Kenya's Sabastian Sawe returned home to a hero's welcome on Tuesday, days after shattering the marathon world record by becoming the first person to run the distance under two hours in a competitive race. The 31-year-old clocked an official time of 01:59:30 at the London Marathon on Sunday, breaking the previous record of 2:00:35 set by the late Kelvin Kiptum in 2023.
Sawe was greeted by a jubilant crowd, including his parents, at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. His father, Simeon Sawe, traveled six hours from their family home to be there. "He used to tell me that one day, he was going to break the record," Simeon said. "He was so determined and hopeful that he would."
"I am happy about this good day, that you came to celebrate with me. I did not expect it," Sawe told the crowd amid a crush of cameras and cheering fans.
The Kenyan Airways plane carrying Sawe received a water cannon salute upon arrival, and dancers and musicians performed in celebration. Sawe is expected to meet with President William Ruto.
Sawe ran a perfectly paced race, crossing the halfway mark in 1:00:29 before speeding up to run the second half in just 59:01. "I am feeling good. I am so happy. It is a day to remember for me," he told the BBC after the race.
Undefeated in all four marathons he has entered, Sawe is already looking ahead to his next competition in the autumn, expressing confidence that he can run an even faster time.