Sabastian Sawe wins London Marathon 2026; first sub-two-hour marathon in legal race conditions

Marathon history-maker Sabastian Sawe receives hero’s welcome in Kenya

Sawe became the first athlete ever to run a sub-two-hour marathon in legal race conditions when he won the London Marathon 2026.

Sabastian Sawereceived a hero’s welcome in his home country,Kenya, three days after setting a newmarathonworld record*.

After crossing the line at the2026 London Marathoninone hour, 59 minutes and 30 seconds,Sawe became the first athlete ever to run a sub-two-hour marathon in legal race conditions.

His impeccable run drew plaudits from across the world, and at home in Nairobi, the 31-year-old attracted attention like never before.

A water cannon salute for his Kenya Airways plane marked his arrival on Wednesday night (29 April) at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where Sawe’s family and Kenyan officials patiently awaited his return.

“I am happy about this good day, that you came to celebrate with me, I did not expect it,” Sawe told the crowd.

As dancers and musicians got the party started, Sawe, with a green garland around his neck, met Kenyan PresidentWilliam Rutoon Thursday (30 April).

The marathon history-maker was awarded two cheques worth 8 million Kenyan shillings ($62,000) by the president and the Ministry of Education for his achievement, and to make the moment even more memorable, a vehicle number plate reading01:59:30– his official record time.

“He is wondering what he will do with the number plates. He has told me that his car already has plates, so Sabastian, I will find a car for you,” Ruto said.

In turn, Sawe thanked the president by gifting him the shoes he wore when he broke the world record.

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Sabastian Sawe gewann den London Marathon 2025.

President Ruto described Sawe’s historic achievement as “a defining moment in the history of human endurance”.

“Sabastian, you have not only broken a record, you have expanded the horizon of human potential,” he said.

Sawe’s father,Simeon Sawe, said his son was determined to break the world record, previously held by the lateKelvin Kiptum(2:00:35).

“I am happy for him and all of us here. We celebrated so much, my throat still hurts from all the cheering,” he said.

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The Kenyan athlete spoke to the media after his historic sub-two-hour marathon world record run in London: “I realised I had become a topic of the world,” he said. Watch to hear more of the history maker.

Picture by 2025 Getty Images

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