Africa-Press – Rwanda. The world witnessed the greatest ever men’s marathon race on Sunday, April 26, as Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe raced into the record books, becoming the first man ever to dip below two hours over the classic 42.2 kilometre distance in a race environment for back-to-back London Marathon titles.
In a groundbreaking performance, Sawe stormed across the line in a time of one hour, 59 minutes and 30 seconds (1:59:30), chopping more than a minute off the previous world record held by the late Kelvin Kiptum.
Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha(1:59:41) also posted a sub-two-hour time for second place.
To add to the spectacle, the top three men all finished under the previous world record, with Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda taking third in 2:00:28.
“We started the race well. Approaching finishing the race, I was feeling strong. Finally reaching the finish line, I saw the time, and I was so excited,” told BBC.
In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa improved her own world record for a women-only field as she surged clear of Kenyan rivals Hellen Obiri and Joyciline Jepkosgei in a thrilling finish to retain her title in 2:15:41.
Swiss great Marcel Hug cruised to a record-equalling eighth London Marathon victory in the elite men’s wheelchair race, tying level with Great Britain’s David Weir by winning for a fifth successive year.
Catherine Debrunner also retained the elite women’s wheelchair title as the Swiss burst clear of American Tatyana McFadden in the closing stages.
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