Sabastian Sawe of Kenya has etched his name into athletic history today, becoming the first runner to officially break the two-hour mark in a marathon. Sawe achieved this monumental feat at the London Marathon, crossing the finish line with a blistering time of 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 30 seconds. This performance not only shattered previous records but also fulfilled a long-held aspiration in the sport.
The 29-year-old Sawe’s historic run, which saw him defend his London title, was supported by a massive crowd lining the streets. His pace was remarkably consistent, with reports indicating a tactical approach that saw him gain speed as the race progressed, a difficult achievement often considered a mark of exceptional endurance. The race also saw another significant record fall in the women's category.
Records Tumble in Both Races
While Sawe commanded headlines for his groundbreaking performance, Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia also made her mark. Assefa secured victory in the women's race with a time of 2:15:41, establishing a new benchmark for the fastest women’s-only marathon.
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The wheelchair races also witnessed remarkable achievements. Swiss athlete Marcel Hug continued his dominance, clinching his sixth consecutive men's title and eighth overall. In the women's wheelchair race, Catherine Debrunner of Switzerland defended her title in a closely contested finish against American Tatyana McFadden.
A New Era for Marathon Running
Sawe's sub-two-hour marathon comes nearly seven years after Eliud Kipchoge's pioneering, albeit unofficial, run in Vienna. This latest achievement, however, stands as a legally recognized record, recalibrating expectations for future marathon performances. Ethiopian runner Yomif Kejelcha also delivered an impressive debut, finishing second to Sawe with a time of 1:59:41. Ugandan athlete Jacob Kiplimo secured third place with a time of 2:00:28, also surpassing the previous world record.
Read More: Sabastian Sawe runs sub-two hour London Marathon on 26 April 2026
