Sabastian Sawe made history at the London Marathon on Sunday, becoming the first athlete to run a sub-two-hour marathon in a competitive race. The 30-year-old Kenyan crossed the finish line in 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 30 seconds, eclipsing the previous world record of 2:00:35 set by the late Kelvin Kiptum in 2023.
Sawe's time surpassed even Eliud Kipchoge's 2019 sub-two-hour run, which was not record-eligible due to controlled conditions. Hitting the halfway mark in 1:00:29, Sawe accelerated over the second half, running 59:01 to seal the historic feat.
In a stunning performance, debutant Yomif Kejelcha also dipped under two hours, finishing second in 1:59:41, while Jacob Kiplimo took third in 2:00:28.
"I am feeling good. I am so happy. It is a day to remember for me," Sawe told BBC Sport. "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."
Women's Race
Ethiopia's Tigst Assefa retained her London Marathon title and improved her own world record for a women-only field, winning in 2:15:41. She surged clear of Kenyan rivals Hellen Obiri and Joyciline Jepkosgei in a thrilling finish.
Wheelchair Races
Swiss great Marcel Hug cruised to a record-equalling eighth London Marathon victory in the men's wheelchair race, tying David Weir's record. Hug won in 1:24:13, nearly five minutes ahead of China's Luo Xingchuan. Catherine Debrunner retained the women's wheelchair title, edging American Tatyana McFadden by five seconds in 1:38:29.
Reaction
Former world champion Steve Cram, commentating for the BBC, said: "There are things that happen in sport and you want to be there to see history being made." Paula Radcliffe added: "The goalposts have literally just moved for marathon running." Britain's four-time Olympic champion Mo Farah called it "something incredible."
Sawe, who has won all four marathons he has contested, credited the crowds: "I want to thank the crowds for cheering us. I think they help a lot. That is why I can say what comes for me today is not for me alone but all of us in London."