Kenyan Sawe Becomes First to Run Official Sub-Two-Hour Marathon

Kenyan runner Sabastian Sawe made athletics history by becoming the first person to run an official marathon in under two hours, winning the London Marathon in 1:59:30. He broke the previous record of 2:00:35 set in 2023 by the late Kelvin Kiptum.

Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha finished second in 1:59:41, followed by Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo in third with 2:00:28, in one of the most remarkable finishes in marathon history.

Sawe said after the race that it was a day to remember and credited the support of spectators. He achieved the milestone despite dealing with an injury in the autumn and only resuming full training at the start of the year.

In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa won in 2:15:41, breaking her own world record. She was followed by Kenya’s Hellen Obiri and Joyciline Jepkosgei.

Conditions in London were ideal, with around one million spectators lining the course. Breaking the two-hour barrier has long been considered one of athletics’ greatest challenges, with previous attempts not recognized as official records.

(reuters, est)