Sub‑Two‑Hour Marathon: Kenyan Sabastian Sawe Wins London

Kenyan runner Sabastian Sawe made history on Sunday when he became the first athlete to record an official sub‑two‑hour marathon, finishing the London Marathon in 1 hour 59 minutes 30 seconds. The achievement was witnessed from his family home in Nandi County, where his parents, Simon and Emily Sawe, watched the event on television.

Sawe’s victory, which set a new world record, was confirmed by race officials and will be entered into the athletics record books. The 27‑year‑old had already established himself on the marathon circuit with a win at the 2024 Valencia Marathon, but the London performance places him among the sport’s elite.

Simon Sawe described his reaction to the race: “When my son pulled ahead, I stepped outside and missed the finish; I watched the replay later.” His wife, Emily, recalled the household’s excitement as the news broke: “We heard someone shouting that the record had been broken, and we all screamed and jumped with happiness. Sabastian has made us proud; we thank God.”

Sabastian is the middle child of three athletes. His entry into professional running was facilitated by his uncle, former Olympian and 2008 World Championships silver‑medallist Abraham Chepkirwok, who introduced him to structured training. Emily Sawe noted that her son’s talent was evident from an early age: “When I tried to wash him at four, he would run away faster than I could catch him. I knew then he would shine.”

Simon praised his son’s character, saying, “He is disciplined, hardworking and modest. I have nothing left to teach him.” Despite the historic win, Sawe remains focused on further improvement. According to his father, “Even now he says the record is not enough; he wants to lower it further.”

After the marathon, Sawe returned to Kenya on Wednesday and was received with a hero’s welcome at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. He is expected to travel to his hometown in Nandi County later this week for a community celebration and to meet local officials.

Sawe’s sub‑two‑hour marathon marks a milestone in long‑distance running, confirming the feasibility of breaking the 2‑hour barrier under official race conditions. The performance adds to Kenya’s storied legacy in distance athletics and sets a new benchmark for future competitors.