Kenyan marathon sensation Sabastian Sawe has surprised fans and the Kenyan Athletics Federation. Sebastian Sawe has announced that he will be skipping the highly anticipated men’s marathon at the World Championships in Tokyo this September.
Instead of competing on the global stage in Tokyo, Sebastian Sawe has set his sights on the Berlin Marathon, scheduled for September 21, just six days after the World Championships marathon on September 15.
Meanwhile, this unexpected decision breaks with the common expectation that Kenya’s top marathoners would prioritise representing their country at the World Championships. Sawe’s choice highlights a strategic shift in his career focus, emphasising personal performance and long-term planning over championship glory.
Sebastian Sawe: From Marathon Debut to London Victory
Sebastian Sawe at the 2025 London Marathon
Sawe’s rapid ascent in the marathon world has been nothing short of remarkable. He made his marathon debut in Valencia in 2024, where he stunned the athletics community by winning in a blistering time of 2:02:05 hours.
This performance immediately marked him as one of the sport’s brightest stars.
Building on this success, Sebastian Sawe entered the 2025 London Marathon as a serious contender and emerged victorious with a time of 2:02:27. His win was particularly impressive given the fierce competition from established champions such as Eliud Kipchoge, Alexander Munyao, and Tamirat Tola.
Sawe’s ability to hold off such elite runners confirmed his status as a new force in long-distance running.
Why Berlin? The Fastest Marathon Course in the World
The Berlin Marathon is renowned for its flat and fast course, which has produced 13 men’s world records, including the current world record of 2:00:35 set by Kelvin Kiptum in 2023. Thus, this reputation makes Berlin an irresistible target for athletes aiming to achieve personal bests or break records.
Sebastian Sawe acknowledged the allure of Berlin but remained measured about his expectations.
“I’m preparing for Berlin. It’s too early to talk about a world record. It takes time and precise planning,” he said.
His focus is on running a strong race rather than chasing immediate record-breaking glory.
Timing and Strategy: Why Skip Tokyo?
The men’s marathon at the Tokyo World Championships is scheduled for September 15, just six days before the Berlin Marathon. This tight schedule leaves little time for recovery, making it difficult for athletes to perform at their best in both events.
By choosing Berlin, Sebastian Sawe is prioritising optimal preparation and recovery, aiming to maximise his performance on a course that suits his strengths. This decision also reflects a growing trend among elite marathoners who carefully select races to balance competition, recovery, and career longevity.
Reactions from Fans and Experts
However, Sawe’s announcement has sparked widespread discussion in the athletics community. Fans expressed surprise and curiosity, while experts praised his strategic approach.
Some see the move as a smart way to build his legacy through fast times and potential records, while others hoped to see him compete for a world title in Tokyo.
The Kenyan Athletics Federation has yet to issue an official response. Still, insiders suggest they understand the athlete’s reasoning, given the demanding marathon calendar and the importance of managing athlete health.
What’s Next for Sebastian Sawe?
As Sebastian Sawe prepares for the Berlin Marathon, all eyes will be on his performance. Will he continue his winning streak and possibly challenge the world record? Or will this strategic choice mark a new phase in his career focused on selective racing and sustainable success?
One thing is clear: Sebastian Sawe’s bold decision has reshaped the marathon landscape this season, and fans worldwide eagerly await his next move.