Tigst Assefa celebrated a historic victory in Berlin. © ANSA / Filip Singer

Historical: Marathon fabulous world record in Berlin

The Ethiopian Tigst Assefa ran a fabulous world record in the marathon in Berlin.

September 24, 2023

From: dpa/am

The 29-year-old last year's winner won on Sunday in 2:11.53 hours and was more than two minutes below Brigid Kosgei's previous record. The Kenyan ran 2019:2 hours in Chicago in 14.04.

Assefa had already set the Berlin course record to 2:15.37 hours last year and had thus moved into the world elite over the 42,195 kilometers. This time, also supported by modern shoe technology, she ran on a record course from the start in perfect external conditions and broke away early in a race that was super fast, even across the board.

Tigst Assefa cheers with the Ethiopian flag. © ANSA / Filip Singer

The Ethiopian ultimately prevailed in the incredible run ahead of Kenya's Sheila Chepkirui (2:17:.49) and Magdalena Shauri from Tanzania (2:18.41). “I wanted the world record, but I didn’t think I’d be able to do it this time,” said 26-year-old Assefa, who increased the pace significantly in the second half and was at times as fast as the men’s elite. “This is the result of hard work.”

5. Victory for Kipchoge

Eliud Kipchoge previously became the first runner to win for the fifth time
Berlin Marathon, but clearly missed another world record. The 38-year-old Kenyan won in 2:02:42 hours ahead of his
Compatriot Vincent Kipkemoi and the Ethiopian Tadese Takele. Kipkemoi
crossed the finish line after 2:03:13 hours, Takele ran 2:03.24 hours.

Eliud Kipchoge won the men's event. © APA/afp / TOBIAS SCHWARZ

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