Singer joins 55,000 runners in Berlin, finishing in 2:59:13 under a pseudonym

Harry Styles is used to selling out stadiums, but on Sunday, he swapped his microphone for running shoes and joined 55,000 competitors at the Berlin Marathon. The 31-year-old singer, best known as a former member of One Direction turned solo superstar, completed the world-famous course in 2 hours, 59 minutes and 13 seconds.

Crossing the line just under the coveted three-hour mark, Styles placed himself among serious amateur athletes who consider such a time a badge of honour. Wearing a headband, sunglasses, and running under the pseudonym “Sted Sarandos,” he managed to stay unnoticed by most spectators until after finishing the 26.2 miles.

The Berlin Marathon is renowned for producing fast times thanks to its flat streets and enthusiastic crowds, and this year was no different. Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe took first place with a blistering 2:02:16, confirming the German capital’s reputation as the sport’s quickest stage.

While the world record contenders pushed the pace at the front, Styles maintained his own steady rhythm. German newspaper Der Tagesspiegel reported spotting him training around Berlin in the build-up, suggesting he had been preparing seriously for the race.

At the finish, Styles posed for a photo with Richard Whitehead, the British Paralympic legend who has won two gold medals in the 200 metres and is attempting to complete 20 marathons this year. Whitehead later shared the picture on Instagram, revealing Styles’s achievement to fans.

The marathon marked a very different kind of public performance for the Grammy-winning artist. Known for chart-topping singles such as Watermelon Sugar and acclaimed albums including Harry Styles and Fine Line, the singer has spent much of his career touring and recording. Now, at least for a day, he was pounding pavements rather than commanding stages.

For many recreational runners, breaking three hours in a marathon represents years of disciplined training. To do so in one of the world’s biggest races adds extra prestige. While Styles has not spoken publicly about his run, the result will boost his reputation beyond music, showing the same determination and stamina that has fuelled his career.

Berlin has long attracted celebrities and public figures who test themselves on the city’s marathon course, but rarely do they post such competitive times. That Styles chose to run under an alias was perhaps an attempt to keep the focus on the sport rather than the spectacle. Yet news of his participation quickly spread, sparking admiration across social media.

The Berlin crowd, used to world records and dramatic finishes, may not have realised they were cheering on a pop icon as he made his way through the streets past the Brandenburg Gate. For Styles, the achievement adds another unusual milestone to a career already packed with them. He has conquered music charts around the globe, acted in Hollywood films, and now joined the sub-three marathon club.

While his future may still lie firmly in music, Sunday’s effort suggests that running could remain more than a passing interest. Training in public parks, competing anonymously among thousands of strangers, and celebrating with fellow athletes at the finish, Styles embraced a community far removed from the spotlight.

It is unclear whether the Berlin Marathon was a one-off challenge or the start of a new pursuit. Either way, for one morning at least, Harry Styles was less rock star than road runner—and his time ensured he crossed the line with a performance every bit as impressive as his concerts.