Adola breaks clear to win Berlin Marathon in 2:02:50

Guye Adola returned to the top of the BMW Berlin Marathon podium on Sunday, winning the 2026 men’s race in 2:02:50. The Ethiopian pulled away from a tightly packed lead group after 30km to claim his second Berlin title, ahead of compatriot Gemechu Dida Diriba and Tanzania’s Gabriel Gerald Geay.

Ten runners were separated by just two seconds at 10km. Geay and Erick Sang led through in 28:58, with Adola, Diriba, Selemon Barega and the other contenders close behind. The group remained together through halfway, where six runners, including Adola’s principal rivals, were timed at 1:01:01.

Seven men were still in contention at 30km. Adola, Barega and Diriba passed the mark in 1:26:57, with Asefa Boki, Andamlak Belihu, Sang and Geay no more than four seconds behind. The decisive change came over the next 5km: Adola reached 35km in 1:41:18, nine seconds ahead of Diriba and 13 ahead of Barega.

Adola held his advantage to the finish, taking 29 seconds off the 2:03:19 recorded by runner-up Diriba. Geay completed the podium in 2:03:59, while Getaneh Molla placed fourth in 2:04:55 and Barega fifth in 2:04:58.

Berlin has played a defining role in Adola’s marathon career. He finished second to Eliud Kipchoge on his debut here in 2017, clocking 2:03:46, and returned to win in 2021. Sunday’s victory gave him another Berlin title and a faster time than on either of those earlier visits.

Haftom Welday was the fastest German with 2:08:25. Unlike in previous races the 36 year-old held back a little this time and was more successful with this approach. Having dropped out in Berlin in both 2024 and 2025 he finished 16th this time. “My preparation did not go all that well, so I am happy and grateful to have achieved such a resuRead the women’s race report and results.lt today. Next spring, I want to improve on my personal best,” said Haftom Welday.

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