President William Ruto has congratulated Kenyan long-distance runner Sebastian Sawe following a standout performance at the London Marathon.
Sawe has become the first man in history to break the two-hour barrier in the men’s marathon in London, timing 1:59:30
He crossed the line more than one minute faster than his compatriot the late Kelvin Kiptum’s previous record of 2:00:35, set in 2023.
In a statement, the President lauded Sawe describing the victory as a defining moment in global athletics. He said the athlete’s performance was of rare brilliance who pushed the boundaries of human endurance.
We celebrate you, Sabastian Sawe, for a performance of rare brilliance at the London Marathon. 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 extraordinary resolve,” he said.
He added that the triumph cements Sawe’s place among the greats of distance running while reinforcing Kenya’s dominance on the world stage.
Ruto also praised Hellen Obiri and Joyciline Jepkosgei for finishing second and third respectively in the women’s race, commending their discipline and competitive spirit.
“You have lifted our flag high, inspired a nation, and reminded the world of the power of determination. We are proud,” he added.
Sawe finished well ahead of Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha, who timed 1:59:41, both men under the two-hour barrier.
Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo completed the podium in
Kiplimo extended his grip on the London Marathon after his triumph in 2025.
Sawe made his decisive move before the final 10km, with only debutant Yomif Kejelcha able to cover his surge off the front.
Remarkably, Kejelcha became the second man to run under two hours in race conditions, finishing runner-up in 1:59:41.
Much of the focus beforehand had been about Sawe – winner of last year’s race in 2:02:27 – targeting Kiptum’s London Marathon course record of 2:01:25.
He told BBC Sport this week that it was “only a matter of time” before he broke Kiptum’s world record, adding, “I hope and wish one day [it will be me]” when asked about becoming the first person to run under two hours in a race.
Sawe had targeted the world record in Berlin last September, before that bid was undone by the hot weather.
But, in perfect conditions in London, Sawe, who has won all four marathons he has contested, stormed down The Mall to achieve the historic feat.
In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa improved her own world record for a women-only field as she surged clear of Kenyan rivals Hellen Obiri and Joyciline Jepkosgei in a thrilling finish to retain her title in 2:15:41.
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