Sawe out of Berlin, Kejelcha dreaming big in Valencia: the stacked fall marathon fields

Sydney Marathon: Lemma, Simbu, Kiplagat, Jepchirchir headline a mega-stacked field

This Sydney Marathon will feel different. Since 2025, the race has joined the very exclusive Majors circuit. That new badge of prestige comes with expectations, starting with a seriously deep elite field. And this year, Sydney delivers. On the men’s side, we’re in for a clash of heavyweights led by Alphonse Simbu, gold medalist at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo (PB 2:02:47). He’s billed as the clear favorite for a reason: the Tanzanian is flying and rarely disappoints when it matters. He finished second in Boston in 2025 and 2026.

Standing across from him is a marathon legend, Sisay Lemma. With a personal best of 2:01:48, he’s the eighth-fastest man in history over the distance. Winning a Major isn’t new territory either, with Boston and London already on his resume. But to add a third star, the Ethiopian will have to fight through the Kenyans Timothy Kiplagat (2:02:55) and Vincent Ngetich (2:03:13), plus reigning champion Hailemaryam Kiros (course record 2:06:06). Track star Hagos Gebrhiwet could also make a big splash in his marathon debut. All told, 14 men in the field have gone under 2:05. Even with a demanding course featuring 313 meters of climbing, fast times are expected and the race record is very much under threat.

I spoke with Vincent (Kiplagat) and Kiros (Hailemaryam). We’re planning to set a new course record. I think we can do it this Sunday.

On the women’s side, all eyes will be on the reigning world and Olympic champion, Peres Jepchirchir. The 34-year-old Kenyan knows how to handle the big stages. She’s the top favorite ahead of Irine Cheptai (2:17:51), Tanzanian record holder Magdalena Shauri, 2026 Osaka winner Stella Chesang and icon Vivian Cheruiyot. At 42, her longevity is remarkable. Nine women in the field have run under 2:19, so it should be fireworks, and here too the course record looks vulnerable.

© London Marathon Events

Berlin Marathon: with Tigist Assefa, the spotlight shifts to the women

Sabastian Sawe, marathon’s new prodigy, announced this week that he’s pulling out of the Berlin Marathon after picking up an injury in training, without giving details. It’s obviously bad news for anyone who loves the marathon, for the show and because his recent form had people dreaming big. After becoming the first man to go under two hours in London last April, expectations were sky-high for his return in Berlin on one of the fastest courses on the planet.

Especially since Sawe is the defending champion here, having won last year in 2:02:16. His withdrawal also keeps him from a piece of history: he could have become only the third Kenyan since 2006 to win Berlin back-to-back, after Patrick Musyoki (2010-2011) and Eliud Kipchoge (four times between 2017 and 2023). Berlin, a marquee adidas-sponsored event, had been banking heavily on the brand’s headline athlete. Behind him, the elite field remains deep, with an impressive wave of Ethiopians and Japanese runners in the 2:03 to 2:08 range, but the absence of other big names on the circuit will be hard to miss.

It’s with a heavy heart that I have to announce I’m forced to withdraw from the Berlin Marathon due to injury. I was looking forward to doing something special on the streets of Berlin and crossing the finish line at the Brandenburg Gate. I also wanted to give something back to this race and its organizers, who have supported me so much. I want to thank my fans and everyone who continues to support me, and I wish a great race to all runners taking part. I hope they can enjoy the moment, trust the work they’ve done, and be proud of what they’ll achieve in Berlin. I look forward to seeing you again soon on the start line in Berlin.

But this bad news could open the door to something far more exciting. With Sawe out, the event’s spotlight will largely swing to the women’s race, led by Tigst Assefa. Fresh off her recent world record in London (in a women-only race), she wants more. In her sights: the world record she held for a year after running 2:11:53 here in Berlin in 2023. Since then, only two women have gone faster: Ruth Chepngetich, still listed as the world record holder despite her doping suspension (2:09:56 in Chicago in 2024), and more recently Fotyen Tesfay in 2:10:51 in Barcelona. Unlike London, where she ran 2:15:41, Tigist Assefa will have a team of male pacers to carry her deep into the race, possibly all the way to the finish.

Behind her, it’s a deep and competitive group with eight women under 2:20. Simply put: it’s the deepest women’s elite field in Berlin Marathon history. Tigist Assefa stands out, clearly. But she shouldn’t be alone. Defending champion Rosemary Wanjiru is on the list. Amane Beriso, briefly announced in June as returning from injury, is ultimately not on the August start list. As with the men, the Japanese and Ethiopian contingent is formidable. Also worth noting: Manon Trapp, who will try to reclaim the French record from Mekdes Woldu, the current national record holder at 2:23:13 since March 2025.

© SCC Events

It’s with great pleasure that, three years after my world record in 2023, I will once again run through the streets of Berlin and try once more to break that record. I thank the organizers for inviting me again and everyone involved for their support during the marathon. I hope to see many spectators cheering me on.

Chicago Marathon: Jacob Kiplimo under two hours?

Jacob Kiplimo and Hawi Feysa are back to defend their titles in what’s being billed as one of the deepest fields in race history. Six men in the field have already broken 2:04. The overwhelming favorite is obvious. Kiplimo lit up 2025 with 2:02:23 (the second-fastest performance ever in Chicago), and since then he’s run 2:00:28 in London in 2026 in what might have been the wildest marathon race ever. The Ugandan, owner of the third-fastest marathon time in history, is as complete as they come. He has speed, too: the 56:42 half marathon in Barcelona (a world record that unfortunately wasn’t ratified) and 57:20 in Lisbon are still fresh in everyone’s mind.

The 25-year-old also won a third straight world cross country title earlier this year in Tallahassee, Florida. Heading into his fourth marathon, expectations are sky-high. Kelvin Kiptum’s 2:00:35 course record is hanging by a thread and if conditions line up, Kiplimo could even become just the third man in history to break two hours...

He won’t have it all to himself, though. Lining up against him: Amos Kipruto (PB 2:01:29). The Kenyan has already won a Major (London 2022), but lately he’s developed a frustrating habit of finishing just behind Kiplimo (second last year in Chicago, fourth in London this year). This duel has all the ingredients. Also in the mix: Alex Masai (third in Chicago in 2025), plus Milkesa Mengesha (Berlin winner in 2024) and Tadese Takele Bikila (two-time Tokyo winner). For the home crowd, the third marathon of Charles Hicks is one to watch. After strong debuts in New York in 2025 (7th in 2:09:59) and Boston this year (7th in 2:04:35), the 25-year-old American has big goals on Chicago’s ultra-fast course.

On the women’s side, Sharon Lokedi is a great surprise on this start list. We’ve seen the Kenyan champion a lot on the Major stage. She’s raced big-city marathons six times, yet it’s basically been New York and Boston only. Year after year she’s doubled those two, often crossing paths with her rival Hellen Obiri on those hilly, punishing courses. So this will be the first time she lines up for a marathon known for being fast and flat. We can’t wait to see what her experience and skill translate to on the clock. With a 2:17:22 personal best set on Boston’s brutal route, there’s little doubt she can go under 2:15. But can she get close to 2:10? Chicago is the perfect place to find out how far she can push it.

She’ll make her Chicago debut alongside Brigid Kosgei, a true marathon legend. Former world record holder, double winner in Chicago, plus wins in London and Tokyo... the list goes on. With a 2:14:04 PB, she’s clearly one of the favorites for the crown. Defending champion Hawi Feysa will be there too. The American contingent is deep, with eight women under 2:25 including evergreen Sara Hall (2:20:32, 43), Susanna Sullivan (2:21:56), and Natosha Rogers (2:23:38).

New York City Marathon: Sifan Hassan, Hellen Obiri, Benson Kipruto, and Andreas Almgren’s big debut

This year, the New York City Marathon celebrates the 50th running of its iconic route through the Big Apple’s five boroughs. It’s one of the most popular races on the planet, and also one of the toughest marathons out there. With close to 250 m of elevation gain, the bridges into and around Manhattan and the rollers in Central Park won’t give anyone a free pass. Hellen Obiri and Benson Kipruto know the drill and will be back to defend their titles. Obiri returns after shredding the course record by nearly three minutes last year (2:19:51), while Kipruto edged Alexander Mutiso by just 0.16 seconds. Everyone remembers that iconic photo finish in Central Park.

In the men’s field, keep an eye on two former winners as well: Geoffrey Kamworor (2017, 2019) and Abdi Nageeye (2024), along with American record holder Conner Mantz (2:04:43). Zouhair Talbi, now representing the U.S., is also on the start list and fully intends to be a factor after his fifth-place finish in Boston in 2:03:45. The matchup between the two Americans could be special. Deresa Geleta (runner-up at Tokyo 2025) is another one to watch. But the big headline is the Swede Andreas Almgren, who has chosen New York for his marathon debut. A former 800 m runner, he’s been on a rapid rise since moving up to longer distances. Recently crowned European 10,000 m champion in Birmingham, he took bronze in the 10,000 m at last year’s Tokyo Worlds. The European half marathon record holder at 58:41, his first marathon is one of the most anticipated storylines of the fall.

On the women’s side, beyond Obiri, the top favorite is Sifan Hassan. Her resume speaks for itself: three-time Olympic champion, three-time world champion... After wins in Chicago, London and Sydney, the Dutch star is clearly here to race for the win and improve on last year’s sixth place on this same course. She won’t have it easy, with Sheila Chepkirui (winner in 2024 and third last year), Gotytom Gebreslase (2022 world champion) and Julia Paternain (world bronze medalist last year) in the mix. For the home crowd, the American women will be looking to make noise, with special attention on Jessica McClain. After a brilliant fifth-place finish in Boston this year in a standout 2:20:49 (the fastest American performance ever on that course), she’ll be looking to keep rolling. In total, the elite fields in New York feature 25 Olympic medalists and 22 national record holders... this one should deliver.

© New York Road Runners

Valencia Marathon: Yomif Kejelcha and Fotyen Tesfay for a world-record double?

Valencia 2026. The grand finale. Is this finally Valencia’s year? Over the past decade, the race has grown into an international heavyweight nobody can ignore. You come here to run fast, and the entire sport knows it. Valencia isn’t a Major, sure, but does it really need to be? With World Athletics’ Platinum Label, the event draws the best in the world every year. Sawe, Kiptum, Tolat, Jepkosgei, Jepchirchir, Beriso... they’ve all passed through the “Ciudad del Running”. Yomif Kejelcha, too, knows the place well after racing the Valencia Half for the last three years. A true rocket on the track with an eye-watering resume, the Ethiopian made his marathon debut this year in London. The rest is history: 1:59:41. Sub-2 in his first marathon.

In Valencia this year, the adidas-equipped rocket has one idea only: go even faster. The organizer is offering a €1 million bonus for a world record, something unheard of in marathon running. The expectations are huge, and they’re not fantasy either. After recently reclaiming the half marathon world record in Buenos Aires in 56:51, he sent a loud message to the sport. On Valencia’s ultra-flat course, another 1:59 is more than realistic.

© London Marathon

On the streets of Valencia, he’ll face reigning champion John Korir, also a two-time Boston winner (PB 2:01:52). Known for his aggressive, all-in style, Korir has decided to take a more scientific approach to training this time, with help from Wake Forest University in North Carolina. The showdown with Yomif Kejelcha has the makings of a classic, and Korir’s course record is in real danger. Among the other men chasing the podium is Alexander Mutiso (2:03:11), a familiar face on Major podiums and the 2024 London winner.

The women’s race should be blistering too. The favorite is none other than Fotyen Tesfay. The Ethiopian made a statement earlier this year with her marathon debut in Barcelona in 2:10:51, the second-fastest time in history. On an even quicker course like Valencia, with more experience in the legs, the world record is clearly on her radar. And she’ll have competition to help force it. Defending champion Joyciline Jepkosgei (2:14:00, course record set last year) will be there as well. Expect sparks in Valencia, where the odds of witnessing a double world record (men and women) have never felt higher. American Emily Sisson is also expected on the start line, aiming to better her national record of 2:18:29.

© Barcelona Marathon

Tamirat Tola missing

There are a few notable absences this fall. Sabastian Sawe, as we’ve seen, won’t be in Berlin, but nothing stops you from imagining a quick comeback for Valencia in December if he recovers fast: the prospect of a rematch of the craziest race in history against Yomif Kejelcha would have every running fan on the edge of their seat. Another big name missing: Tamirat Tola. The 2024 Olympic champion and New York course record holder isn’t on any of the announced elite fields this fall.