Sebastian Sawe achieves the unexpected and breaks the world marathon record in London

He Kenyan Sabastian Sawe has rewritten the history of athletics when beating the marathon world record in an official test, after winning this Sunday in the London Marathon 2026 with a time of 1:59:30becoming the first runner to go under two hours in official competition.

The achievement marks a before and after in the discipline, surpassing the previous mark of Kelvin Kiptum (2:00:35) established in Chicago in 2023.

Sawe led a highly competitive race, crossing the finish line ahead of the Ethiopian Yomif Kejelcha (1:59:41) and from Ugandan Jacob Kiplimo (2:00:28)on a podium that also left historical records for their respective countries.

The key moment: this is how the world marathon record was created

The test maintained an intense pace from the beginning, with an elite group that included names like Tamirat Tola, Amos Kipruto and Deresa Geleta. However, it was after kilometer 30 that the race changed course.

Sawe and Kejelcha separated themselves from the rest, raising the pace and leaving Kiplimo behind. With the possibility of breaking the two-hour barrier, the Kenyan accelerated in the last kilometer and secured a historic victory.

The new marathon world record not only represents a personal feat, but an evolutionary leap in the performance of the elite working.

Sabastian Sawe’s words after his historic victory

“It’s a historic day for me“Sawe told the BBC after the victory. “The truth is that we started the race very well and As we approached the end I felt very strong. I think my rivals have helped me a lot (to break the record). When I saw the time I was excited. Everything I have worked on in recent months has been transformed into a great result today.”

The Kenyan maintained an impressive average pace of 2:49 per kilometerkey to achieving one of the most impactful brands in the history of sports.

Tigst Assefa also shines with women’s world record

The Ethiopian Tigst Assefa once again demonstrated his dominance by beating his own women’s marathon world record with a time of 2:15:41.

Assefa beat the Kenyans Hellen Obiri (2:15:53) and Joyciline Jepkosgei (2:15:55)consolidating her legacy as one of the best long-distance runners of all time.

The feat of Sabastian Sawe and the domain of Tigst Assefa convert this edition of London Marathon 2026 at a turning point for the world athletics.

Keep reading:
· Abdi Nageeye, first European winner of the New York Marathon in 28 years
· Chicago Marathon: Ruth Chepngetich breaks world record
· Kelvin Kiptum, the best marathon runner in the world, died from “serious skull fractures,” the autopsy confirmed