Sawe Defends Berlin Marathon Title Amid Strong International Field and U.S. Team Selections

Sawe will return to Berlin to defend his marathon title after setting the world record in the distance last year, Reuters reports, and his presence is expected to draw global attention to the race.

USA Track & Field posted on its website the U.S. roster for the World Road Running Championships, selecting the top finishers from the 2026 USATF Marathon Championships, and the team includes both seasoned veterans and emerging marathoners.

Berlin Marathon organizers confirmed the event will feature a deep elite field, noting that the race’s flat, city‑center course has historically produced fast times, and the prize purse remains among the highest in the marathon circuit.

Analysts say Sawe’s defense could shift global marathon rankings, provide a benchmark for U.S. athletes aiming to improve their standing, and increase the competitive pressure on the upcoming World Road Running Championships.