Sabastian Sawe declared he was living proof that "nothing is impossible" after becoming the first athlete to shatter the two-hour barrier in an official race, claiming victory at the London Marathon in a world record time of one hour, 59 minutes and 30 seconds.
Historic Victory in London
The Kenyan successfully defended his 2025 title, edging out debut runner Yomif Kejelcha by just 11 seconds. The Ethiopian, finishing in second place, also crossed the finish line in a remarkable one hour, 59 minutes and 41 seconds, while Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda claimed third place in two hours and 28 seconds.
All three athletes clocked faster times than the previous official world record of two hours and 35 seconds, established by the late Kelvin Kiptum in 2023. Sawe's time also bettered by 10 seconds the unofficial one hour, 59 minutes and 40 seconds achieved by Eliud Kipchoge during a 2019 exhibition run.
Sawe's Message of Possibility
Sawe said: "I think I've made history today in London, and for the new generation (it shows) to run a record is possible. It depends on the preparation you had and the discipline you had, so for me I think I have shown them that nothing is impossible. Everything is possible with a matter of time."
He added: "I was ready today. I was well-prepared for the London Marathon and for today's results. I'm so happy because I had a lot of courage to push, even when the pace was fast. It's something not to be forgotten, something to be remembered, and it will remain in my mind forever."
Greatest Day in Marathon History
London Marathon Events CEO Hugh Brasher said: "It is, without doubt, the greatest day in London Marathon history. People said that Sir Roger Bannister's mile was the greatest sporting moment of the 20th century. Is this the greatest sporting moment of the 21st century? I don't know, but it was just brilliant."
Both Sawe and Kejelcha wore identical footwear, the 97-gram Adidas Pro Evo 3s, which Sawe had previously tipped as potentially record-breaking shoes even before successfully defending his London crown. The 31-year-old has been determined to demonstrate the legitimacy of his performances. In the previous year, Sawe and his Adidas team approached the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), volunteering for an intensive programme of additional drug testing – 25 unannounced tests – ahead of his Berlin Marathon victory.
Kejelcha, who has now become the fastest marathon debutant in history, praised this commitment as an excellent approach to maintaining the sport's credibility. He said: "It's very important for clean sport. Maybe I, for the future, will do the same thing. I think it's a great idea."
Women's Race Also Sets Record
The women's race also witnessed a new benchmark, with Tigst Assefa successfully defending her London Marathon title in a women's-only world record time of two hours, 15 minutes and 41 seconds – pending ratification, like Sawe's achievement.
Assefa surpassed her own previous London winning time, summoning a decisive surge as Buckingham Palace appeared on the horizon to edge out Kenya's Hellen Obiri (2:15:53) and Joyciline Jepkosgei (2:15:55).
Assefa said: "Today's competition was very special because of the way I finished. I've been working on my speed, and today I showed how fast I could finish, and that's why today was a very special win for me. When I finished the race and found out Sabastian had broken the world record and gone under two hours I was so, so happy for him. To break world records requires a lot of work, and I want to congratulate him on his wonderful achievement."
Kipchoge's Congratulations
Kipchoge extended his own congratulations to both Sawe and Kejelcha, describing it as a "historical day for marathon running." In an Instagram post, he wrote: "Breaking the sub-two barrier in the marathon has long been a dream for runners everywhere, and today, you've made that dream come true."
