Berlin Marathon 2025: Sebastian Sawe Wins as Harry Styles Breaks Celebrity Sub-3 Record

Sabastian Sawe Surges Ahead in Unseasonable Berlin Heat

On a day when Berlin’s streets shimmered under unexpected late-summer warmth, Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe delivered a performance that cut through the humidity and left the marathon world talking. The 29-year-old crossed the finish line in 2:02:16—a year’s best time and nearly four minutes ahead of his closest rival, Akira Akasaki of Japan. As the city basked in temperatures rising from 66 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, Sawe’s relentless pace set him apart, even as the mercury and humidity conspired against record-breaking ambitions.

Sawe had arrived in Berlin with one goal: to challenge Eliud Kipchoge’s legendary 2:01:09 course record from 2022. But as the race unfolded, it became clear that the weather would dictate the day. The elite pack started with a blistering first kilometer of 2:44—faster than any previous edition—yet by halfway, only two pacemakers could keep up with Sawe. He passed the halfway mark at 1:00:16, and then, with just the crowd’s cheers for company, pressed on alone for the final 19 kilometers. “You can’t do anything about the weather. I was ready for everything,” Sawe reflected after the race, exhausted yet triumphant, clutching a giant alcohol-free beer at the finish ceremony (ESPN).

Harry Styles Shatters Celebrity Marathon Standards

While the elite runners battled for glory, another story quietly stole the spotlight. Harry Styles, the globally recognized pop star and actor, returned to the marathon stage just six months after his Tokyo debut. But this wasn’t just a repeat performance—it was a revelation. Running under the alias “Sted Sarandos,” Styles finished the Berlin Marathon in 2:59:13, slicing a remarkable 25 minutes off his Tokyo time of 3:24:07. His average pace? A brisk 6:50 per mile, run with impressive consistency: splits of 1:29:08 for the first half and 1:30:06 for the second.

In an event packed with 55,000 starters, Styles managed to stand out—not for his fame, but for his tenacity. Decked out in Nike Alphafly 3 super shoes and Tracksmith Van Cortlandt shorts, Styles maintained an even rhythm despite the rising heat. Race photos captured him alongside Paralympic gold medalist Richard Whitehead, adding another layer to the day’s narrative. Among celebrities, few have ever broken the three-hour barrier; Styles now joins that rarefied group (Runner’s World).

Women’s Elite Race: Rosemary Wanjiru Outpaces the Pack

Kenya’s dominance was on display in the women’s race as well. Rosemary Wanjiru took first place with a time of 2:21:05, narrowly edging out Ethiopia’s Dera Dida, who finished just three seconds behind. The top five women all crossed the line within a minute of each other, underscoring the race’s competitiveness despite the heat. Wanjiru’s steady pacing and tactical acumen proved decisive on a day when conditions tested even the strongest athletes (NBC Sports).

Behind Wanjiru and Dida, Azmera Gebru (ETH), Viola Cheptoo (KEN), and Fantu Worku (ETH) rounded out the top five, each delivering strong performances and keeping the pressure on until the final stretch. The women’s field, much like the men’s, was a testament to endurance and adaptability—a race where strategy often trumped raw speed.

Wheelchair Division: Swiss Athletes Dominate Podium

The Berlin Marathon’s wheelchair divisions saw Swiss athletes claim top honors. Marcel Hug blazed through the men’s course in 1:21:46, followed by Britain’s David Weir and the Netherlands’ Jetze Plat. Hug’s time was a masterclass in efficiency, his technique and stamina undiminished by the heat. On the women’s side, Manuela Schar (SUI) led the field with 1:35:08, ahead of Britain’s Jade Hall and Eden Rainbow Cooper.

Both Hug and Schar have become fixtures atop the international wheelchair racing scene, and their Berlin performances reinforced their reputations. For many, these victories are more than just numbers—they are milestones in the ongoing evolution of para-athletics.

Security and Atmosphere: A City United by Sport

With more than 800 police officers securing the route and stewards on bicycles shielding runners from potential disruptions, Berlin’s marathon was a model of order and celebration. The city’s history of protest—whether against race sponsorships or larger international issues—was kept at bay. Instead, the focus was on athletic achievement and communal spirit. From elite runners to everyday enthusiasts, the atmosphere was electric, amplified by thousands of cheering spectators lining the iconic course.

This year’s marathon was not just a race—it was a statement. A city tested by heat and history, an event defined by record chases and personal triumphs, and a field of athletes who reminded the world that resilience is the true measure of greatness.

Top 10 Results Snapshot

Men’s Elite

• 1. Sabastian Sawe (KEN) — 2:02:16
• 2. Akira Akasaki (JPN) — 2:06:15
• 3. Chimdessa Debele (ETH) — 2:06:57
• 4. Guye Adola (ETH) — 2:07:11
• 5. Yuhei Urano (JPN) — 2:07:35

Women’s Elite

• 1. Rosemary Wanjiru (KEN) — 2:21:05
• 2. Dera Dida (ETH) — 2:21:08
• 3. Azmera Gebru (ETH) — 2:21:29
• 4. Viola Cheptoo (KEN) — 2:21:40
• 5. Fantu Worku (ETH) — 2:21:57

Men’s Wheelchair

• 1. Marcel Hug (SUI) — 1:21:46
• 2. David Weir (GBR) — 1:27:55
• 3. Jetze Plat (NED) — 1:28:49

Women’s Wheelchair

• 1. Manuela Schar (SUI) — 1:35:08
• 2. Jade Hall (GBR) — 1:40:18
• 3. Eden Rainbow Cooper (GBR) — 1:40:19

Celebrity Impact: Styles Redefines What’s Possible

For Harry Styles, the Berlin Marathon was more than a race—it was a personal journey. To break three hours is to enter an exclusive club, even among seasoned amateurs. For a celebrity whose schedule is packed with tours, film shoots, and public appearances, the achievement takes on a new significance. It signals that discipline and passion can transcend the boundaries of profession and expectation.

With more celebrities lacing up for major marathons, Styles’s performance sets a new benchmark. It invites fans and fellow stars alike to rethink what’s possible—on stage, on screen, and now, on the road.

In a year marked by unpredictable weather and relentless competition, the 2025 Berlin Marathon stood out for its blend of elite athleticism, mass participation, and moments of personal triumph. Sabastian Sawe’s victory was a masterclass in adaptation, while Harry Styles’s sub-three-hour finish reframed celebrity accomplishment in endurance sport. Together, their stories underscore the marathon’s enduring appeal: a stage where legends are made, records are tested, and the spirit of running unites a city and the world.