The marathon’s ultimate barrier finally cracked on Sunday as Sabastian Sawe produced a run for the ages to win the London Marathon 2026 in a scarcely believable 1:59:30.
On a cool spring morning that quickly turned electric, the 30-year-old Kenyan sliced through 42.195km with ruthless precision to become the first athlete to go under two hours in a certified race.
Sawe’s time obliterated the previous world record of 2:00:35 set by Kelvin Kiptum in 2023, lowering it by a staggering 65 seconds in what will be remembered as a seismic moment in road running.
“I am feeling good, I am so happy,” Sawe told BBC Sport. “It is a day to remember.
“We started the race well and approaching the end of the race, I was feeling strong and I remember the Ethiopian was so competitive. I think he helped me a lot. Finally, reaching the finish line, I saw the time, I was so excited.
“Today showed me there is time for everyone. I am so happy. I was well prepared. Coming to London for the second time was important to me.
“I want to thank the crowd for cheering for us. I think they had a lot for me because I feel so happy and strong and [was] pushing. What happened today was not for me alone, but for everyone in London.”
If Sawe’s performance lit the fuse, Yomif Kejelchapoured fuel on the fire.
The Ethiopian, making his marathon debut, clocked 1:59:41 to finish 11 seconds adrift, ensuring that two men broke the mythical two-hour mark in the same race. His relentless presence in the latter stages helped turn the closing kilometres into a high-speed duel against both the clock and convention.
Further back, Jacob Kiplimo underlined the extraordinary pace by finishing third in 2:00:28, a time faster than the previous world record.
We’re going to need a few days to recover from this one… 😮💨
2 men under 2 hours. 3 men breaking the world record.
Eluid Kipchoge congratulates Sawe and Kejelcha on breaking sub-2 hours in London
The sub-two-hour milestone had long stood as the sport’s holy grail. Eliud Kipchogedipped below it during the INEOS 1:59 Challenge, though that effortfell outside official record conditions. In London, the barrier gave way under the weight of a competitive race, pending ratification by World Athletics.
Kipchoge, now easing away from elite racing, hailed the breakthrough.
“Today is a historical day for marathon running!” he said.
“Seeing two athletes break the magical 2-hour barrier at London Marathon is the proof that we are just at the beginning of what is possible when talent, progress and an unwavering belief in the human potential come together. My deepest congratulations to both Sabastian Sawe and Yomif Kejelcha.
“Breaking the sub-two-hour barrier in the marathon has long been a dream for runners everywhere, and today, you’ve made that dream come true.
“During the INEOS 1:59 Challenge we showed the world that it was possible and it has always been my hope to see another athlete continue with this belief and break this magical barrier in a city marathon.
“Let this achievement inspire the next generation and remind everyone in the world that No Human Is Limited.”
Sabastian Sawe storms to 1:59:30 in London, breaking the marathon’s ultimate barrier. Photo: https://x.com/WorldAthletics
Beyond the history, there was also a significant payday. Sawe earned $55,000 for the win, along with a $125,000 world record bonus and a further $150,000 incentive for breaking 2:02, taking his confirmed earnings to around KSh 42.3 million, excluding sponsor deals with brands such as Adidas.
Earlier, the women’s race delivered another record-breaking display as Tigst Assefa successfully defended her title in 2:15:40, trimming 10 seconds off her own world record.
She held off a strong challenge from Hellen Obiri, who finished in 2:15:53, with Joyciline Jepkosgei completing the podium.
With two official sub-two performances on the cards and records tumbling across both races, London 2026 may well be remembered as the day the marathon’s limits were redrawn.
