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Historic sub-two-hour marathon achieved in London
Sebastian Sawe became the first athlete to complete a marathon in under two hours during an official race, crossing the finish line at the London Marathon in 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 30 seconds. The 30-year-old Kenyan surpassed the previous world record of 2:00:35, set by Kelvin Kiptum in 2023.
Race details and milestones
Sawe maintained a blistering pace from the start, reaching the halfway mark in 1:00:29. He accelerated in the second half, finishing in 59:01-a time faster than his personal best for a standalone half marathon (58:05). His splits included 13:54 for the 30-35km segment and 13:42 for the 35-40km stretch, averaging 2:45 per kilometer.
Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha, making his marathon debut, became the second runner to break the two-hour barrier in race conditions, finishing second in 1:59:41. Uganda's Jacob Kiplimo completed the podium in 2:00:28, also besting Kiptum's former record.
Reactions and significance
"I am feeling good. I am so happy. It is a day to remember for me."
Sebastian Sawe, London Marathon winner
BBC commentator and former world champion Steve Cram called the achievement "incredible," noting that few anticipated such a historic performance. Paula Radcliffe, former women's marathon world record holder, added that Sawe's run "moves the goalposts for marathon running."
Britain's Mo Farah, a four-time Olympic champion, remarked: "We've waited long enough to see a human go sub-two. We've just witnessed something incredible."
Women's race and wheelchair events
Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia defended her London Marathon title, setting a new world record for a women-only race with a time of 2:15:41. Kenyan rivals Hellen Obiri and Joyciline Jepkosgei finished second and third, respectively. Britain's Eilish McColgan led the domestic contingent, placing seventh in 2:24:51.
In the wheelchair races, Switzerland's Marcel Hug equaled David Weir's record of eight London Marathon victories, winning his sixth consecutive title in 1:24:13. Catherine Debrunner secured her fourth win in the women's event, finishing five seconds ahead of American Tatyana McFadden.
Sawe's journey to the record
Sawe, who has won all four marathons he has entered, credited the London crowd for his performance: "I think they help a lot because them calling makes you feel so happy and strong." He had previously targeted Kiptum's record in Berlin last September but was hindered by hot weather. In London, ideal conditions allowed him to achieve his goal.
To ensure transparency, Sawe underwent 25 drug tests before competing in Berlin, where he finished in 2:02:16. His London victory marks a 2:35 improvement on his personal best.
