Elite Field for BMW BERLIN-MARATHON Strengthened with Top International and German Runners
Berlin, August 22, 2026 – The BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, set to take place on September 27, 2026, continues to build a formidable elite field, with SCC EVENTS announcing further renowned athletes. This year’s marathon promises to be a spectacular event, featuring world record holders, seasoned international stars, and promising German talents.
International Top Stars Bolster Men’s Field
The men’s field has been significantly strengthened with the addition of Gabriel Geay, Tanzania’s marathon record holder. The 29-year-old achieved a remarkable second-place finish in Valencia in 2022 with a time of 2:03:00 hours, securing his position among the 20 fastest marathon runners in history. Geay also earned a runner-up spot at the Boston Marathon in 2023, showcasing his consistent performance at the highest level.
Also joining the lineup is Guye Adola, an athlete who previously set his personal best in Berlin. In his 2017 debut, Adola delivered an outstanding performance, finishing second to Eliud Kipchoge with a time of 2:03:46 hours. Despite subsequent injury setbacks, the now 35-year-old made a triumphant return by winning the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON in 2021. He further demonstrated his strong comeback this spring with a victory at the Rotterdam Marathon, clocking 2:03:54 hours, narrowly missing his Berlin personal best.
Marathon Team Berlin Sets Sights on German Personal Bests
German athletes are also aiming for impressive performances. Johannes Motschmann of Marathon Team Berlin will make another attempt to break the 2:10:00 mark, with his current personal best standing at 2:10:39 hours. After an impressive 61:47 minutes at the GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON, an injury unfortunately forced him to withdraw from the Hanover Marathon.
Sebastian Hendel, also representing Marathon Team Berlin, is seeking a successful comeback. Two years ago, he surprised many with a personal best of 2:07:33 hours at the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, though subsequent health issues have hindered his progress.
Aaron Bienenfeld (Düsseldorf Athletics) made a remarkable marathon debut in Hamburg in late April, achieving the fastest marathon debut ever by a German runner with a time of 2:08:47 hours. His performance has raised expectations for further progression in Berlin.
Haftom Welday (TB Hamburg Eilbeck) improved his personal best to 2:08:13 hours at the Barcelona Marathon this spring. The 36-year-old, who placed 14th at the 2023 World Championships, is currently training in Ethiopia and aims to further lower his personal best on September 27.
World-Class Women’s Field Reinforced
The top-tier women’s field has been further strengthened with the addition of Bedatu Hirpa. The 27-year-old Ethiopian won the Dubai Marathon last year with a personal best of 2:18:27 hours, followed by a victory at the Paris Marathon. Earlier this year, she secured second place at the Osaka Marathon with a time of 2:19:54 hours.
German Women on the Rise
Kristina Hendel (Marathon Team Berlin) is also looking to regain her top form at the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON. She set her personal best of 2:27:29 hours four years ago in Hamburg, with her progress since then being hampered by injuries.
Anna Langerwisch (Marathon Team Berlin) achieved a significant breakthrough at the Prague Marathon this year, recording 2:32:13 hours in only her second marathon. The 24-year-old had previously won the Hanover Half Marathon in 70:53 minutes and demonstrated her strong potential with a 32:17 minutes over ten kilometers at the adidas Runners City Night in early August.
Sustainability Report Published by SCC EVENTS
Beyond the elite fields, SCC EVENTS, the organizer of the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, has published its Sustainability Report for 2025. This report, which for the first time covers the company in its entirety, including office and warehouse locations and all sporting events, highlights initiatives across environmental protection, social responsibility, economic viability, and corporate governance. Notably, the report reveals that events organized by SCC EVENTS generated a total of €10.24 million in donations for charitable projects in 2025.
The BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, which expects around 60,000 athletes from approximately 160 countries, has also achieved Gold Level under the international sustainability standard “Athletics for a Better World” set by World Athletics, demonstrating a commitment that extends beyond the finish line.
Source: https://www.bmw-berlin-marathon.com/en/news-media/news/detail/top-stars-complete-the-bmw-berlin-marathon-field-for-thrilling-races
