LONDON, April 2026 – Kenyan athlete Sabastian Sawe, who broke a new world record by clocking 1:59:30 in the TCS London Marathon, dedicated his victory to the late Kelvin Kiptum, who died in 2024.
Officially making history as the first athlete to run a sub-two-hour marathon in a competitive race, he said he was carrying Kiptum’s spirit and would have loved to compete alongside him in the future.
“Kiptum was such a talented guy; I feel sorry for his family. He rests, yes, but Sabastian keeps his spirit,” he remarked on the sidelines of the event held on Sunday, 26th April.
Sawe, who was voted the Best Male Athlete Off the Tracks in 2025, also expressed his joy at setting the world record.
“I didn’t believe it, but I was well prepared through my training, and the results have shown,” he responded happily.
He added that his triumph means a lot to his family and country, serving as a clear testament that Kenya (the Home of Champions) has produced remarkable talents, as demonstrated in this competition.
The 31-year-old, from Ndonyongaria village in Chesumei Constituency, Nandi County, credited his success to passion and dedication during training, despite suffering injuries in 2025.
“I had a couple of injuries, starting with a back problem last year. I took many precautions and backed my training. What has come out has made me so excited because starting with a problem and then running a world record is something incredible,” Sawe said happily.
In a notable move, his achievement was also ratified by Guinness World Records.
All three top athletes finished under the previous record of 2:00:35, breaking Kelvin Kiptum’s 2023 record of 2:00:35, set in Chicago 2023..
In his marathon debut, Ethiopian Yomif Kejelcha finished second with a time of 1:59:41, while Kenyan Jacob Kiplimo secured third place with 2:00:28, completing the podium.
President William Ruto congratulated Sawe on his performance, describing it as a display of extraordinary brilliance.
“You have not only claimed a historic victory; you have redrawn the limits of human endurance, smashing the world record and breaking the two-hour barrier with remarkable resolve,” he wrote on his official X account.
He further stated that Sawe’s win was more than just a victory; it was a defining moment that places him among the legendary global athletes and reinforces Kenya’s reputation as a powerhouse in distance running.
Athletics Kenya President Jack Tuwei echoed similar sentiments, calling the win a remarkable achievement and a proud moment for Kenya that further cements the nation’s legacy as the global home of long-distance excellence.
“Sawe’s courage, discipline, and tactical brilliance on one of the world’s biggest marathon stages reflect the strength of Kenyan athletics and the depth of talent we continue to nurture,” he said in a statement issued on Sunday, 26th April.
The federation also praised the strong performances by marathoners Hellen Obiri and Joycilline Jepkosgei, who finished second (2:15:53) and third (2:15:55) respectively in the women’s race, won by defending champion Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa with a time of 2:15:41.
