Kenyan runner Sabastian Sawe made history in London on Sunday by becoming the first man to run an official marathon in under two hours. He won the London Marathon in 1 hour, 59 minutes and 30 seconds, breaking the previous world record set by Kelvin Kiptum in Chicago in 2023. The race took place over the full marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres.
Sawe’s win was part of a remarkable men’s race. Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha finished second in 1:59:41 during his first marathon, while Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo came third in 2:00:28. Sawe said he felt strong near the finish and was very excited when he saw the time.
There was also a record in the women’s race. Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa won in 2:15:41, breaking her own women’s-only world record from the previous year in London. Hellen Obiri and Joyciline Jepkosgei, both from Kenya, finished close behind her in second and third place.
The runners were helped by good weather and huge crowds along the London course. Sawe thanked the supporters, saying their cheering made him feel loved, happy and strong. Wheelchair racers Marcel Hug of Switzerland and Catherine Debrunner of Switzerland also won their events, with Hug taking his sixth London victory in a row.
