Sawe becomes first man to complete a marathon in under two hours under legal conditions, joined by fellow record-breaker Kejelcha.
Category: Sports
History was made at the 2026 London Marathon on April 26 when Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe crossed the finish line in an astonishing time of 1:59:30, becoming the first man to officially complete a marathon in under two hours. This remarkable achievement shattered the previous world record, set by Kelvin Kiptum in 2023, by a full minute and five seconds.
Sawe’s victory in London marked a personal triumph and a watershed moment in marathon history. Before this race, the two-hour barrier had never been breached under legal conditions, making Sawe’s accomplishment a landmark event in the world of athletics.
Competing against Sawe was Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha, who finished just 11 seconds later in 1:59:41, also breaking the two-hour mark. This historic race saw the top three finishers all surpass the previous world record, with Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo taking third place with a time of 2:00:28. Sawe’s performance has been hailed as one of the greatest in the sport, setting a new standard for distance running.
Sawe, who wore Adidas Pro Evo 3 supershoes during the race, faced considerable challenges in the lead-up to the marathon. He suffered a stress fracture in December 2025, which forced him to miss ten days of training. His ability to recover and perform at such a high level is a testimony to his resilience and determination. This marathon was only the fourth of his career, and he has won every one of them, including the London Marathon in 2025.
Trained primarily by his uncle, Ugandan Olympic middle-distance runner Abraham Chepkirwok, Sawe has quickly established himself as a formidable force in the sport. His victory in London highlights his personal dedication and the growing prominence of Kenyan athletes in marathon running.
Meanwhile, Kejelcha’s performance, though overshadowed by Sawe’s record, is equally remarkable. At just 28 years old, he has now joined the ranks of elite marathon runners, having broken the two-hour barrier on a day when the marathon world witnessed a seismic shift.
The implications of this race extend beyond the individual achievements of Sawe and Kejelcha. With the world now aware that running a marathon in under two hours is possible under legal conditions, the expectations for future marathons will undoubtedly rise. Athletes around the globe will likely push themselves to break these new records, setting the stage for even more competitive races.
On the women's side, Tigst Assefa also made headlines by retaining her London Marathon title with a stunning time of 2:15:41, a women’s-only record. Assefa finished 12 seconds ahead of Hellen Obiri and 14 seconds ahead of Joyciline Jepkosgei, all of whom showcased exceptional talent throughout the race. The emergence of such strong female competitors adds another layer of excitement to the marathon scene.
As the dust settles from this historic event, the athletic community closely to see how Sawe and Kejelcha build on their achievements. The next major marathon events will serve as platforms for these athletes to either solidify their records or inspire others to reach new heights. Sawe expressed his gratitude to the crowd, stating, "I want to thank the crowds. They help a lot. You feel so happy and strong and pushing." This sentiment resonates with many athletes who thrive on the support of their fans.
With the 2026 London Marathon now etched into the annals of sports history, the world eagerly anticipates the next chapter in marathon running. As Sawe stated after his record-breaking run, "What comes for me today is not for me alone but all of us in London." The collective spirit of achievement is a powerful reminder of the unity and inspiration that sports can bring.