,” Sawe said in a message shared on social media. “I had been looking forward to achieving something special on the streets of Berlin and crossing the finish line at the Brandenburg Gate. It was also my wish to give something back to the race and its organizers, who have supported me so much.”
Race officials also confirmed that Sawe would not be included in the men’s field on September 27 in what is widely regarded as the fastest of the eight major marathon courses. Sawe did not specify the nature or severity of his injury.
“We would have very much liked to see Sabastian Sawe back in Berlin. All the more, we regret that he will not be able to compete this year. We wish him all the best for his recovery and hope to welcome him back to the BMW Berlin Marathon soon,” race director Mark Milde said.
With the fall marathon season beginning on Sunday in Sydney, there has been increased anticipation to see Sawe compete following his historic 1:59:30 shattering of the world record in the marathon as he became the first person to officially run under two hours in the distance on April 26.
Just weeks after the race in May, Sawe was announced as part of the Berlin Marathon field in a bid to defend his title after clocking a then-world leading 2:02:16.
“Many people might be wondering what my goals are this time around,” Sawe said when he was announced as the headliner of Berlin’s men’s field. “After my victory in London and my sub-two-hour performance, all I can say is that, as always, I will prepare myself as thoroughly as possible.”
Even with Sawe’s absence, the men’s race features a competitive lineup that will be led by Gabriel Geay, Guye Adola and Getaneh Mola.
Meanwhile, Tigst Assefa, who had her own stunning win in London with a women’s-only 2:15:4 world record, will lead a stacked women’e field that includes defending champion Rosemary Wanjiru, Amane Beriso, Evaline Chirchir, Bedatu Hirpa, Dera Dida, Zeineba Yimer and Bosena Mulatie.
Around 60,000 participants are expected to hit the streets of Berlin in the sixth of the eight major marathons this years.
