Sabastian Sawe of Kenya has etched his name in the annals of athletics, becoming the first person to officially complete a marathon in under two hours. Sawe crossed the finish line of the London Marathon today, April 26, 2026, with a blistering time of 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 30 seconds. This performance not only shatters the existing world record but also marks a significant milestone, a feat previously confined to specially controlled environments.
The race saw a remarkable display of endurance and speed, with Yomif Kejelcha of Ethiopia also breaking the two-hour mark, finishing a close second in 1:59:41. This indicates a new era in marathon running, where sub-two-hour performances are no longer theoretical impossibilities but emerging realities within competitive races. Sawe's decisive surge occurred in the final 10 kilometers, leaving only Kejelcha capable of matching his pace.
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A New Standard Set
Sawe's victory surpasses the previous world record, held by the late Kelvin Kiptum, which stood at 2:00:35, set in 2023. His second half of the race was particularly swift, clocking in at an astonishing 59 minutes after reaching the halfway mark at 1:00:29. This suggests a strategic pacing and an exceptional late-race acceleration.
While Eliud Kipchoge first broke the two-hour barrier in 2019, that achievement was under conditions not eligible for official record-setting. Sawe's accomplishment, therefore, represents the first official sub-two-hour marathon in a competitive race setting, devoid of the specialized pacing cars and other controlled elements that aided Kipchoge's earlier feat.
Broader Impact and Emerging Talent
The implications of this record are being felt across the sporting world. Observers note that "the world will never be the same again" following this historic run. The emergence of Kejelcha's equally impressive sub-two-hour performance signals a potential shift in the competitive landscape, with multiple athletes now demonstrating the capability to achieve such extraordinary times. Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda secured third place with a time of 2:00:28.
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Sawe, who is 30 years old, had previously won the London Marathon 12 months ago and successfully defended his title with this record-breaking run. Reports indicate Sawe was wearing the new Adidas Pro Evo 3 supershoe, a model weighing less than 100 grams, and had expressed intentions of a course or world record prior to the event. However, one report mentions a caveat regarding shoe technology and adherence to standard pacing and fluid rules, suggesting that the record's ratification might face scrutiny based on specific regulations.
