Kenyan runner Sebastian Sawa shatters two-hour barrier at London Marathon

On 26 April 2026, Kenyan athlete Sebastian Sawa became the first male runner in history to complete a marathon in under two hours. The 31-year-old secured victory at the London Marathon with a world record time of 1 hour 59 minutes 30 seconds, finishing ahead of the rest of the field to claim the title.

This achievement marks a definitive shift in the global benchmark for endurance running, surpassing the previous record held by his compatriot Kelvin Kiptum. Sawa's winning time broke the former mark of 2 hours and 35 seconds, which was set at the Chicago Marathon in October 2023, by exactly 65 seconds.

The victory represents Sawa's second consecutive triumph at the London event, having previously won the race in 2025. His performance on this occasion not only solidified his status as a dominant force in the sport but also achieved a milestone previously unbroken by any male athlete.

Reporting by NHK News Japan confirms the accuracy of the timing and the sequence of the race results. The institution highlighted the significance of the event as a historic moment for marathon running, noting that the two-hour barrier had remained intact until this specific race in London.

Sawa's ability to maintain such a pace over the full distance underscores the evolution of training methods and athletic capability within the sport. By crossing the finish line with a time that defies the previous ceiling of human performance, he has redefined the potential limits for male marathoners.

The race concluded with Sawa taking the lead from start to finish, ensuring no other competitor could challenge his record-breaking effort. This result stands as a singular point of reference for future athletes aiming to replicate the feat established in London this year.