Sabastian Sawe smashes world record at London Marathon, Kenyan becomes first man on planet to break two-hour barrier

Kenya's Sabastian Sawe became the first man on planet to win the London Marathon under the two-hour barrier on Sunday in a new world record in an highly competitive race. Before Sawe, no other athlete had won a marathon under the two-hour mark.

Sawe thus broke the record previously held by fellow Kelvin Kiptum, who completed the Chicago Marathon in 2:00:35 in 2023. The 30-year-old Sawe crossed the finishing line in 1:59:30, saving 1 minute and 5 seconds off Kiptum’s record.

“I am feeling good, I am so happy," Sawe said after completing his race. “It is a day to remember.” With this win, Sawe also bettered his previous personal best by 2 minutes and 57 seconds, after winning the 2025 edition in 2:02:27.

“I think today, it shows me a lot,” Sawe was quoted as saying to BBC Sport. “There is time for everyone. I think I was well-prepared because coming to London for the second time was so important to me. And that’s why I prepared well for it. And finally, what I had done for four months, it has come today to be a good result,” added the new superstar in Marathon circuit.

Sawe’s team had insisted their man was in shape, and that he would be helped by wearing the latest pair of Adidas Adios Pro 3 supershoes, which weigh in at just 97 grams – lighter than a baby kitten – and will retail for about £450. But no one expected this.

Not long behind him was Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha, who was 11 seconds back in his debut marathon. His time would have also shattered the world record. Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo, who came third in 2:00:28, was also inside it too.

“I would like to help the crowds for cheering us,” he added. “They help a lot because if it was not for them, you do not feel you are so loved. You feel so happy and strong, and that’s why I can say … what comes today is not for me alone, but for all of us today in London.”