By Francis Onyach - Reporter
Kenya, April 26, 2026 -Kenyan long-distance star Sabastian Sawe has achieved one of the greatest feats in athletics history today, becoming the first athlete ever to run a marathon under two hours in official competition.
At the 2026 London Marathon, Sawe delivered a historic performance, clocking an astonishing 1:59:30 to win the race and shatter the world record. This landmark achievement breaks the long-standing two-hour barrier, something that had never been accomplished in a recognized, competitive race.
For years, the sub-two-hour marathon was considered one of the final frontiers in endurance sport. While Eliud Kipchoge famously ran under two hours in a controlled, non-official event in 2019, Sawe is the first to do it under official race conditions, making it a legitimate world record.
Sawe’s run was not just fast, it was dominant and historic in every sense. He broke away late in the race after maintaining a relentless pace, eventually crossing the finish line ahead of a stacked elite field.
Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha also dipped under the previous world record in second place, while Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo finished third in another incredibly fast time. The result marked the fastest podium finish in marathon history, highlighting just how extraordinary the race was.
Sawe’s time beat the previous official world record of 2:00:35 set by the late Kelvin Kiptum in 2023.
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What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the context. Sawe had struggled with injury in the months leading up to the race and only resumed full training earlier this year. Despite that, he delivered a performance that redefines human endurance.
This is more than just a victory, but a moment that will redefine the limits of long-distance running. The sub-two-hour marathon had been pursued for decades through science, pacing strategies, and elite preparation. Today, it finally became a reality in a fully competitive environment.
Sawe’s achievement instantly places him among the greatest athletes in history and marks a new era for marathon running. It also continues Kenya’s dominance in long-distance athletics, adding another iconic chapter to the country’s rich legacy.
Breaking the two-hour barrier was once thought impossible under official conditions, but Sawe has now turned that dream into reality.