Since its inception in 1974, the Berlin Marathon has produced 13 world record marathons, the last coming just a year ago when Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa stopped the clock in an unprecedented 2:11:53, becoming the first woman to ever break 2:14.

Next Sunday, the world’s best will battle throughout the streets of Berlin, with fan-favorites ready to take advantage of an electric crowd and a world-class competition. 

Though official entries haven’t been released, the top ten international athletes on both the men’s and the women’s side were announced last month, with the Ethiopian duo of Tigist Ketema and Tadese Takele lead the way for both fields.

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Ketema is one of two women with personal bests faster than 2:17, sporting a 2:16:07 PB while Kenya’s Rosemary Wanjiru sits No. 10 all-time in 2:16.:14. Ethiopia’s Genzebe Dibaba and Yebregual Melese round out the contenders, both under 2:20:00, respectively. 

With Ketema coming off of a statement win at the Dubai Marathon earlier this year and Wanjiru being the Berlin Marathon runner-up in 2022, both women could combine for a potentially historic result. 

The men’s race is equally as stacked, as six men enter next Sunday’s battle with lifetime bests under 2:05, led by Takele’s 2:03:24. After finishing third a year ago, Takele is the run-away favorite and it's not even close.

However, even if his PB does make him the No. 19 man in world history, the marathon distance is both brutal and unforgiving, meaning it won’t be easy for Takele just because he’s the fastest of the field. 

Kenya’s trio of Ronald Korir, Cybrian Kotut, and Kibiwott Kandie all have the chance for a podium finish as well as the opportunity to demonstrate the art of teamwork. 

Ethiopia’s pairing of Hailemaryam Kiros and Bazezew Asmare will certainly be mixed up in the pacing duties, as both men have broken the 2:05 marathon barrier.

The 50th edition of the Berlin Marathon could very well give fans some historically quick marks. 

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