Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe made history by running a marathon in under two hours for the first time in an official race, winning the London Marathon in 1 hour 59 minutes and 30 seconds.
Sawe was closely challenged by Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha, but pulled away near the end to win. Kejelcha also finished under two hours in 1:59:41, while Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo came third with a time of 2:00:28. All three runners beat the previous world record of 2:00:35, set in 2023.
Although Eliud Kipchoge ran under two hours in 2019, it was not counted as an official world record because special conditions were used.
Sawe had already said before the race that he was aiming for a record. He reached halfway in a leading group, before breaking away with Kejelcha. In the final stages, Sawe pushed ahead to secure the win.
In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa successfully defended her title and set a new women-only world record with a time of 2:15:41. She beat her previous best by nine seconds.
Kenya’s Hellen Obiri finished second with a personal best of 2:15:53, just ahead of fellow Kenyan Joyciline Jepkosgei in third place.
The overall women’s world record in a mixed race is still held by Ruth Chepngetich, although she is currently serving a doping ban.
