Kenenisa Bekele, a decorated distance runner, will not compete in the Berlin Marathon due to an Achilles tendon injury. He suffered the injury during a training session. Bekele set the masters' world record at the 2024 London Marathon.

Bekele, a triple Olympic gold medalist, was expected to challenge his own masters' world record. He has not completed a marathon since the 2024 Paris Olympics. His last Berlin victory was in 2019, where he came close to Kipchoge’s world record. Read more everyday miles coverage.

With Bekele and Sawe withdrawing, the women’s race will gain attention. Tigst Assefa may reclaim the world record from Ruth Chepngetich, who was suspended for doping. The women’s race features several fast runners, including Assefa. Related: Sawe Withdraws from Berlin Marathon Due to Injury.

This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Canadian Running. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.