42. GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON 2023: Eilish McColgan smashes British record, Sabastian Sawe wins in strong 59:00

Smashing the British record Eilish McColgan took the GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON with 65:43. The 32 year-old Scot improved her own national record time of 66:26 by 43 seconds and established a European lead. With around five kilometers to go Eilish McColgan, who will run her marathon debut in London later this month, overtook the leading Tsigie Gebreselama.

The silver medallist from the World Cross Country Championships finished second in 66:13 while fellow-Ethiopian Yalemget Yaregal took third in 66:27. Deborah Schöneborn, who competes for Marathon Team Berlin, was the fastest German with a time of 72:12.

The fastest runner on the start list was the winner at Brandenburg Gate: Sabastian Sawe finished in a strong 59:00 while fellow-Kenyan and defending champion Alex Kibet was second with 59:11. Surprisingly a pacemaker finished in third place: Bravin Kiprop of Kenya crossed the line in 59:22. Samuel Fitwi was the fasest German runner with a personal best of 61:44.

Sebastian Sawe – Photo: SCC Events – Camera 4 – Tilo Wiedensohler

A total of 35,515 athletes from 131 countries entered the 42nd edition of the GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON. 34,458 runners competed in the half marathon, making it one of the world’s biggest races over this distance.

Like last year, there was a German double victory in the skaters, each won in the final sprint. Felix Rijhnen (Powerslide World Team) finished first in the men’s race (30:53 minutes), Josie Hofmann (Powerslide World Team) won the women’s race in 36:58 minutes.

Top men:
Sabastian Sawe         KEN   59:00
Alex Kibet                 KEN   59:11
Bravin Kiprop            KEN   59:22

To women:
Eilish McColgan         GBR   65:43
Tsigie Gebreselama   ETH    66:13
Yalemget Yaregal      ETH    66:27

Source: SCC Events