Kenya’s Sawe wins London marathon in record-breaking time

In a historic day for marathon running, Kenya's Sabastian Sawe has etched his name in the record books by winning the London Marathon in a blistering 1:59:30, becoming the first to officially break the two-hour barrier in an open race. This remarkable achievement, alongside Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha also dipping under two hours, underscores the incredible advancements in athletic performance and training.

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Finally reaching the finishing line, I saw the time, and I was so excited to see I had run a world record today.

Sawe's victory was hard-fought, with Kejelcha pushing him to the very end. The Kenyan's surge in the closing stages secured him the win and the coveted world record, a moment of immense pride for Kenya's strong tradition in long-distance running. The performance of all top three finishers, including Uganda's Jacob Kiplimo, surpassed the previous world record, signaling a new era in marathon competition.

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I was very prepared because coming to London for the second time was so important to me, and that’s why I prepared well for it.

Adding to the day's excitement, Kenya's Tigst Assefa delivered a stunning performance in the women's race, demolishing her own world record with a time of 2:15:41. Her dominant display, which saw her pull away from strong competitors like Kenya's Hellen Obiri, highlights the exceptional talent emerging from East Africa. These victories are not just personal triumphs but celebrated moments that reinforce Kenya's global standing in athletics, inspiring a nation and showcasing the dedication and prowess of its athletes on the world stage.

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I’m so happy to win again. To repeat my victory from last year means even more. The happiness I feel is just swelling up inside me.