Kenyan Runner Breaks World Record at London Marathon

Sabastien Sawe achieved a remarkable feat at the London Marathon on Sunday, setting a new world record in less than two hours. He completed the race in 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 30 seconds, surpassing the previous men’s record by a notable 65 seconds.

“What happens today is not just for me, but for all of us in London today,” Sawe expressed after the race.

Sawe, a highly accomplished athlete, is no stranger to victory. He previously won the London Marathon in 2025, along with the Berlin Marathon that same year. He also took first place at the 2023 Riga Half Marathon and triumphed at the 2023 World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst.

He described Sunday as an “unforgettable day,” highlighting the enormous support from the crowds in London as a crucial factor in maintaining his pace for the world record. “I think they’re very helpful because without them, I wouldn’t feel as loved as I am… When they call, I feel so happy and strong,” he said.

Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha also ran under the two-hour mark, finishing just 11 seconds behind Sawe. Jacob Kiplimo from Uganda followed with a time of 2 hours and 28 seconds.

While this is an official record, it’s worth noting that the two-hour barrier has been approached before. Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge famously broke the two-hour mark in 2019 during a specially organized event in Vienna, clocking in at 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 40 seconds.

Former London Marathon champion Paula Radcliffe commented on the significance of this achievement, saying, “The goalposts literally just moved for the marathon.”