The 51st edition of the Berlin Marathon, held on September 21, 2025, witnessed a triumphant Kenyan double as Sabastian Sawe claimed victory in the men's race and Rosemary Wanjiru secured the win in the women's event. Both athletes achieved their first-ever victories in the German capital, marking a significant milestone in their careers.

Sabastian Sawe, at 30 years old, completed his third marathon attempt with a remarkable time of 2 hours, 2 minutes, and 16 seconds. This performance, though 11 seconds slower than his personal best set in Valencia in 2024, is equal to the ninth fastest time in history. Sawe expressed his satisfaction, stating, "It was hard but I gave my best. I'm happy about my performance." Despite being tipped to challenge the world record of 2:00:35 held by the late Kelvin Kiptum and Eliud Kipchoge's course record of 2:01:09 from 2022, Sawe did not blame the unseasonably warm conditions, which saw temperatures reach 25 degrees Celsius with high humidity. He reaffirmed his intention to return to Berlin next year, hoping for an even better outcome. Japan's Akira Akasaki finished second with a time of 2:06:15, followed by Ethiopia's Chimdessa Debele in third place at 2:06:57. Sawe's race started at a record pace, keeping on track for the world mark within the first 10 kilometers before separating from the leading pack at 15 kilometers, maintaining a world record pace at the halfway mark (60:16). While he had run negative splits in his previous marathons, he slowed slightly in the second half. His time stands as the best in the world for 2025, surpassing his own previous mark set in London in April by 11 seconds. Kenyan President William Ruto congratulated Sawe, hailing his victory as a "peerless tribute" to Kelvin Kiptum, and confirmed Sawe earned over Sh9 million in prize money and bonuses, including a €30,000 payout for finishing under 2:02:30 on the famously fast Berlin course.

In the women's race, Rosemary Wanjiru, also 30, became the first Kenyan woman to win the Berlin Marathon since 2018. Wanjiru, who had previously finished second in Berlin in 2022, surged ahead after the 25-kilometer mark. Although she held a 36-second lead at 40 kilometers, she slowed towards the finish, allowing Ethiopia's Dera Dida to close the gap dramatically. Wanjiru ultimately crossed the finish line in 2:21:04, just three seconds ahead of Dida. Fellow Ethiopian Azmera Gebru secured third place, 24 seconds behind the winner. Wanjiru's time was slower than Ruth Chepngetich's world record of 2:09:56 (Chicago 2024) and Tigst Assefa's 2023 course record. President Ruto also extended his congratulations to Wanjiru for her well-deserved victory.