Tigst Assefa wins the Berlin Marathon, an event classified as WA Platinum Label, and records her third victory in the race. However, a leg injury picked up late in the race prevents her from going for the world record.
In the first part, Assefa stays within the pace needed to run under 2 h 10, passing under 2 h 10: she holds the cadence up to 40 km, in 2 h 03 min. Afterwards, her speed drops significantly due to discomfort that makes her limp.
She completes the final 2.2 kilometres in 8 min 04 s, for a win in 2 h 11 min 04 s. Despite the loss of rhythm, her time remains a personal best of her career, improves the course record and stands as the third-fastest time in history.
The race is decided in front of a group of Ethiopians: Assefa beats Bedatu Hirpa comfortably, 2 h 16 min 53 s, and Dera Dida, 2 h 16 min 55 s. Bekelech Gudeta (2 h 18 min 58 s) and Alemitu Tariku (2 h 19 min 01 s) also dip under 2 h 20.
Among the German competitors, Anna Langerwisch is the best at the finish. She places 16th in 2 h 27 min 31 s, improves her personal best and finishes at the head of the local contingent.
