BMW BERLIN-MARATHON Presents a World-Class Women's Elite Field
- World Record Holder Assefa Returns
- Beriso Chooses Berlin for Her Comeback
- Defending Champion Set to Return
- Esther Pfeiffer Targets New Personal Best
This year's BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, organized by SCC EVENTS, will take place on September 27. Around 60,000 athletes from approximately 160 countries are expected to participate in the German capital, including runners, wheelchair competitors, handbikers and inline skaters. Men's world record holder Sabastian Sawe has already confirmed his participation, and the women's elite field is equally impressive, featuring some of the world's finest marathon runners and further highlighting the exceptional sporting quality of the event.
World Record Holder Assefa Returns
Tigst Assefa has already won the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON twice, making headlines on both occasions. In 2022, the Ethiopian improved her personal best by almost 20 minutes, clocking 2:15:37. One year later, she shattered the world record with 2:11:53, taking women's marathon running to a new level.The 29-year-old, who claimed Olympic silver in the marathon at Paris 2024 and also won silver at the 2025 World Championships, currently holds the world record for a women-only marathon (without male pacemakers). Assefa first broke that record in London in 2025 with 2:15:50 before lowering it again to 2:15:41 while successfully defending her title there this spring."It is a great pleasure for me to return to the streets of Berlin three years after setting my world record here in 2023. I am excited to once again try to break the world record," said Tigst Assefa.
Amane Beriso Chooses Berlin for Her Comeback
Amane Beriso is another world-class Ethiopian marathon runner and trains alongside Tigst Assefa in Addis Ababa. The 34-year-old produced one of the biggest surprises in marathon history at the 2022 Valencia Marathon, where she ran at world record pace for much of the race before finishing in 2:14:58—the third-fastest women's marathon ever at the time.Following that victory, she went on to win the marathon at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest in extremely hot conditions. After struggling with injuries, Amane Beriso is now looking to make her comeback in Berlin.
Defending Champion Returns
Rosemary Wanjiru will return to the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON on September 27 as the defending champion. The 31-year-old Kenyan had already impressed in Berlin in 2022, finishing runner-up in an outstanding marathon debut with 2:18:00. Six months later, she won the Tokyo Marathon.In 2025, Rosemary Wanjiru returned to the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON and claimed victory in challenging hot conditions, overcoming extreme exhaustion to win in 2:21:05.
Germany's Fastest Course Offers Ideal Opportunity for a Personal Best
Esther Pfeiffer (Düsseldorf Athletics) has the potential to move into the top five on the German all-time list in what will be her first serious marathon campaign. The now 28-year-old won her marathon debut in Cologne in 2023 in 2:37:00, racing virtually unchallenged. She has not raced the marathon distance since then. In March, Pfeiffer improved her half marathon personal best to 67:25 at the GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON, continuing the remarkable progress she has made over the past few years.
Berlin Is the Perfect Stage
"If I can complete my training as planned leading up to the Marathon in Berlin, and if the weather cooperates, I will be aiming for the German record. I have deliberately put myself in this position. My performances over the shorter distances justify this ambitious goal, and in recent years I have benefited from being willing to take risks. I also consciously gave myself plenty of time before returning to the marathon. It will certainly be the biggest challenge of my career, but I am really looking forward to it and want to embrace that challenge. Berlin is exactly the right place for it," said Esther Pfeiffer.
Records, Emotions and Sporting History
"The BMW BERLIN-MARATHON 2026 once again promises to be an event of superlatives. Around 60,000 participants from approximately 160 nations reflect the extraordinary international appeal of this race. We are particularly excited about the outstanding women's elite field, with athletes such as Tigst Assefa, Amane Beriso and defending champion Rosemary Wanjiru all set to deliver a thrilling competition. From a German perspective, Esther Pfeiffer's continued development will also be fascinating to watch. Berlin remains the stage for records, emotions and remarkable sporting achievements," said Race Director Mark Milde.
