Overview
- Sabastian Sawe won the London Marathon in 1:59:30, becoming the first man to run a record-eligible marathon in under two hours and lowering the world mark by 65 seconds.
- On his return to Nairobi, he received a hero’s welcome that included a water cannon salute, a traditional victory wreath, dancers, and praise from Sports Minister Salim Mvurya.
- Sawe told The Associated Press he is proud of the achievement and said he plans to try to lower the record further.
- Reports from the race’s prize structure indicate he earned more than £320,000 from organizers, and UK media say sponsor bonuses could take his total to about £740,915, with his parents saying he promised to buy them a car, build them a house, and finish their church.
- He entered London as the defending champion and previously won Valencia in 2024 in 2:02:05, underscoring a rapid rise that set up this breakthrough run.