Running News Daily

Berlin, Germany – September 29, 2025 (Race Day)

With its flat, fast course and history of record-breaking performances, the BMW Berlin Marathon has become a magnet for the world’s best distance runners—and this year is no exception.

 

The 2025 men’s elite field is stacked with sub-2:05 talent from Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Japan, including several proven champions and emerging stars. On September 29, all eyes will be on Berlin to see if the next marathon milestone can be broken.

 

Top Contenders and Their Personal Bests

Name	Country	Personal Best
Sabastian Sawe	KEN	2:02:05
Gabriel Gerald Geay	TAN	2:03:00
Milkesa Mengesha	ETH	2:03:17
Haymanot Alew	ETH	2:03:31
Guye Adola	ETH	2:03:46
Leul Gebresilase	ETH	2:04:02
Tesfaye Deriba	ETH	2:04:13
Daniel Mateiko	KEN	2:04:24
Haftu Teklu	ETH	2:04:42
Chimdessa Debele	ETH	2:04:44
Kengo Suzuki	JPN	2:04:56
Abel Kirui	KEN	2:05:04
Chala Regasa	ETH	2:05:06
Samwel Mailu	KEN	2:05:08
Yihunilign Adane	ETH	2:05:3

 

Kenya and Ethiopia Headline the Race

 

Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe, with a PB of 2:02:05, enters as the top seed. He’s followed closely by Tanzania’s Gabriel Geay, who made headlines in Boston and New York with aggressive front-running. Ethiopia is sending a deep and dangerous lineup—including Milkesa Mengesha, Haymanot Alew, and veteran Guye Adola (the 2021 Berlin champion).

 

Daniel Mateiko of Kenya, a former half marathon standout, will look to solidify his position as a full marathon threat, while Abel Kirui, the two-time world champion, continues to defy age with elite performances.

 

The Global Wildcard: Japan’s Kengo Suzuki

 

With a 2:04:56 personal best, Kengo Suzuki is the fastest Japanese marathoner ever and could be a serious factor if conditions align. His presence adds global depth to a field heavily dominated by East Africa.

 

Fast Times Almost Guaranteed

 

Berlin’s pancake-flat course, combined with cool fall weather and top-tier pacers, means fast times are almost inevitable. With six men holding PBs under 2:04 and over a dozen under 2:05, there’s a strong chance we could see a sub-2:03 winner, or even a new course record.

 

While the official world record still stands at 2:00:35 (set in 2023 by Eliud Kipchoge), several in this year’s field have the credentials—and ambition—to challenge history.

 

Race Day Outlook

• Date: Sunday, September 29, 2025

• Course: Flat and record-ready, through the streets of Berlin

• Weather Forecast: Typically cool (expected 11–13°C), ideal for fast times

• Live Coverage: Streaming and TV coverage expected worldwide

 

Stay tuned to My Best Runs for full coverage, live updates, and post-race analysis from Berlin!