Kenyan runner Sabastian Sawe sets new world record at London Marathon

Kenyan runner Sabastian Sawe has become the first person in history to officially complete a marathon in under two hours, setting a new world record at the London Marathon on Sunday. The historic performance marks a definitive shift in the sport, surpassing the previous official benchmark established by the late Kelvin Kiptum during the Chicago Marathon in 2023.

Sawe concluded the 26-mile race with a time of 1 hour 59 minutes 30 seconds. This achievement beats the previous world record of 2 hours 00 minutes 35 seconds by exactly 65 seconds, shattering the two-hour barrier that had stood since Kiptum's accomplishment. The feat represents a significant milestone following the passing of the former record holder, who was also a Kenyan national.

The event took place at the London Marathon, the venue where this historic milestone was achieved. While initial reports from Al Jazeera Global News provide the specific timing figures, these details are subject to official verification by World Athletics once the race concludes fully. Preliminary timing discrepancies can sometimes occur in initial reporting, so the figures should be confirmed against official results.

This performance highlights a major evolution in long-distance running capabilities. By breaking the two-hour limit, Sawe has redefined the upper boundary of human endurance in the sport. The achievement underscores the competitive nature of the event and the continued dominance of Kenyan athletes on the global stage.

The closure of the previous record by Kiptum left a void that Sawe has now filled with a margin of 65 seconds. This gap demonstrates the rapid progression in training methods and pacing strategies employed by top-tier marathoners. The London Marathon remains the premier stage for such world-class performances, continuing its legacy of hosting record-breaking events.