Article by Daniel Grigore – Published Sunday, April 26, 2026, 2:22 p.m. / Updated Sunday, April 26, 2026, 2:25 p.m.
Kenyan Sabastian Sawe (30) made history today in London by winning the marathon with a time of 1:59:30. Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha also went under two hours, and the previous world record was also beaten by the 3rd place holder, Jacob Kiplimo, with a time of 2:00:28.
Until today, the record time in an official marathon was held by Kelvin Kiptum, 2:00:35. In London, in this year's edition of the marathon, THREE runners went below this barrier.
Sabastian Sawe won the London Marathon setting a new world record
The one who won the race was the Kenyan Sebastian Sawewho stopped the clock at 1:59:30. It is amazing that under two hours, something unheard of until today, was also the Ethiopian Yomif Kejelcha (28 years old), with a time of 1:59:41. And Kiptum's previous record was also beaten by today's 3rd place finisher Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda (2:00:28).
WHAT HAVE WE JUST WITNESSED? 🤯
Sabastian Sawe has just become the first person in history to run a sub two-hour marathon in race conditions.
Yomif Kejelcha was also under two hours for second! pic.twitter.com/RrylgXumLk
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) April 26, 2026
After his historic result today, Sawe told BBC Sport that “I feel good, I'm happy, it's a memorable day for me”.
“I started the race well and towards the end I was feeling strong and I remember my Ethiopian partner was very competitive. I think he helped me a lot. Finally, when I reached the finish line, I saw the time and I was extremely excited.
Today showed me that there is a right time for everyone. I'm so happy. I was well prepared. Coming to London for the second time was important to me.
I want to thank the audience for cheering us on. I think they meant a lot to me because I feel so happy and strong and I just kept pushing. What happened today is not just for me, but for everyone in London,” added the new marathon record holder.
