Kenya's Sabastian Sawe Shatters Marathon Barrier with Historic Sub-Two-Hour Finish

Kenyan marathoner Sabastian Sawe has made history by becoming the first man to complete a marathon in under two hours during the London Marathon, clocking an astonishing 1:59:30. His groundbreaking achievement has sparked jubilant celebrations back home in Kenya, where he was warmly welcomed by fans, officials, and his family.

Sawe's record-breaking run not only cements his place among the greatest marathoners but also inspires a new generation of athletes. His triumphant return to Nairobi was marked by a festive atmosphere, highlighting the significance of his feat for Kenya and the global running community.

A Hero's Welcome: Sawe's Triumphant Homecoming

Upon landing at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Sawe was greeted with a spectacular celebration. The Kenyan Airways flight received a water cannon salute, while dancers and musicians energized the crowd. Sawe's parents, who traveled six hours to be there, joined the throng of supporters eager to honor his historic achievement.

"I am happy about this good day, that you came to celebrate with me, I did not expect it,"—Sabastian Sawe

Breaking Records and Expectations

Sawe's marathon time of 1:59:30 smashed the previous record held by the late Kelvin Kiptum, who finished in 2:00:35 in 2023. Remarkably, Sawe maintained a blistering pace, crossing the halfway point in 1:00:29 and accelerating in the second half to finish even faster at 59:01.

• First man to run a marathon under two hours in competitive conditions
• Finished London Marathon with a time of 1:59:30
• Beat previous record by over one minute
• Maintained a faster pace in the second half of the race

Family Pride and National Impact

Speaking from their home before the airport celebrations, Sawe's father, Simeon Sawe, expressed immense pride in his son's determination and success. He recalled Sabastian's early dreams of breaking the record and shared the joy felt by the entire family and community.

"He used to tell me that one day, he was going to break the record. He was so determined and hopeful that he would. I am happy for him and all of us here. We celebrated so much, my throat still hurts from all the cheering,"—Simeon Sawe

Looking Ahead: Sawe's Next Challenge

At 31 years old and undefeated in all four marathons he has entered, Sawe is already setting his sights on future competitions. He has expressed confidence in his ability to run even faster times, aiming to push the boundaries of marathon running further in the upcoming autumn races.

Sawe is also expected to meet with Kenya's President William Ruto, underscoring the national significance of his achievement and the pride it brings to the country.