Berlin: Qatari runner Abdullah Fahad Al Zaraa achieved a new milestone for Qatar athletics by setting a national record in the 2025 Berlin Marathon, one of the world’s most prestigious and competitive long-distance races.

Al Zaraa completed the 42.21 km marathon in 2:30:34 hours, setting a new national benchmark in marathon running. He averaged 3 minutes and 34 seconds per kilometer, outperforming several world-class runners with greater international experience.

By finishing among the marathon’s top competitors, Al Zaraa automatically qualified for major international marathons in Chicago, Tokyo, Boston, London, and New York. His qualification adds another achievement to Qatar’s athletics, opening the door to multiple opportunities for him to further raise the nation’s profile on the global stage.

Al Zaraa’s performance drew attention throughout the race, as he kept pace with elite Kenyan, Ethiopian, Japanese, European, and American runners until the closing stages, where experience ultimately played a decisive role. Kenya’s Sebastian Sawe won the race in 2:06:06, followed by Japan’s Akira Akasaki in second at 2:06:15, and Ethiopia’s Shemdesa Debele in third with 2:06:57.

The Berlin Marathon is ranked as one of the world’s top six races accredited by World Athletics. The competition allows the best 20 finishers to qualify for the other five top-tier global marathons, cementing its place as a key gateway to the sport’s highest levels.