Sabaa Breaks Marathon's 2-Hour Barrier with Record-Shattering London Run

The seemingly insurmountable barrier of the marathon's 2-hour mark has finally been broken in an official race, a feat previously confined to the realm of unofficial, highly controlled events. Kenyan runner Sabaasit Sabaa achieved this historic milestone at the London Marathon, clocking an astonishing 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 30 seconds.

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I feel so good. I am so happy. It will be an unforgettable day.

This incredible performance not only sets a new world record but also surpasses the previous official record of 2:00:35 set by the late Kelvin Kiptum. Kiptum, who was widely expected to be the one to break the 2-hour barrier, tragically passed away in a car accident earlier this year. Sabaa's achievement is particularly remarkable as it was accomplished in an open race environment, adhering to all official regulations, proving that human endurance can indeed conquer this ultimate challenge without artificial aids.

The race itself was a display of unprecedented speed. Yomif Kejelcha of Ethiopia followed closely behind Sabaa, finishing second with a time of 1:59:41, also under the previous world record. Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda secured third place with a time of 2:00:28, a time that would have also broken Kiptum's record. This suggests a significant leap forward in marathon running capabilities across multiple elite athletes.

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The race started well, and I felt stronger as I approached the finish line. I was really happy when I checked the time after crossing the finish line.

Sabaa's strategy of running the second half of the race faster than the first, known as a negative split, proved highly effective. He completed the final 21 kilometers in an incredible 59 minutes and 1 second, showcasing remarkable stamina and determination. Reflecting on his win, Sabaa expressed immense joy and satisfaction, calling it an unforgettable day and highlighting the four months of dedicated preparation that led to this success. The women's marathon also saw a new world record, with Ethiopia's Tigist Assefa winning in 2:15:41.

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Participating in the London Marathon for the second time was very important to me, and I prepared hard for it. Four months of effort have led to good results today.