The Berlin Marathon 2026 delivered a memorable day of elite marathon racing on Sunday, September 27, with Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa and Guye Adola taking victories in the women’s and men’s races.
Assefa produced a dominant performance to win the women’s elite race in 2:11:04, while Adola claimed the men’s title in 2:02:50. Both races featured strong Ethiopian performances as runners battled for victory on one of the most prestigious marathon courses.
Berlin Marathon 2026 Results
The 2026 edition once again attracted a deep international field. The women’s race was controlled by Assefa, while the men’s contest remained highly competitive until the closing stages.
Assefa finished more than five minutes ahead of her nearest challengers, Bedatu Hirpa and Dera Dida. Adola, meanwhile, created separation late in the race before crossing the finish line first.
The following are the top 10 elite results from the Berlin Marathon 2026.
Berlin Marathon 2026 Women’s Results
| Position | Athlete | Country | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tigst Assefa | Ethiopia | 2:11:04 |
| 2 | Bedatu Hirpa | Ethiopia | 2:16:53 |
| 3 | Dera Dida | Ethiopia | 2:16:55 |
| 4 | Bekelech Gudeta | Ethiopia | 2:18:58 |
| 5 | Alemitu Tariku | Ethiopia | 2:19:01 |
| 6 | Pascaline Jelagat | Kenya | 2:20:23 |
| 7 | Misgane Alemayehu | Ethiopia | 2:20:27 |
| 8 | Ludwina Chepngetich | Kenya | 2:21:25 |
| 9 | Evaline Chirchir | Kenya | 2:21:32 |
| 10 | Aminet Ahmed | Ethiopia | 2:21:45 |
Tigst Assefa was the standout performer in the women’s field. Her 2:11:04 winning time gave her a commanding victory in Berlin.
The Ethiopian runner added another Berlin Marathon title to her record after previous victories in 2022 and 2023. Her latest success further underlined her status as one of the leading marathon runners of her generation.
Hirpa and Dida completed an all-Ethiopian top three. Hirpa finished in 2:16:53, just two seconds ahead of Dida.
Berlin Marathon 2026 Men’s Results
| Position | Athlete | Country | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Guye Adola | Ethiopia | 2:02:50 |
| 2 | Gemechu Dida Diriba | Ethiopia | 2:03:19 |
| 3 | Gabriel Gerald Geay | Tanzania | 2:03:59 |
| 4 | Getaneh Molla | Ethiopia | 2:04:55 |
| 5 | Selemon Barega | Ethiopia | 2:04:58 |
| 6 | Asefa Boki | Ethiopia | 2:05:32 |
| 7 | Andamlak Belihu | Ethiopia | 2:05:55 |
| 8 | Shura Kitata | Ethiopia | 2:06:04 |
| 9 | Yuhei Urano | Japan | 2:06:09 |
| 10 | Tadu Abate | Ethiopia | 2:07:16 |
Guye Adola won the men’s race with a time of 2:02:50. He finished nine seconds ahead of Gemechu Dida Diriba, who recorded 2:03:19.
Gabriel Gerald Geay of Tanzania completed the podium in 2:03:59.
Adola’s decisive move came with around seven kilometres remaining. He opened a nine-second advantage heading into the final stages and held that lead to secure the Berlin title.
Tigst Assefa Wins Berlin Marathon 2026
The women’s race belonged to Tigst Assefa from the moment she established her advantage.
The Ethiopian runner crossed the line in 2:11:04, finishing more than five minutes ahead of second-placed Hirpa. Dida was third, just two seconds behind Hirpa.
Assefa’s victory is particularly notable because she entered the event as the women’s world record holder and a back-to-back London Marathon winner. Her Berlin success also marked her third victory at the German major.
Guye Adola Claims Men’s Berlin Marathon Title
Guye Adola produced a strong finish to win the men’s competition.
The Ethiopian runner stayed involved in a closely contested race before making his move during the final seven kilometres. Once he established his advantage, Adola maintained enough distance to finish first in 2:02:50.
Gemechu Dida Diriba remained within striking distance but ultimately finished nine seconds behind the winner. Geay crossed the line third.
The result gave Ethiopia another victory in Berlin and added another major marathon achievement to Adola’s career.
What Happened to Sabastian Sawe?
World record holder Sabastian Sawe was not part of the Berlin Marathon 2026 finishers listed above after withdrawing from the event.
His absence was significant because Sawe had previously attracted major attention after running under two hours in London earlier in the year. His withdrawal opened the door for other elite contenders, including Adola and Diriba, to compete for the Berlin title.
Berlin Marathon 2026 Highlights
Several major storylines defined this year’s race.
Tigst Assefa’s dominant win: Assefa finished first in 2:11:04 and secured her third Berlin Marathon title.
Guye Adola’s late surge: Adola created his winning advantage during the closing seven kilometres of the men’s race.
Strong Ethiopian presence: Ethiopian athletes occupied the top three places in both elite races.
International podium: Tanzania’s Gabriel Gerald Geay finished third in the men’s race, while Kenya’s Pascaline Jelagat took sixth in the women’s event.
Competitive men’s field: The top three men all finished inside 2:04, highlighting the quality of the race.
Berlin Marathon 2026 Final Times
The winning times were 2:11:04 for Tigst Assefa in the women’s race and 2:02:50 for Guye Adola in the men’s race.
Assefa’s margin was particularly notable, as she finished more than five minutes clear of the runner-up. Adola’s victory was much tighter, with only nine seconds separating him from Diriba.
The results also showed the depth of Ethiopian distance running, with Ethiopian athletes taking multiple positions near the top of both leaderboards.
Conclusion
The Berlin Marathon 2026 produced two impressive Ethiopian victories. Tigst Assefa dominated the women’s race in 2:11:04 to claim her third Berlin title, while Guye Adola won the men’s race in 2:02:50 after making his decisive move late in the event.
With strong performances throughout both elite fields, the Berlin Marathon once again provided a major stage for some of the world’s leading distance runners.
FAQs
Who won the Berlin Marathon 2026 women’s race?
Tigst Assefa won the women’s elite race in 2:11:04.
Who won the Berlin Marathon 2026 men’s race?
Guye Adola won the men’s elite race in 2:02:50.
What was Tigst Assefa’s time in Berlin?
Tigst Assefa finished the Berlin Marathon 2026 in 2:11:04.
What was Guye Adola’s winning time?
Guye Adola recorded a winning time of 2:02:50.
Who finished second in the Berlin Marathon 2026 men’s race?
Gemechu Dida Diriba finished second in 2:03:19.
Who finished second in the women’s Berlin Marathon?
Bedatu Hirpa finished second in 2:16:53.
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