Africa-Press – Kenya. Sabastian Sawe has said he believed he was in peak condition and ready to mount a full-scale challenge on the men’s world record after his historic performance at the London Marathon on Sunday.
Sawe produced a stunning run on the streets of London, becoming the first man to dip under the two-hour mark in a marathon. He stormed to victory in 1:59:30, lowering the previous men’s world record of 2:00:35 set by the late Kelvin Kiptum at the 2023 Chicago Marathon.
Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha finished second in 1:59:41, while Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo took third in 2:00:28, making it the fastest marathon ever recorded in London.
Sawe’s time was also quicker than Eliud Kipchoge’s famous INEOS 1:59 Challenge effort of 1:59:40, achieved under controlled conditions that are not recognised as an official world record by World Athletics.
Reflecting on his run, Sawe said the race unfolded exactly as he had anticipated, especially in the closing stages. “I feel so good and happy with what I have done.
It is a day to remember for me,” he said. He credited the intensity of the battle at the front for helping sustain the record pace. “We started the race well, and as we were getting into the final kilometres, I felt strong and I could see the Ethiopian was pushing,” he noted.
“At the finish line, I saw the time and I was just so happy.
”Sawe, who previously tested his ambitions at the 2025 Berlin Marathon where he won in 2:02:16, said Sunday’s breakthrough was the result of sustained preparation.
“The performance today shows that everyone has his time,” he said.
“I have been working for four months for this and that training has paid off.
”He also highlighted the impact of the London crowd in pushing him through the final stretch.
“I thank the crowds for cheering us on, they really pushed us,” he added.
In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa set a new women’s-only world record of 2:15:41, improving her previous mark of 2:15:50 set on the same course last year.
Kenya’s Hellen Obiri finished second in 2:15:53 on her London debut, with Joyciline Jepkosgei third in 2:15:55. President William Ruto led national celebrations, describing Sawe’s achievement as a landmark moment for Kenyan athletics.
“We celebrate you, Sabastian Sawe, for a performance of rare brilliance at the London Marathon.
You have not only claimed a historic victory; you have redrawn the limits of human endurance, smashing the world record and breaking the two-hour barrier with extraordinary resolve,” Ruto said.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said Sawe’s run had redefined endurance performance. “Sawe’s achievement has not only redefined the limits of human performance but also cements his place among the greats in marathon history.
Your success is a proud moment for athletics and an inspiration to aspiring runners worldwide,” he said. “Kenya stands tall and proud, a reminder to the world that long-distance running remains our pride and strength.
”Athletics Kenya president Jackson Tuwei praised Sawe’s discipline and execution on the world stage.
“Sawe’s discipline, courage and tactical brilliance reflect the strength of Kenyan athletics and the depth of talent we continue to nurture,” Tuwei said.
He noted Sawe’s rapid rise, adding: “Last year, World Athletics recognised Sawe’s extraordinary rise by voting him the Best Male Athlete Off the Track, underlining the immense talent and consistency that have now culminated in this historic world record performance.
”Sawe’s breakthrough continues a remarkable ascent in marathon running.
He debuted at the 2024 Valencia Marathon, winning in a world-leading 2:02:05, the second-fastest marathon debut in history behind Kelvin Kiptum’s 2:01:53. He followed it with a strong London Marathon victory in 2025 and a competitive Berlin outing, before delivering Sunday’s historic world-record run.
