Kenyan Breaks Marathon World Record in London

Kenyan Sebastian Sawe has made history, becoming the first man to complete a marathon in under two hours, clinching victory at the London Marathon with a time of 1:59:30.

The 31-year-old Sawe, who boasts an undefeated marathon record, shattered the previous world record held by the late Kelvin Kiptum. Kiptum had set a time of 2:00:35 at the Chicago Marathon in October 2023.

Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha shadowed Sawe for much of the 42.195-kilometer course before easing off in the final stretch to secure second place in his marathon debut, finishing in 1:59:41. Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda earned the bronze with a time of 2:02:28.

Kiptum tragically passed away in a car accident in Kenya in 2024, at the age of just 24.

In the women's race, Olympic and World Championship silver medalist Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia improved her own world record, triumphing in the British capital.

The 29-year-old pulled away from Kenyans Hellen Obiri and Joyciline Jepkosgei towards the end, crossing the finish line in 2:15:41. This performance bettered her previous record of 2:15:50, which she set last year in London.

Obiri finished second with 2:15:53, while Jepkosgei claimed the bronze with a time of 2:15:55.

Swiss athletes Marcel Hug and Catherine Debrunner dominated the men's and women's wheelchair races. Hug secured his sixth consecutive victory and eighth overall, while Debrunner edged out American Tatyana McFadden at the finish line for her third consecutive win in London.