The 45th Berlin Half Marathon has secured its place in the history books for two reasons: Amanal Petros set a new German record of 59:22, but the race is mostly being discussed due to a controversial finish where a pacemaker stepped aside for the leader just moments before the finish line.
Pacemaker Catches Leader and Yields a Yard Before the Line
The most talked-about event on Sunday morning in the German capital was not the athletic performance itself, but the unfolding drama of the final kilometers. Andrea Kiptoo claimed the biggest victory of his career so far with a time of 59:11, yet it occurred under circumstances that sparked a debate over fair play. For most of the race, the lead pack was spearheaded by his compatriot, Dennis Kipkemoi, who was originally tasked with pacing Amanal Petros.
After completing his duties and seeing his leader through a mid-race slump, Kipkemoi did not drop out. Instead, he surged to chase down the breakaway group. With about two kilometers remaining, he caught Kiptoo and appeared significantly fresher, taking the lead despite a strong headwind. It was then that a rare sight in world-class road racing occurred: a manager pulled up alongside Kipkemoi on a motorcycle and engaged in a brief discussion with him.
Following that exchange and a subsequent conversation between the two runners, the pacemaker visibly slowed down on the final straight. Just steps before the tape, Kipkemoi let Kiptoo pass, allowing him to cross the line first. Both athletes were clocked at an identical 59:11, but Kiptoo was declared the official winner. Sources suggest Kipkemoi may not have fully understood racing protocol, as this was his first competitive start outside of Kenya. These events may now face scrutiny from World Athletics regarding third-party interference in race results.
Petros Breaks German Record Despite Mid-Race Struggle
Despite the chaos at the very front, home favorite Amanal Petros had plenty to celebrate. The German runner finished third in 59:22, setting a new German record. Petros shaved 9 seconds off his own previous mark set last year in Berlin, moving up to fourth on the European all-time list.
The path to the record was not easy. Petros faced a significant crisis around the 5-kilometer mark when he began to lose contact with the lead group. However, through sheer determination and feeling better as his body warmed up in the chilly conditions, he managed to overtake his rivals in the closing stages. Just off the podium, Switzerland’s Dominic Lobalu finished in 59:23, trailing the German by a mere second.
Fifth place went to France’s Etienne Daguinos, whose time of 59:27 set a new French national record and a personal best. The high level of competition at the 45th Berlin Half Marathon significantly reshuffled the European historical rankings. For many athletes, including Petros and Britain’s Phil Sesemann (16th in 61:21), this race served as a vital tune-up for the upcoming London Marathon.
Amebaw Dominates While German Women Shine
In the women’s race, the scenario was far more predictable as the favorite delivered. Ethiopia’s Likina Amebaw won with a time of 65:07, the third-fastest result in the event’s history. Amebaw controlled the race for the majority of the distance, ultimately finishing 14 seconds ahead of Kenya’s Daisilah Jerono (65:21). The podium was completed by another Kenyan, Veronica Loleo, in 65:35.
It was a stellar day for German female athletes, who packed the top ten. Esther Pfeiffer was the top European finisher, taking fifth place with a new personal best of 67:25. This result is particularly impressive considering she competed just one week after winning the German Half Marathon Championship in Frankfurt and had been battling a cold.
Other top German finishers included Eva Dietrich (7th) and Domenica Mayer (9th). Notable performances also included a Belgian record by Chloe Herbiet (67:32) and a Spanish record by Carla Gallardo (68:30). In total, 17 women broke the 70-minute barrier, confirming the incredible depth and quality of this year’s field in Berlin.
Berlin Half Marathon: Impressive Numbers, Lingering Questions
Berlin has once again confirmed its status as one of the fastest courses in the world, boasting 36,000 participants, multiple national records, and 17 women under 70 minutes. However, the question remains: will organizers address the Sunday morning confusion and clarify the rules regarding pacemakers? One thing is certain—this race will be remembered for a long time, though perhaps not strictly for the right reasons.
