LONDON — Sabastian Sawe has won the London Marathon in a world record time, becoming the first person in history to officially record a sub-two-hour race.
“What comes today is not for me alone,” Sawe said of his extraordinary feat according to AP, “but for all of us today in London.”
The Kenyan won this race 12 months ago and successfully defended his title but more importantly he crossed the finish line in a time of one hour 59 minutes and 30 seconds.
His incredible run wiped 65 seconds off the previous record held by the late Kelvin Kiptum, who did so at the 2023 Chicago Marathon.
Sawe’s time is 10 seconds quicker than Eliud Kipchoge’s record in 2019 – which was not recognised as official because it was not in open competition and he was assisted by pacemakers.
The 29-year-old Sawe, who retained his title in London, said it was a “day to remember for me” and thanked the huge crowds who lined the streets of the British capital to cheer him on.
“I think they help a lot,” he said, “because if it was not for them you don´t feel like you are so loved … with them calling, you feel so happy and strong.”
