Berlin confirms its position as the world's running capital. Over 56,000 athletes from more than 160 countries filled the streets of the German city this morning for the 52nd edition of the BMW Berlin Marathon , one of the most prestigious and fastest races on the planet. And among that endless stream of runners, Italy and Sardinia were also present, present at the great international celebration of the 42.195 kilometers that concluded in front of the Brandenburg Gate.
Ethiopia once again dominated the overall standings. Guye Adola won the men's race, clocking 2:02:50, improving his personal best and returning to the top step of the Berlin podium five years after his 2021 success. His compatriot Gemechu Dida Diriba finished second in 2:03:19, while Tanzanian Gabriel Gerald Geay rounded out the podium in 2:03:59.
The women's race was even more thrilling. Tigst Assefa dominated virtually from the start and for forty kilometers she was close to breaking the world record. The Ethiopian advanced to the half marathon in 1:04:57, and by the fortieth kilometer, she was still running at a pace compatible with the record of 2:09:56. However, a noticeable decline in fitness towards the end prevented her from completing the feat. She nevertheless crossed the finish line in 2:11:04, one of the fastest times ever achieved by a woman over the distance. Bedatu Hirpa finished second in 2:16:53, and Dera Dida third in 2:16:55: another all-Ethiopian podium.
But within the marathon of champions, as always, there is another marathon: that of the thousands of amateurs who arrived in Berlin after months of training, sacrifice, and kilometers logged . The Italian representation was particularly large, with approximately 1,500 participants.
And Sardinia also found its place in the large Italian group, represented by runners who set out from the island to tackle one of the most iconic races in world running. For Sardinian amateurs, the finish line under the Brandenburg Gate is worth much more than just a place in the rankings : Berlin is part of the World Marathon Majors circuit and remains one of the events every marathon runner dreams of experiencing at least once.
The charm is also in the route: starting from Straße des 17. Juni, in the heart of the Tiergarten, then a long ride through some of the German capital's most recognizable landmarks, up to the final meters on Unter den Linden and the passage under the Brandenburg Gate. An entire city transformed for a few hours into an open-air stadium.
Berlin thus closes out another edition of impressive numbers and performances. At the front, the world's elite, capable of running the 42 kilometers at almost unthinkable paces. Behind, tens of thousands of personal stories, flags, and languages. Among them, the Italian tricolor and the colors of Sardinia, reaching one of the most iconic finishes in world sport.