In a stunning display, Sawe breaks the marathon barrier at the London Marathon with a time of 1:59:30, as Tigst Assefa sets a new women’s record.
Category: Sports
LONDON — In a moment that will be etched in the annals of sports history, Kenya's Sabastian Sawe became the first athlete to complete a marathon in under two hours during the London Marathon on April 26, 2026. Sawe crossed the finish line with an astonishing time of 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 30 seconds, shattering the previous record of 2:00:35 set by the late Kelvin Kiptum at the Chicago Marathon in October 2023.
The race was marked by Sawe's historic achievement and by a remarkable showing from his competitors. Yomif Kejelcha of Ethiopia finished second in his marathon debut with a time of 1:59:41, and Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda secured third place with a time of 2:00:28, making this one of the most competitive marathons in history.
Sawe, who retained his title after winning the London Marathon the previous year, expressed his joy after the race, stating, "I am feeling good, I am happy, it's a day to celebrate." He held up his shoe, marked with "WR" and "sub-2," signifying his historic achievement. "Finally reaching the finish line, I saw the time and I was so excited. Today shows me a lot; the first time for everyone, and I am so happy for today," he added, highlighting the significance of his victory.
Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia also made headlines by breaking her own women’s-only world record, finishing the race in 2:15:41, thereby defending her title from the previous year. Assefa's time surpassed her prior record of 2:15:50, which she set in London in 2025. "I'm so happy to win again, I want to thank God for giving me this victory," Assefa remarked, celebrating her remarkable feat.
The weather conditions during the marathon were nearly perfect for fast running, with mid-teen temperatures and light winds providing an ideal backdrop for record-setting performances. Sawe's strategy involved a strong finish, as he ran the second half of the marathon in an impressive 59 minutes and 1 second, a feat that propelled him to victory after breaking away from the pack around the 30-kilometer mark.
The sub-two-hour marathon has long been one of athletics' most elusive barriers, pursued through various ambitious projects aimed at redefining human limits. Previous attempts, such as Eliud Kipchoge's 1:59 Challenge in 2019, showcased the potential for such a feat but were not recognized as official records due to their controlled conditions. Sawe's achievement during a major marathon event, under World Athletics regulations, marks a turning point in the sport.
London Marathon race director Hugh Brasher expressed the monumental nature of Sawe's accomplishment, stating, "Nobody thought that a sub-two-hour marathon under World Athletics conditions would be done in their lifetime. I never thought about it in my lifetime, and today we had two men do it. This is an unbelievable day for sport." The event drew an estimated one million spectators along the course, cheering for the runners, which Sawe credited for his success. "I want to thank the crowds for cheering us. They help a lot because if it was not for them, you don't feel like you are so loved," he said.
Sawe's training regime was rigorous, especially after dealing with injuries in the autumn prior to the race. He began training seriously in January and realized by February that he would be fit enough to defend his title. His preparation included altitude training in western Kenya and a commitment to maintaining a clean record in a sport plagued by doping controversies. Sawe invited the Athletics Integrity Unit to test him extensively, demonstrating his dedication to fair competition.
The implications of Sawe's record extend beyond personal accolades; they raise the bar for future marathon runners. Assefa's record in the women's category also adds to the growing trend of exceptional performances in women's marathon events, with three women breaking the 2:16 barrier during this race. This achievement signals a bright future for women's distance running.
Looking ahead, the next major marathon will take place in Sydney, Australia, on August 30, 2026. The Sydney Marathon, having debuted as a World Marathon Major in 2025, promises to attract elite runners eager to challenge the records set in London. The excitement surrounding marathon running is at an all-time high, and athletes will undoubtedly be inspired by Sawe's and Assefa's historic performances.
As Sawe and Assefa bask in their well-deserved glory, the world of athletics is left to ponder what other records might fall in the future. Sawe's statement, "I have made history, for the generation we know the record is possible," resonates deeply, inspiring not just runners but all who dream of achieving the extraordinary.