Berlin Half Marathon 2025 Sees Record Performances And Historic Wins

On Sunday, April 6, 2025, the streets of Berlin came alive as tens of thousands of runners participated in the highly anticipated Berlin Half Marathon. This year, the event not only showcased elite athletes but also marked a significant milestone for German running.

Kenya's Daniel Simiu Ebenyo clinched the men's title with an impressive time of 59:30, while Ethiopia's Tekle Muluat triumphed in the women's category, finishing in 1:06:53. The event, which started on Straße des 17. Juni and concluded at the iconic Brandenburg Gate, attracted nearly 40,000 participants from over 130 countries, making it one of the largest running events in Germany.

The competition kicked off at 9:15 AM with inline skaters, followed by wheelchair users and handbikers at 9:55 AM. The main race for runners commenced at 10:05 AM, with competitors starting in waves to ensure a smooth flow along the 21-kilometer route. The atmosphere was electric, with approximately 40 bands and numerous cheering points along the course, providing support and motivation to the runners.

Notably, Amanal Petros made history as he became the first German runner to finish under one hour, crossing the line in 59:31 minutes, thereby breaking his own national record previously set in Valencia in October 2021. "The hard work has paid off," Petros exclaimed after his remarkable achievement.

In the men's results, Ebenyo's victory was closely contested, with Amos Kurgat and Isaia Kipkoech Lasoi following him in second and third place, finishing in 59:42 and 59:47 respectively. The top ten male finishers were:

• Daniel Simiu Ebenyo (KEN) - 00:59:30


• Amos Kurgat (KEN) - 00:59:42


• Isaia Kipkoech Lasoi (KEN) - 00:59:47


• Benard Biwott (KEN) - 01:00:21


• Bravin Kiprop (KEN) - 01:00:29


• Diego Estrada (USA) - 01:01:05


• Robert Kiprop Koech (KEN) - 01:01:27


• Victor Kiptoo Kimutai (KEN) - 01:01:29


• Samuel Fitwi (GER) - 01:01:33


• Pasquale Selvarolo (ITA) - 01:01:57

In the women's race, Muluat's victory was marked by her strategic pacing, finishing ahead of fellow Ethiopian Ftaw Zeray, who clocked in at 1:07:22. German runner Melat Kejeta finished closely behind in 1:07:26, showcasing the depth of talent in the women's field. The top ten female finishers included:

• Tekle Muluat (ETH) - 01:06:53


• Ftaw Zeray (ETH) - 01:07:22


• Melat Kejeta (GER) - 01:07:26


• Winnie Kimutai (KEN) - 01:08:41


• Lauren McNeil (GBR) - 01:10:10


• Clara Evans (GBR) - 01:10:11


• Miriam Dattke (GER) - 01:11:01


• Eva Dieterich (GER) - 01:11:15


• Lelise Tegegne Wakweya (ETH) - 01:11:59


• Philippa Bowden (GBR) - 01:12:15

In the wheelchair race, German athlete Merle Menje finished first with a time of 50:37, followed by Thomas van Hulst from the Netherlands and Johannes Balbaert from Belgium, who finished in 55:18 and 55:19 respectively. The results were as follows:

• Merle Menje (GER) - 00:50:37


• Thomas van Hulst (NED) - 00:55:18


• Johannes Balbaert (BEL) - 00:55:19


• Rinze de Jong (NED) - 01:07:33


• Avraham De Pilosof (ISR) - 01:08:00


• Vratislav Zdrubecký (CZE) - 01:21:37


• Joe Domino (DEN) - 01:37:56


• Halil Ibrahim Tazeoglu (GER) - 01:48:35

The day was not without its challenges, as the ongoing construction and safety concerns led to the suspension of S-Bahn services under the A100 bridge, affecting lines S41, S42, and S46. Additionally, the streets surrounding the marathon were closed to facilitate the event, creating significant traffic disruptions across the city.

Despite these challenges, the Berlin Half Marathon proved to be a resounding success, highlighting the spirit of camaraderie and competition that defines this iconic event. Athletes and spectators alike celebrated the achievements of the runners, with many already looking forward to next year's race, scheduled for March 29, 2026.

As the sun set over the city, the excitement of the day lingered in the air, with a festive atmosphere set to continue into the evening as participants gathered to celebrate their accomplishments. The Berlin Half Marathon is not just a race; it's a celebration of endurance, community, and the love of running.