London: Sabastian Sawe produced a landmark performance at the London Marathon, becoming the first athlete to run a sub-two-hour marathon in a competitive race.
The 31-year-old Kenyan finished in 1:59:30, breaking the previous record of 2:00:35 set by the late Kelvin Kiptum in 2023 by more than one minute.
Although Eliud Kipchoge was the first person to complete a marathon under two hours in 2019, that run was not record-eligible as it took place under controlled conditions.
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Sawe was already on world-record pace at halfway, reaching 1:00:29, before accelerating in the second half to finish faster than Kipchoge’s controlled sub-two-hour effort.
The athlete made his decisive move before the final 10km, with only debutant Yomif Kejelcha able to respond to his surge. Kejelcha also made history by becoming the second man to break the two-hour barrier in a competitive race, finishing runner-up in 1:59:41.
Half-marathon world record holder Jacob Kiplimo completed the podium in 2:00:28, also running faster than Kiptum’s previous marathon record.
Speaking after the race, Sawe said that he felt good and very happy, calling it a memorable day. The runner added that he started strongly, felt powerful in the closing stages, and was excited upon seeing the finishing time. The athlete also credited the crowd’s support, saying their encouragement made him feel stronger and more motivated.
Sawe covered the first half of the marathon in 1:00:29 and the second half in 59:01, demonstrating a negative split. His pace quickened significantly in the final stages, including 13:54 for the 30–35km section and 13:42 for the 35–40km stretch, averaging around 2:45 per kilometre.
Former marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe said the achievement shifts the benchmark for elite marathon running, calling it a major lesson in pacing and performance strategy. Sawe, wearing Adidas’ latest racing shoes, has now won all four marathons he has competed in. He improved his personal best by 2 minutes and 35 seconds in London.
The runner also emphasised his preparation and frequent testing, noting he underwent 25 drug tests before competing in Berlin last year, where he finished in 2:02:16 after fading in hot conditions. Sawe expressed gratitude to the London crowds, saying their support made him feel strong and motivated throughout the race, and dedicated the achievement to everyone present rather than himself alone.
British legend Mo Farah described the moment as historic, saying the world had finally witnessed a human break the sub-two-hour barrier in a competitive marathon and calling it an incredible achievement.
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