Styles joined approximately 55,000 runners in the German capital on the morning of 21/9. The British singer ran under the alias Sted Sarandos, wearing bib number 31261, a headband, and sunglasses to protect his identity.

Harry Styles competing in the 2025 Berlin Marathon on 21/9. Photo: Sportograf

Despite his disguise, many spectators along the course recognized the global music star. They were even more surprised when Styles completed the 42.195 km distance in 2 hours 59 minutes and 13 seconds. He ran the first half of the race in 1 hour 29 minutes and 8 seconds, and the second half in 1 hour 30 minutes and 6 seconds.

This was Styles' second World Marathon Majors race this year, following his completion of the Tokyo Marathon in March in 3 hours 24 minutes and 7 seconds. In just six months, he shaved off more than 25 minutes, a significant improvement attributed to consistent training.

Styles followed a rigorous training plan under the guidance of David Thibo, a former British Special Forces soldier and professional fighter. His regimen included short runs, timed mile runs (with a personal best of 5 minutes 13 seconds), push-ups, sit-ups, high-speed squats, weight training, sprints, and core work.

According to the German newspaper Der Tagesspiegel, Styles was spotted training on the streets of Berlin before the race. After finishing, the 31-year-old singer posed for a photo with Richard Whitehead, a two-time Paralympic 200m champion who is currently attempting to complete 20 marathons in 2025.

Harry Styles (right) with Richard Whitehead, a two-time Paralympic 200m champion.

Born in 1994, Harry Styles is a British singer and actor. He was a member of One Direction from 2010 to 2016 and dated Taylor Swift from 2012 to 2013. Since leaving the band, he has enjoyed a successful solo music career and acting career, earning three Grammy Awards. Styles is also known for his gender-fluid fashion style.

By achieving a sub-3-hour marathon, the 31-year-old singer has proven himself not only a music icon but also an inspiration within the amateur sports community.

Styles wasn't the only notable figure at the 2025 Berlin Marathon. Former German striker and 2014 World Cup winner Andre Schurrle, 34, finished at the Brandenburg Gate with a time of 3 hours 21 minutes and 25 seconds. Felix Kroos, brother of former Real Madrid star Toni Kroos, finished in 4 hours 28 minutes and 23 seconds.

The Berlin Marathon is an annual race held in Berlin, and is part of the World Marathon Majors (WMM), which includes races in New York, Boston, Chicago, London, Tokyo, and Sydney.

Kenyan runners dominated the 2025 Berlin Marathon. Sabastian Sawe won the men's race with a time of 2 hours 2 minutes and 16 seconds, while Rosemary Wanjiru won the women's race in 2 hours 21 minutes and 5 seconds.

Compiled by Hong Duy