The Berlin Marathon 2003 brought Kenyan Paul Tergat to the city on one mission alone. His aim was to break the World Record of 2:05:38 held by Khallid Khannouchi, which had been established at London 2002.

Tergat had yet to win a marathon, however he had run 2:05:48 when Khannouchi set the record and won in London. The Kenyan was hoping to set the record straight and he had a host of compatriots to assist him in his attempt on the record. To set the record he obviously had to win the race.

The race when turn into a wonderful display of well judged racing with the pacesetter Sammy Korir pushing Tergat all the way to the line, and in the process clocking a stunning 2:04:55 with Korir 2nd in 2:04:56.

On the Women's side, Japan continued their dominance of this event, when the country's Yasuko Hashimoto won in 2:26:32.

Not to be outdone was Mexican Andres Espinosa who finished 4th in a time of 2:08:46, a new WR for Veterans.