First-ever sub-2hr marathon is run in London

Sebastian Sawe retains his title in a world record time of 1:59:30

Sabastian Sawe said he was living proof “nothing is impossible” after becoming the first athlete to break the two-hour barrier in an official competition to win the London Marathon in a world record one hour, 59 minutes and 30 seconds.

The Kenyan defended his 2025 title, beating debutant Yomif Kejelcha by 11 seconds. The Ethiopian runner-up also crossed the line in an astonishing one hour, 59 minutes and 41 seconds, while Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda finished third in two hours, 28 seconds.

All three were faster than the previous official world record of two hours, 35 seconds set by the late Kelvin Kiptum in 2023, while Sawe’s time was also 10 seconds faster than the unofficial one hour, 59 minutes and 40 seconds set by Eliud Kipchoge in a 2019 exhibition.

“I think I’ve made history today in London, and for the new generation (it shows) to run a record is possible,” said Sawe.

“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.

“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.”

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.”

Published: 26/04/2026 by Radio NewsHub