The streets of Berlin witnessed a breathtaking exhibition of endurance and precision as the 2026 Berlin Half Marathon delivered one of the fastest and most competitive editions in recent memory.
Bringing together more than 43,000 athletes from 134 nations — including a stellar lineup of world-class competitors — the race stood as a true global celebration of distance running at its highest level. In a contest defined by relentless pace and razor-thin margins, the men’s race produced a historic sub-60 double, while the women’s field showcased a masterclass of control and strength.
In the men’s race, Andrea Kiptoo of Kenya emerged victorious in a dramatic sprint finish, clocking a sensational 59:11 personal best. In a rare and electrifying moment, he was matched stride-for-stride by compatriot Dennis Kipkemoi, who crossed the line in the exact same time—also a personal best—settling for second place only by the narrowest of margins. The duo’s performance underlined Kenya’s continued dominance, as both men dipped under the prestigious 60-minute barrier.
Germany’s Amanal Petros delivered a performance of immense national pride, claiming third place in 59:22, setting a new national record. Roared on by the home crowd, Petros not only secured a podium finish but etched his name deeper into German athletics history with a landmark run.
Just off the podium, South Sudan’s Dominic Lobalu impressed with a swift 59:23, while France’s Etienne Daguinos (59:27) and Ethiopia’s Bereket Nega (59:43) ensured the race remained fiercely competitive deep into the top ten.
On the women’s side, Ethiopia’s Likina Amebaw produced a composed and commanding run to take the win in 1:05:07, asserting her authority with a decisive move that left the field chasing. Behind her, Kenya’s Daisilah Jerono delivered a strong performance to secure second place in 1:05:21, a well-earned personal best that highlighted her rising trajectory.
Completing the podium was another Kenyan, Veronica Loleo, who clocked 1:05:35, also a personal best, sealing a double podium finish for Kenya in the women’s race. The trio set a high standard, combining tactical awareness with impressive finishing strength.
Further down the field, Rwanda’s Florence Niyonkuru (1:07:22) and Germany’s Esther Pfeiffer (1:07:25) led the chase pack, while Belgium’s Chloé Herbiet and Germany’s Eva Dieterich added depth to a high-quality top ten.
Top 10 finishers
Men
1. Andrea Kiptoo (Kenya) – 59:11 (PB)
2. Dennis Kipkemoi (Kenya) – 59:11 (PB)
3. Amanal Petros (Germany) – 59:22 (NR)
4. Dominic Lobalu (South Sudan) – 59:23
5. Etienne Daguinos (France) – 59:27
6. Bereket Nega (Ethiopia) – 59:43
7. Robert Kiprop Koech (Kenya) – 59:51
8. Bastien Augusto (France) – 1:00:09
9. Célestin Ndikumana (Burundi) – 1:00:23
10. Said Mechaal (Spain) – 1:00:24
Women
1. Likina Amebaw (Ethiopia) – 1:05:07
2. Daisilah Jerono (Kenya) – 1:05:21 (PB)
3. Veronica Loleo (Kenya) – 1:05:35 (PB)
4. Florence Niyonkuru (Rwanda) – 1:07:22
5. Esther Pfeiffer (Germany) – 1:07:25
6. Chloé Herbiet (Belgium) – 1:07:32
7. Eva Dieterich (Germany) – 1:07:56
8. Carla Gallardo (Spain) – 1:08:30
9 Domenika Mayer (Germany) – 1:08:35
10. Elvanie Nimbona (Italy) – 1:08:38
As Berlin celebrates another remarkable chapter in its rich racing history, this edition will be remembered for its extraordinary scale, depth, and brilliance. From a global field of over 43,000 runners representing 134 nations to the elite athletes pushing the boundaries of human performance, the event embodied the unifying spirit of sport.
In the end, it was not just about times and titles, but about the shared passion that binds the world through running — where every stride tells a story, and every finish line becomes a moment of triumph.
