Ethiopia’s Milkesa Mengesha emerged victorious at the Berlin Marathon with a personal best time of 2 hours, 3 minutes, and 17 seconds. The 24-year-old’s remarkable performance was set to be officially confirmed after the race day. Mengesha demonstrated incredible strength as he outpaced Kenyans Cybrian Kotut and Stephen Kiprop to claim the top spot in the 50th edition of the prestigious event, with Haymanot Alew of Ethiopia securing fourth place.

The weather conditions in the German capital were reported to be ideal on that sunny crisp autumn day, providing a conducive environment for the runners. Notably, this year’s Berlin Marathon marked the absence of renowned athletes like Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge and Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele, a departure from the previous editions since 2014. Despite the absence of these star runners, the competition was fierce, with a record-breaking 58,212 participants from 161 countries registering to take part in the race.

The Berlin Marathon course holds historical significance as the venue where numerous world records, totaling 13, have been set over the years. Although another record-breaking performance was not anticipated immediately following the highly competitive races at the recent Olympics, the event continued to attract a diverse array of talented runners from across the globe, showcasing the enduring appeal of the marathon for both athletes and spectators alike. The Berlin Marathon remains a key highlight in the world of long-distance running, attracting top talents and enthusiasts to test their skills and endurance on one of the most iconic courses in the sport.