Berlin Marathon Final Men's and Women's Elite Fields Revealed

The 50th BMW Berlin Marathon is set to offer thrilling and swift competitions among elite runners this Sunday, September 29. The men's division features 14 athletes who have completed marathons in under 2:06:00, though no clear favorite has emerged. On the women's side, Ethiopia's Tigist Ketema stands out with her impressive debut time of 2:16:07, positioning her as the ninth fastest female marathoner. The event boasts ten additional women who have finished under 2:22:00. Historically, the BMW Berlin Marathon has seen 13 world records shattered, underscoring its reputation as one of the globe's premier marathons. This milestone edition is expected to attract around 50,000 participants, setting a new attendance record.

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Absent this year is Eliud Kipchoge from Kenya, the victor of the last two editions. The fastest entrant based on past performance is Ethiopia's Tadese Takele, who placed third last year with a personal best of 2:03:24. With another speedy race anticipated, Takele will likely need to surpass his previous best to compete for the win at the iconic Brandenburg Gate. Kibiwott Kandie from Kenya, the former world half marathon record holder, could pose a serious challenge in his quest for his first marathon victory. Germany's Hendrik Pfeiffer is another strong contender, having set his personal record of 2:07:14 in Houston earlier this year.

Tigist Ketema recently triumphed in Dubai with a remarkable time of 2:16:07, possibly setting an unofficial world debut record. As she prepares for another fast course, Ketema, who trains with last year’s world record breaker Tigst Assefa, aims to further improve her time. The women's competition also features Genzebe Dibaba of Ethiopia, a former world record holder in the 1,500m, who transitioned to marathons with a commendable 2:18:05 in Amsterdam.

Regrettably, Kenya’s Rosemary Wanjiru will not participate due to injury. However, Germany's Melat Kejeta has joined the lineup. After an early exit from the Olympic Marathon due to stomach issues, Kejeta is hopeful for a strong performance in Berlin, potentially becoming the second German woman to break the 2:20:00 barrier after Irina Mikitenko in 2008.

MEN'S ELITE FIELD

• Tadese Takele ETH 2:03:24
• Cybrian Kotut KEN 2:04:34
• Hailemaryam Kiros ETH 2:04:41
• Kibiwott Kandie KEN 2:04:48
• Bazezew Asmare ETH 2:04:57
• Samwel Mailu KEN 2:05:08
• Milkesa Mengesha ETH 2:05:29
• Haymanot Alew ETH 2:05:30
• Philimon Kipchumba KEN 2:05:35
• Josphat Boit KEN 2:05:42
• Dejene Megersa ETH 2:05:42
• Enock Onchari KEN 2:05:47
• Oqbe Ruesom ERI 2:05:51
• Justus Kangogo KEN 2:05:57
• Haimro Alame ISR 2:06:04
• Ashenafi Moges ETH 2:06:12
• Asbel Rutto KEN 2:07:04
• Samuel Tsegay SWE 2:06:53
• Yohei Ikeda JPN 2:06:53
• Stephen Kiprop KEN 2:07:04
• Hendrik Pfeiffer GER 2:07:14
• Kento Kikutani JPN 2:07:26
• Melaku Belachew ETH 2:07:28
• Godadaw Belachew ISR 2:07:45
• Yuhei Urano JPN 2:07:52
• Guojian Dong CHN 2:08:12
• Filimon Abraham GER 2:08:22
• Haftom Welday GER 2:08:24
• Sebastian Hendel GER 2:08:51
• Olonbayar Jamsran MGL 2:08:58
• Haftamu Gebresilase ETH Debut

WOMEN'S ELITE FIELD

• Tigist Ketema ETH 2:16:07
• Genzebe Dibaba ETH 2:18:05
• Yebrugal Melese ETH 2:19:36
• Mestawot Fikir ETH 2:20:45
• Azmera Gebru ETH 2:20:48
• Sisay Gola ETH 2:20:50
• Mizuki Matsuda JPN 2:20:52
• Fikrte Wereta ETH 2:21:32
• Ai Hosoda JPN 2:21:42
• Melat Kejeta GER 2:21:47
• Aberu Ayana ETH 2:21:54
• Calli Hauger-Thackery GBR 2:22:17
• Bekelech Gudeta ETH 2:22:54
• Lisa Weightman AUS 2:23:15
• Betelihem Afenigus ETH 2:23:20
• Veronica Maina KEN 2:24:46
• Bosena Mulatie ETH 2:26:59
• Alisa Vainio FIN 2:27:26
• Sonia Samuels GBR 2:28:04
• Nora Szabo HUN 2:28:25
• Philippa Bowden USA 2:29:14
• Pauline Esikon KEN Debut