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Historic Sub-Two-Hour Finish Headlines London Marathon
(MENAFN) Kenyan long-distance runner Sebastian Sawe delivered a landmark performance at the London Marathon on Sunday, becoming the first athlete to complete the race in under two hours during an official competition. The 31-year-old crossed the finish line in 1:59:30 over the 42.2-kilometer course, setting a new world record.
His time surpassed the previous benchmark of 2:00:35, which had been established by fellow Kenyan Kelvin Kiptum at the Chicago Marathon in 2023.
Ethiopian runner Yomif Kejelcha followed closely behind, finishing second with a time of 1:59:41, while Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo placed third in 2:00:28.
“I am feeling good, I am happy, it’s a day to remember for me,” Sawe told the BBC.
The achievement received high praise from William Ruto, who described the accomplishment as “more than a win.”
“Triumph places you [Sawe] firmly among the greats of global athletics and reaffirms Kenya as an enduring force at the pinnacle of distance running,” Ruto said on X, adding: “You have lifted our flag high, inspired a nation, and reminded the world of the power of determination. We are proud.”
Previously, Kenyan icon Eliud Kipchoge had completed a marathon in under two hours in Vienna in 2019, recording 1:59:40. However, that performance was not officially recognized due to its non-competitive setup.
The women’s race also produced a record-setting result, as Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa finished in 2:15:41, securing a new world record ahead of Kenya’s Helen Obiri and Joyciline Jepkosgei.
Runners from Kenya have continued to dominate long-distance events, frequently setting new standards and maintaining a strong presence at the highest level of international competition.
His time surpassed the previous benchmark of 2:00:35, which had been established by fellow Kenyan Kelvin Kiptum at the Chicago Marathon in 2023.
Ethiopian runner Yomif Kejelcha followed closely behind, finishing second with a time of 1:59:41, while Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo placed third in 2:00:28.
“I am feeling good, I am happy, it’s a day to remember for me,” Sawe told the BBC.
The achievement received high praise from William Ruto, who described the accomplishment as “more than a win.”
“Triumph places you [Sawe] firmly among the greats of global athletics and reaffirms Kenya as an enduring force at the pinnacle of distance running,” Ruto said on X, adding: “You have lifted our flag high, inspired a nation, and reminded the world of the power of determination. We are proud.”
Previously, Kenyan icon Eliud Kipchoge had completed a marathon in under two hours in Vienna in 2019, recording 1:59:40. However, that performance was not officially recognized due to its non-competitive setup.
The women’s race also produced a record-setting result, as Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa finished in 2:15:41, securing a new world record ahead of Kenya’s Helen Obiri and Joyciline Jepkosgei.
Runners from Kenya have continued to dominate long-distance events, frequently setting new standards and maintaining a strong presence at the highest level of international competition.
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