09/27/26 05:06:00
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09/27 05:04 CDT Cramps derail Tigst Assefa's world record as Guye Adola wins
Berlin Marathon
Cramps derail Tigst Assefa's world record as Guye Adola wins Berlin Marathon
By CIARAN FAHEY
AP Sports Writer
BERLIN (AP) --- Tigst Assefa wanted her world record back and was on course to
smash it until cramps before the finish line dashed her hopes in the Berlin
Marathon on Sunday.
The 29-year-old Assefa still ran the third fastest time ever. She set a new
course record with an unofficial time of 2 hours, 11 minutes and 4 seconds for
her third Berlin Marathon win after 2022 and 2023.
Assefa set a world record with her time of 2:11:53 in 2023, only for Ruth
Chepng'etich to lower the mark by nearly 2 minutes to 2:09:56 in Chicago the
following year.
Chepng'etich wasn't racing Sunday because she's serving a three-year ban for a
doping violation. Her record still stands.
Assefa was well on course to beat Chepng'etich's time, but the Ethiopian runner
pulled up with cramps before reaching the Brandenburg Gate and limped over the
finish line, where she slumped to the ground and fought back tears.
Second-placed Bedatu Hirpa was almost 6 minutes behind, followed by another
Ethiopian, Dera Dida.
Adola wins for second time
The 35-year-old Guye Adola of Ethiopia won the marathon by crossing the line in
an unofficial time of 2:02:50. It was his second win in the German capital
after his victory in 2021.
Gemechu Dida Diriba of Ethiopia was second, 28 seconds behind, followed by
Gabriel Gerald Geay of Tanzania.
World record holder Sabastian Sawe was unable to take part because of an
injury, but he was a guest of honor at the event.
Start times were brought forward Sunday because of high temperatures in last
year's marathon. Conditions were almost perfect with autumn sunshine and little
wind, though it was still warm.
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