Sawe smashes two-hour barrier to make history in London
'Absolutely incredible!' - Sawe runs sub-two-hour marathon in London
- Published
Sabastian Sawe made history at the London Marathon by becoming the first athlete to run a sub-two-hour marathon in a competitive race.
The 30-year-old Kenyan crossed the line to win in one hour 59 minutes 30 seconds, more than one minute faster than the late Kelvin Kiptum's previous record of 2:00:35, set in 2023.
The great Eliud Kipchoge became the first man to run a marathon in under two hours in 2019, but that was not record-eligible as it was held under controlled conditions.
Already on world record pace as he crossed the halfway mark in 1:00:29, Sawe was able to speed up over the second half of the race to run even faster than Kipchoge's time.
Sawe made his decisive move before the final 10km, with only debutant Yomif Kejelcha able to cover his surge off the front.
Remarkably, Kejelcha became the second man to run under two hours in race conditions, finishing runner-up in 1:59:41.
Half marathon world record holder Jacob Kiplimo also crossed the line faster than Kiptum's former record, completing the podium in 2:00:28.
Sawe, speaking on BBC TV, said: "I am feeling good. I am so happy. It is a day to remember for me."
"We started the race well. Approaching finishing the race, I was feeling strong. Finally reaching the finish line, I saw the time, and I was so excited."
In the women's race, Ethiopia's Tigst Assefa improved her own world record for a women-only field as she surged clear of Kenyan rivals Hellen Obiri and Joyciline Jepkosgei in a thrilling finish to retain her title in 2:15:41.
Swiss great Marcel Hug cruised to a record-equalling eighth London Marathon victory in the elite men's wheelchair race, tying level with Great Britain's David Weir by winning for a fifth successive year.
Catherine Debrunner also retained the elite women's wheelchair title as the Swiss burst clear of American Tatyana McFadden in the closing stages.
How Sawe achieved sporting immortality in London
Much of the focus beforehand had been about Sawe - winner of last year's race in 2:02:27 - targeting Kiptum's London Marathon course record of 2:01:25.
He told BBC Sport this week that it was "only a matter of time" before he broke Kiptum's world record - adding "I hope and wish one day [it will be me]" when asked about becoming the first person to run under two hours in a race.
Sawe had targeted the world record in Berlin last September, before that bid was undone by the hot weather.
But, in perfect conditions in London, Sawe, who has won all four marathons he has contested, stormed down The Mall to achieve the historic feat.
'I am so happy' - Sawe reacts to winning London marathon
After covering the first half of the course in 1:00:29, Sawe moved through the gears to complete the second half in just 59:01.
Only 63 men in history have run a half marathon as quickly as that - with Sawe's own personal best standing at 58:05.
His splits continued to quicken as he chased down his target, clocking 13:54 for the five kilometres from 30-35km, and 13:42 for the 35-40km stretch - an average pace of 2:45 per kilometre.
Sawe has sought to ensure confidence in his performances by undergoing frequent drug tests and was tested 25 times before competing in Berlin.
"I want to thank the crowds for cheering us. I think they help a lot, because if it was not for them, you don't feel like you are so loved," Sawe said.
"I think they help a lot because them calling makes you feel so happy and strong and pushing.
"That is why I can say what comes for me today is not for me alone but all of us in London."
More to follow.
