The two-hour marathon barrier is officially gone. At the 2026 London Marathon, Sebastian Sawe ran the first sub-2 marathon in history on a record-eligible co.... Image accompanying Marathon Handbook’s report; reduced and presented for news commentary with the attributed report. View the complete source report.
Sabastian Sawe, who set the world record in April, has withdrawn from the Berlin Marathon due to injury. Sawe, who ran 1:59:30 in London, was set to defend his Berlin title. SCC Events announced the withdrawal but did not provide medical details.
Sawe expressed disappointment in a statement, mentioning his anticipation for Berlin. Race director Mark Milde expressed regret and wished Sawe a full recovery. No replacement headliner was named. Sawe has not disclosed specifics of his injury. Read more everyday miles coverage.
Sawe has faced multiple injuries, including a stress fracture from a track session. His coach noted a return to normal running capacity in January. Sawe’s withdrawal leaves Gabriel Geay and Guye Adola as the men’s headliners. Tigst Assefa aims for the women’s world record. Related: Sawe Withdraws from Berlin Marathon Due to Injury.
This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.
Reader questions
Questions about this report
What should runners know about Sabastian Sawe Withdraws from Berlin Marathon Due to Injury?
Sawe, the first sub-two-hour marathoner, cites injury for withdrawal from Berlin race. Sabastian Sawe, who set the world record in April, has withdrawn from the Berlin Marathon due to injury. Sawe, who ran 1:59:30 in London, was set to defend his Berlin title. SCC Events announced the withdrawal but did not provide medical details.
When did Runner World publish this everyday miles brief?
Runner World published this brief on August 27, 2026. The underlying Marathon Handbook report was dated August 27, 2026.
Where can readers find the complete original report?
This summary is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. The attributed source link in the article leads to the publisher’s complete report.
THE WEEKLY BRIEFING
Start the week a step ahead.
A concise edit of the running stories worth knowing, sent every Monday.
