Assefa had been on course to challenge the world record of 2:09:56 before her race dramatically unravelled in the closing stages.
World Athletics reported that she was still projecting a world-record time at 40km, having reached the checkpoint in 2:03:00, before suddenly beginning to limp and grimace in pain. The organisation initially reported the injury as a partial Achilles tear.
Her manager later provided a more serious assessment.
‘The tendon was completely gone’
Speaking to AFP, Demadonna said Assefa had effectively completed the final two kilometres without a functioning Achilles tendon.
“The tendon was completely gone when she ran the last two kilometres,” Demadonna said.
He explained that Assefa began experiencing pain around the 31km mark, before the problem became significantly worse after 40km.
Despite the severe injury, the Ethiopian continued towards the Brandenburg Gate, eventually winning the race in 2:11:04.
Third-fastest marathon ever
The extraordinary circumstances of Assefa's finish should not obscure the quality of her performance.
She had maintained an exceptional pace throughout the race, passing:
• 10km: 30:48
• 20km: 1:01:34
• Halfway: 1:04:57
• 30km: 1:32:15
• 40km: 2:03:00
At 35km, Assefa was still running at a pace that projected a finish around the world-record mark. World Athletics reported that her projected time at one stage was 2:09:45, before the Achilles injury ended her record challenge.
Her final time of 2:11:04 was nevertheless the third-fastest women's marathon performance ever recorded and a new Berlin Marathon course record. She also improved her own previous Berlin record of 2:11:53, set in 2023.
Third Berlin Marathon victory
The victory was Assefa's third Berlin Marathon title, following her triumphs in 2022 and 2023.
She became the first woman to establish a Berlin course record on three separate winning occasions, according to the race's reporting.
Her compatriots Bedatu Hirpa and Dera Dida completed an Ethiopian sweep of the women's podium, finishing in 2:16:53 and 2:16:55 respectively.
Successful surgery in Munich
Following the race, Assefa received medical attention before being taken to Germany for specialist treatment.
Her manager subsequently confirmed that she underwent surgery in Munich on Monday. A separate report from Pura Vida Sports Africa stated that the operation was successful and that Assefa was expected to remain in hospital for approximately three more days.
The immediate focus is now on her recovery and rehabilitation following an injury that occurred during one of the most remarkable marathon performances of her career.
Assefa's ability to finish a marathon in 2:11:04 after suffering such a serious Achilles injury has added an extraordinary chapter to an already historic Berlin Marathon performance.