Sabastian Sawe did it. In a stunning display of endurance and speed, he crossed the finish line of the London Marathon in 1:59:30—marking the first time an athlete has officially completed a marathon in under two hours during a competitive race.
Just moments before, Kelvin Kiptum’s previous record of 2:00:35 had seemed untouchable. But Sawe shattered that barrier, leaving spectators in awe. “I am feeling good. I am so happy. It is a day to remember for me,” he said, his voice barely containing the joy of his groundbreaking achievement.
Behind him was Yomif Kejelcha, finishing as runner-up at 1:59:41—also breaking that elusive two-hour mark. Jacob Kiplimo followed closely, clocking in at 2:00:28, underscoring the depth of talent among elite marathon runners today.
This year’s London Marathon saw over 56,000 amateur runners join the ranks of these elite athletes. Among them was Toby Freeman, who completed his run in 4:49:18. Reflecting on his experience, he shared, “I was thinking of my brother, who passed away, and how it was a privilege to just be running.” It’s this spirit—of remembrance and resilience—that unites all participants.
Even Sebastian Vettel made his debut, finishing his first marathon in 2:59:08. The former F1 star embraced the challenge with enthusiasm, adding another layer of excitement to this storied event.
The London Marathon has long been a stage for remarkable feats—Eliud Kipchoge famously ran a marathon in under two hours back in 2019 but under controlled conditions that disqualified it from being an official record. Now, with Sawe’s performance, the landscape of marathon history shifts dramatically.
Looking ahead, discussions are reportedly underway about potentially holding the London Marathon over two days starting next year—a move that could change how this iconic event unfolds.
As the dust settles on this historic race day, one thing is clear: Sabastian Sawe has not only set a new world record but has also inspired countless others to push their limits and redefine what’s possible in marathon training.
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