Article by David Istrate – Published Friday, 01 May 2026, 13:39 / Updated Friday, 01 May 2026 13:46
After his historic triumph in London, where he set a new marathon world record and went under the two-hour mark, Sabastian Sawe (31) received a hero's welcome in his home country of Kenya and was awarded 8 million Kenyan shillings (nearly 53,000 euros) and a car by the country's government.
On April 26, Sabastian Sawe wrote history at the London Marathonwhich he won for the second time, posting a time of 1:59:30. So the Kenyan went under two hours and set a new world record, surpassing a milestone that was long believed to be impossible to beat.
Sabastian Sawe, awarded by the Kenyan government and President William Ruto: “You have made the impossible possible”
At the end of this week, the 31-year-old athlete returned to his native Kenya, where he received a hero's welcome with a lavish ceremony and awards to match. More accurate, the African country's government awarded Sawe with an award worth 8 million Kenyan shillings, which is almost €53,000.
The marathon runner was also given a car and a special registration number. On the license plate Sawe received was the world record he set in the British capital: 1:59:30.
For his part, Sawe showed his appreciation to Kenya's leadership and presented William Ruto, the country's president, with one of the two trainers he wore in London.
Sabastian Sawe with William Ruto, President of Kenya/Photo: Getty Images
“You didn't just break a record, you expanded the horizons of human potential. You did what many thought could not be done. You have made the impossible possible and by doing so you have inspired a nation and the entire world”, President Ruto relayed to Sawe, according to aljazeera.com.
The London podium was completed by Yomif Kejelcha (Ethiopia – 1:59:41) and Jacob Kiplimo (Uganda – 2:00:28).
I had the courage to push even when the pace was very fast. I didn't mind, because I was ready for it. The crowd helped me a lot because people were cheering me on, calling my name and making me feel strong. Today's world record is also due to them
– Sabastian Sawe
Sabastian Sawe, carrying the Kenyan flag/Photo: Getty Images
