Tigist Assefa claimed another Berlin Marathon victory, becoming the women’s race winner in the German capital for the third time. The Ethiopian completed the 42.195-kilometre course in 2 hours, 11 minutes and 4 seconds, the third-best performance in history.
For much of the race, Assefa’s pace put the world record within reach. The mark belongs to Ruth Chepngetich, who ran 2:09:56 at the Chicago Marathon in October 2024. The final three kilometres proved difficult: Assefa felt severe discomfort in her right leg and limped to the finish beneath the Brandenburg Gate.
After crossing the line, she needed assistance to leave the area. Her compatriot Haile Gebrselassie, the distance-running great, was at her side.
Despite the injury concern and difficult finish, Assefa substantially lowered her personal best. Her previous mark was 2:11:53, set three years ago; the new time is nearly 50 seconds faster.
The victory adds to her major results: Assefa won silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics and at the 2025 World Championships. Her Berlin performance reaffirmed her place among the world’s leading marathon runners and came close to the world record.