Assefa wins Berlin Marathon in course record 2:11:04

Tigst Assefa dominated the 2026 BMW Berlin Marathon women’s race, winning in 2:11:04 despite visibly struggling over the closing kilometre. Her time improved on the 2:11:53 she ran in Berlin in 2023, setting a course record and personal best.

The Ethiopian made her intentions clear from the start. She reached 5km in 15:30, already 25 seconds ahead of Rosemary Wanjiru, and extended that margin to 65 seconds by 10km. Assefa passed 15km in 46:13, with Wanjiru 1:50 behind.

At halfway, Assefa’s 1:04:57 split put the world record within reach. She continued alone at the front and reached 35km in 1:47:32, with projections still pointing to a finish under 2:10. The record attempt slipped away in the final kilometres, and she appeared to be limping as she approached the finish. She pressed on to secure the victory in the third-fastest women’s marathon time on record.

Bedatu Hirpa finished second in 2:16:53, just two seconds ahead of fellow Ethiopian Dera Dida. Bekelech Gudeta took fourth in 2:18:58, followed by Alemitu Tariku in 2:19:01, giving Ethiopia the first five places.

Germany’s Esther Pfeiffer, who had been running at national-record pace, dropped out around 13km. The reason for her withdrawal was not clear from the race update.

SEE RESULTS HERE.