2024 Berlin Marathon Updates: Debut, Half Record-Breakers Seek ...

The 2024 summer track season is over, which means that in the world of pro racing, the fall marathon season is in full swing. Widely known as the fastest of all the World Marathon Majors, the Berlin Marathon has a storied past chock full of records (as Eliud Kipchoge's course of choice) and redemption from the likes of Kenenisa Bekele. Can the 2024 edition live up the billing? Find out below with live updates during the professional races, which both begin at 3:15 AM ET. The men's race should finish around 5:19 AM ET while the women's winner should cross the line around 5:31 AM.

We're almost ready to go. With temperatures in the mid-40s Fahrenheit, it's slightly cooler than usual for Berlin and partly cloudy -- certainly acceptable conditions to run fast. Looks like the sun is coming out at the start now.

Ethiopia's Tadese Takele has a great chance to improve his standing from last year -- he was 3rd in his only career marathon, but his time of 2:03:24 makes him the top seed this year. 

It's a clean start! Splits are 2:50 first kilometer and 2:57 for 2K, a little quick but that's as expected getting out. The pacers are right on 2:02 tempo. 3K and 4K splits are 2:54 and 2:53, so the pack is starting to settle into a rhythm here and it's a quick one.

The official 5K splits are rolling in: It's 14:25 for a 2:01:30 pace. Might Kipchoge's 2:01:09 course record be at risk? It's a lead pack of 14 runners clearly defined now.

1. Rutto, Asbel (KEN) - 00:14:25

2. Asmare, Bazezew (ETH) - 00:14:25

3. Kiprop, Stephen (KEN) - 00:14:25

4. Mengesha, Milkesa (ETH) - 00:14:25

5. Kangogo, Justus (KEN) - 00:14:26

6. Alew, Haymanot (ETH) - 00:14:26

7. Kandie, Kibiwott (KEN) - 00:14:26

8. Kipkemboi, Bethwell (KEN) - 00:14:26

9. Takele, Tadese (ETH) - 00:14:26

10. Onchari, Enock (KEN) - 00:14:27

11. Kotut, Cybrian (KEN) - 00:14:27

12. Boit, Josphat (KEN) - 00:14:27

13. Megersa, Dejene (ETH) - 00:14:27

14. Kipchumba, Philimon Kiptoo (KEN) - 00:14:28

15. Kipkosgei, Simon (KEN) - 00:15:01

The men split 7K in 20:05, still a big lead pack. At 10K, we're down to 12 in the lead pack, with a notable casualty so far in Hailemariyam Kiros. And these splits are extremely impressive:

1. Mengesha, Milkesa (ETH) - 00:28:42

2. Kipkemboi, Bethwell (KEN) - 00:28:42

3. Kiprop, Stephen (KEN) - 00:28:42

4. Rutto, Asbel (KEN) - 00:28:43

5. Kandie, Kibiwott (KEN) - 00:28:43

6. Onchari, Enock (KEN) - 00:28:43

7. Takele, Tadese (ETH) - 00:28:43

8. Kangogo, Justus (KEN) - 00:28:43

9. Megersa, Dejene (ETH) - 00:28:43

10. Asmare, Bazezew (ETH) - 00:28:43

11. Alew, Haymanot (ETH) - 00:28:44

12. Kotut, Cybrian (KEN) - 00:28:44

13. Boit, Josphat (KEN) - 00:28:52

Make no bones about it: This is one of the fastest marathon paces in history through 10K.  

It's been a 2:51 up to 10K, then a 2:52, then 2:53. Very steady pace for the men, and a big pack means top runners can relax and let others do the work for them. With a 2:54 next kilometer for 37:20 13K, might this  2:01 pace be a little too hot? No significant drop-off yet, but  they can't keep up this trend of losing a second per K.

1. Mengesha, Milkesa (ETH) - 00:43:13 (02:01:33 pace)

2. Takele, Tadese (ETH) - 00:43:13 (02:01:34 pace)

3. Asmare, Bazezew (ETH) - 00:43:13 (02:01:34 pace)

4. Kipkemboi, Bethwell (KEN) - 00:43:14 (02:01:35 pace)

5. Alew, Haymanot (ETH) - 00:43:14 (02:01:35 pace)

6. Rutto, Asbel (KEN) - 00:43:15 (02:01:37 pace)

7. Megersa, Dejene (ETH) - 00:43:15 (02:01:39 pace)

8. Kiprop, Stephen (KEN) - 00:43:15 (02:01:40 pace)

9. Kandie, Kibiwott (KEN) - 00:43:15 (02:01:40 pace)

10. Kotut, Cybrian (KEN) - 00:43:16 (02:01:40 pace)

11. Kangogo, Justus (KEN) - 00:43:16 (02:01:41 pace)

12. Onchari, Enock (KEN) - 00:43:16 (02:01:42 pace)

13. Boit, Josphat (KEN) - 00:43:34 (02:02:33 pace)

1. Asmare, Bazezew (ETH) - 00:57:44 (02:01:49 pace)

2. Mengesha, Milkesa (ETH) - 00:57:45 (02:01:49 pace)

3. Takele, Tadese (ETH) - 00:57:45 (02:01:49 pace)

4. Kandie, Kibiwott (KEN) - 00:57:45 (02:01:49 pace)

5. Alew, Haymanot (ETH) - 00:57:45 (02:01:50 pace)

6. Kotut, Cybrian (KEN) - 00:57:45 (02:01:50 pace)

7. Megersa, Dejene (ETH) - 00:57:45 (02:01:51 pace)

8. Kipkemboi, Bethwell (KEN) - 00:57:45 (02:01:51 pace)

9. Kiprop, Stephen (KEN) - 00:57:46 (02:01:51 pace)

10. Rutto, Asbel (KEN) - 00:57:46 (02:01:52 pace)

11. Onchari, Enock (KEN) - 00:57:47 (02:01:54 pace)

12. Kangogo, Justus (KEN) - 00:57:47 (02:01:55 pace)

13. Boit, Josphat (KEN) - 00:58:26 (02:03:17 pace)

The Ethiopians hit 60:57 through the half. That's right on target for their originally scheduled 2:02 flat pace, but the journey hasn't been easy with some up-and-down kilometer splits. Nobody would expect a Kiptum-like grind that would be required for the world record from here, but there is a hope of achieving Kipchoge's course record if they begin to pick it up.

We've gone from 12 to 10 at 25K. The pacemakers are gone now, so we'll begin to see some real racing. In an encouraging sign, Kibiwott Kandie shoots right to the front with Mengesha right on his shoulder. Could this be the separating move?

1. Mengesha, Milkesa (ETH) - 01:12:30 (02:02:22 pace)

2. Kandie, Kibiwott (KEN) - 01:12:30 (02:02:22 pace)

3. Takele, Tadese (ETH) - 01:12:31 (02:02:23 pace)

4. Kotut, Cybrian (KEN) - 01:12:31 (02:02:24 pace)

5. Kipkemboi, Bethwell (KEN) - 01:12:31 (02:02:24 pace)

6. Alew, Haymanot (ETH) - 01:12:32 (02:02:24 pace)

7. Asmare, Bazezew (ETH) - 01:12:32 (02:02:25 pace)

8. Megersa, Dejene (ETH) - 01:12:32 (02:02:26 pace)

9. Kiprop, Stephen (KEN) - 01:12:33 (02:02:26 pace)

10. Rutto, Asbel (KEN) - 01:12:33 (02:02:26 pace)

For a long while, commentators have been saying that Kandie could run a monster marathon should he put together a race equivalent to his half-marathon best finish. After years of frustration, win today at Berlin off such a fast pace could be that result he needs.

Kandie splits a 2:47 K, the fastest of the race so far. He's given back the lead to Mengesha as the pack seems to slow back to their 2:02-mid tempo.

The pack is down to 8 at 30K, and with the pace slowing again to 2:59 K splits, it's all about the battle for the win now. 

1. Kandie, Kibiwott (KEN) - 01:27:21 (02:02:52 pace)

2. Mengesha, Milkesa (ETH) - 01:27:22 (02:02:52 pace)

3. Alew, Haymanot (ETH) - 01:27:22 (02:02:53 pace)

4. Takele, Tadese (ETH) - 01:27:22 (02:02:53 pace)

5. Megersa, Dejene (ETH) - 01:27:22 (02:02:53 pace)

6. Kipkemboi, Bethwell (KEN) - 01:27:22 (02:02:53 pace)

7. Kotut, Cybrian (KEN) - 01:27:22 (02:02:53 pace)

8. Kiprop, Stephen (KEN) - 01:27:23 (02:02:54 pace)

9. Asmare, Bazezew (ETH) - 01:27:54 (02:03:38 pace)

One runner to still look out for is Dejane Mergesa. Mergesa is just 19 years old and won't turn 20 until January, meaning his time today will be eligible for a world under-20 record should it be under 2:04.

About an hour and a half into the race, there's a major surprise as Kibiwott Kandie, who injected a 2:47 kilometer leading the race just minutes ago, begins to fall back. Kandie had difficulty traveling to Berlin this year per reports, and to make matters worse he missed his drink at the 30K station which may have been the beginning of the end of his run. As the runners pass the next aid station, Kandie rallies to maintain contact with the pack! Maybe he was just taking a one-kilometer break?

The projected winning time is now just under 2:03 passing the 33K mark. The Keyan Stephen Kiprop has drifted to the front, but there's a sense of calm before the storm here as the lead pack begins to prepare for the final 5K push.

It seems like the pack knows they need to go now to drop Kandie, and so they have -- he maintained contact through 35K, but soon after he's begun to fall off again.

1. Takele, Tadese (ETH) - 01:42:14 (02:03:15 pace)

2. Mengesha, Milkesa (ETH) - 01:42:14 (02:03:15 pace)

3. Kiprop, Stephen (KEN) - 01:42:14 (02:03:15 pace)

4. Kotut, Cybrian (KEN) - 01:42:14 (02:03:15 pace)

5. Alew, Haymanot (ETH) - 01:42:14 (02:03:15 pace)

6. Megersa, Dejene (ETH) - 01:42:15 (02:03:16 pace)

7. Kandie, Kibiwott (KEN) - 01:42:15 (02:03:16 pace)

8. Onchari, Enock (KEN) - 01:43:13 (02:04:26 pace)

All things considered, despite Kandie's demise, six runners is still plenty at 35K in any marathon. Who will take the win, and when will they make their move? If Mergesa can stay in it, he'll surely set a world U20 record.

Tadese Takele, the pre-race favorite and top seed, has dropped from the leaders with 5K to go! The race for the win is down to just four athletes now: Mengesha, Kiprop, Kotut, and Alew. It would be an incredible achievement if the teenager Mergesa could hang on and perhaps even win -- all four are steady in a pack for now with Kiprop leading the diamond formation.

The first of the four to go is Alew, as Kotut takes his hand at leading now as 40K is passed. Mengesha is right by his side, but Kiprop is losing a step! It's Mengesha versus Kotut for the win now. Here's the top 10 just before the finish:

1. Mengesha, Milkesa (ETH) - 01:56:59 (02:03:24 pace)

2. Kotut, Cybrian (KEN) - 01:56:59 (02:03:24 pace)

3. Kiprop, Stephen (KEN) - 01:56:59 (02:03:24 pace)

4. Alew, Haymanot (ETH) - 01:57:00 (02:03:25 pace)

5. Takele, Tadese (ETH) - 01:57:33 (02:04:00 pace)

6. Kiros, Hailemariyam (ETH) - 01:58:03 (02:04:32 pace)

7. Ikeda, Yohei (JPN) - 01:58:23 (02:04:52 pace)

8. Ruesom, Oqbe Kibrom (ERI) - 01:58:30 (02:05:00 pace)

9. Onchari, Enock (KEN) - 01:58:46 (02:05:17 pace)

10. Kandie, Kibiwott (KEN) - 01:58:48 (02:05:19 pace)

Kotut and Mengesha are stride for stride in the finishing straight! Mengesha looks strong, and he powers forward with 400m to go. It looks like that's the winning move -- Kotut lets him go, and Milkesha Mengesha has some time to savor his win as the 2024 Berlin Marathon champion, giving a thumbs up to the crown. It's 2:03:17 for Mengesha -- an impressive rally time-wise, with Kotut 2nd and Kiprop in 3rd. There was only one sub-2:04 runner going into the race, so PBs are going left and right among the top finishers.

There was an impressive finish from Yohei Ikeda of Japan, who was never in the lead pack throughout the race but nonetheless passed the top seed Takele at the line to finish 6th. The top 10 honors:

1. Mengesha, Milkesa (ETH) - 02:03:17

2. Kotut, Cybrian (KEN) - 02:03:22

3. Alew, Haymanot (ETH) - 02:03:31

4. Kiprop, Stephen (KEN) - 02:03:37

5. Kiros, Hailemariyam (ETH) - 02:04:35

6. Ikeda, Yohei (JPN) - 02:05:12

7. Takele, Tadese (ETH) - 02:05:13 

8. Ruesom, Oqbe Kibrom (ERI) - 02:05:37

9. Onchari, Enock (KEN) - 02:05:53 

10. Belachew, Melaku (ETH) - 02:06:30 

Ethiopia's Tigist Ketema is the odds-on favorite, and coming off her 2:16 marathon debut record in Dubai earlier this year, her spot on top is well deserved despite a 7th-place blip in London. Should it come down to a kick, her 2:02 800m speed may come in handy too. But she's not the only runner with both an impressive debut and solid middle-distance chops in the field: countrywoman Genezebe Dibaba, more well known as the former 1500m world record-holder, debuted in 2:18:05 in 2022.

Rumors say Dibaba, donning the famed NN Running Team gear, had an encouraging buildup to this race, so we'll see how long she can stay with Ketema.

We're off! Opening kilometers of 3:10, 3:19, 3:14 followed by a 12:55 4K split. They're targeting 3:13 per K to 68 for the half (2:16 full marathon pace).

It's a 16:06 5K split for Ketema and Azmera Gebru, 2:15:43 pace. Dibaba has already spotted those two 29 seconds by leading the chase pack of 10 -- it's only Gebru and Ketema all alone in front for now. 

1. Ketema, Tigist (ETH) - 00:16:06

2. Gebru, Azmera (ETH) - 00:16:06

3. Dibaba, Genzebe (ETH) - 00:16:35

4. Mulisa, Aberu Ayana (ETH) - 00:16:35

5. Wereta, Fikrte (ETH) - 00:16:35

6. Afenigus, Betelihem (ETH) - 00:16:36

7. Fikir, Mestawot (ETH) - 00:16:36

8. Melese, Yebregual (ETH) - 00:16:36

9. Mulatie, Bosena (ETH) - 00:16:36

10. Gudeta, Bekelech (ETH) - 00:16:36

11. Gola, Sisay Meseret (ETH) - 00:16:37

12. Kejeta, Melat (GER) - 00:16:37

13. Hosoda, Ai (JPN) - 00:16:45

1. Ketema, Tigist (ETH) - 00:32:14

2. Gebru, Azmera (ETH) - 00:32:14

3. Kejeta, Melat (GER) - 00:33:01

4. Dibaba, Genzebe (ETH) - 00:33:01

5. Mulisa, Aberu Ayana (ETH) - 00:33:01

6. Fikir, Mestawot (ETH) - 00:33:01

7. Mulatie, Bosena (ETH) - 00:33:01

8. Melese, Yebregual (ETH) - 00:33:02

9. Gola, Sisay Meseret (ETH) - 00:33:02

10. Wereta, Fikrte (ETH) - 00:33:03

11. Afenigus, Betelihem (ETH) - 00:33:03

12. Gudeta, Bekelech (ETH) - 00:33:04

13. Hosoda, Ai (JPN) - 00:33:18

Ketema and Gebru have extended their lead from 30 to 45 seconds over the chase pack. Their pace is now on target for 2:16 flat or just under, what would be a solid PB for both athletes should they stick with it and keep ahead enough of Dibaba.

1. Ketema, Tigist (ETH) - 00:48:16 (02:15:45 pace)

2. Gebru, Azmera (ETH) - 00:48:17 (02:15:47 pace)

3. Fikir, Mestawot (ETH) - 00:49:24 (02:18:58 pace)

4. Mulatie, Bosena (ETH) - 00:49:24 (02:18:58 pace)

5. Kejeta, Melat (GER) - 00:49:24 (02:18:58 pace)

6. Mulisa, Aberu Ayana (ETH) - 00:49:25 (02:18:58 pace)

7. Gola, Sisay Meseret (ETH) - 00:49:25 (02:18:59 pace)

8. Wereta, Fikrte (ETH) - 00:49:26 (02:19:03 pace)

9. Dibaba, Genzebe (ETH) - 00:49:27 (02:19:05 pace)

10. Melese, Yebregual (ETH) - 00:49:27 (02:19:05 pace)

11. Afenigus, Betelihem (ETH) - 00:49:28 (02:19:09 pace)

12. Gudeta, Bekelech (ETH) - 00:49:30 (02:19:13 pace)

13. Hosoda, Ai (JPN) - 00:49:56 (02:20:26 pace)

Through 15K, it's still Ketema and Gebru with the same cast of 10 in chase. In contrast to the men who have begun to stagnate, there's still momentum here, but only two women (plus, of course, a cast of male pacesetters) are there to share the lead.

Some of the chase packers have fallen at 20K -- we've gone from 10 to just 7, and they've caught up a little as they're only about a half-minute behind. The most notable drop-off has got to be Genezebe Dibaba, who has fallen out of the top 10 and may have just given up her shot at a podium finish today.

1. Ketema, Tigist (ETH) - 01:04:23 (02:15:50 pace)

2. Gebru, Azmera (ETH) - 01:04:25 (02:15:54 pace)

3. Wereta, Fikrte (ETH) - 01:05:51 (02:18:55 pace)

4. Fikir, Mestawot (ETH) - 01:05:51 (02:18:56 pace)

5. Mulisa, Aberu Ayana (ETH) - 01:05:51 (02:18:56 pace)

6. Mulatie, Bosena (ETH) - 01:05:52 (02:18:57 pace)

7. Gola, Sisay Meseret (ETH) - 01:05:53 (02:18:59 pace)

8. Afenigus, Betelihem (ETH) - 01:05:53 (02:18:59 pace)

9. Melese, Yebregual (ETH) - 01:05:53 (02:19:00 pace)

An important development at the half, which Ketema passed in 67:53, is that Gebru has lost touch with the leader. The fate of this race is all in Ketema's hands now. At 25K, she's only extended her lead to over a full minute ahead of Gebru. At this point, Gebru has got to be worried about being caught by the chase pack.

1. Ketema, Tigist (ETH) - 01:20:41 (02:16:10 pace)

2. Gebru, Azmera (ETH) - 01:21:44 (02:17:57 pace)

3. Mulisa, Aberu Ayana (ETH) - 01:22:26 (02:19:08 pace)

4. Fikir, Mestawot (ETH) - 01:22:27 (02:19:09 pace)

5. Mulatie, Bosena (ETH) - 01:22:27 (02:19:09 pace)

6. Melese, Yebregual (ETH) - 01:22:27 (02:19:09 pace)

7. Gola, Sisay Meseret (ETH) - 01:22:28 (02:19:11 pace)

8. Wereta, Fikrte (ETH) - 01:22:47 (02:19:43 pace)

The pace is beginning to tire a little at 30K for Ketema, but her lead is only growing. Gebru has fallen way back to 7th after a valiant first half running right with Ketema.

1. Ketema, Tigist (ETH) - 01:36:59 (02:16:24 pace)

2. Mulatie, Bosena (ETH) - 01:38:52 (02:19:03 pace)

3. Fikir, Mestawot (ETH) - 01:38:52 (02:19:03 pace)

4. Mulisa, Aberu Ayana (ETH) - 01:38:52 (02:19:04 pace)

5. Melese, Yebregual (ETH) - 01:39:06 (02:19:23 pace)

6. Gola, Sisay Meseret (ETH) - 01:39:23 (02:19:47 pace)

7. Gebru, Azmera (ETH) - 01:39:43 (02:20:15 pace)

Ketema is running away with it now! At 35K, she's extended her lead to over 2 minutes as Bosena Mulatie and Mestawot Fikir have separated themselves in the battle for 2nd place.

1. Ketema, Tigist (ETH) - 01:53:13 (02:16:29 pace)

2. Mulatie, Bosena (ETH) - 01:55:17 (02:18:59 pace)

3. Fikir, Mestawot (ETH) - 01:55:17 (02:18:59 pace)

4. Mulisa, Aberu Ayana (ETH) - 01:55:29 (02:19:13 pace)

Ketema has passed 40K in 2:09:24, on pace for a 2:16:30 finish. Her 2:16:07 PB might be just out of reach, but this'll be a meaningful win for her following disappointment in London. Fikir and Mulatie are battling it out behind.

Back to the finish, it's no contest. Ketema finishes in 2:16:41 unofficially, one of the most dominant wins in Berlin history. She was never truly challenged, and her only company during the race was by Gebru in the early miles. 

Fikir wins the race for 2nd in a massive personal best. The top 3:

1. Ketema, Tigist (ETH) - 02:16:42 (- pace)

2. Fikir, Mestawot (ETH) - 02:18:48 (- pace)

3. Mulatie, Bosena (ETH) - 02:19:00 (- pace)