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Sawe Runs 1:59:30 in London for First Official Sub-Two Marathon

Standard ratification and anti-doping reviews now follow the breakthrough.

Overview

  • Sabastian Sawe won the London Marathon in 1:59:30 on Sunday, becoming the first runner to break two hours in an official race.
  • Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha ran 1:59:41 in his marathon debut and Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo clocked 2:00:28, both faster than Kelvin Kiptum’s 2:00:35 official mark from 2023.
  • In the women’s race, Tigst Assefa set a women-only world record in 2:15:41 as she retained her London title.
  • Cool 11–12°C weather, a light tailwind and new carbon-plated racing shoes helped drive the fast times, including Sawe’s 59:01 second half.
  • World Athletics will confirm the records after routine checks, and Adidas funded extra testing by the Athletics Integrity Unit to increase scrutiny of Sawe in recent months.