Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe delivered a historic performance to win the London Marathon, becoming the first athlete to run a sub-two-hour marathon in a competitive race.

The 30-year-old crossed the finish line in one hour, 59 minutes and 30 seconds, shattering the previous mark of 2:00:35 set by the late Kelvin Kiptum in 2023.

Great marathoner Eliud Kipchoge ran under two hours in 2019, but his 1:59:40 effort was achieved under controlled conditions and was not record-eligible.

Already on record pace at halfway in 1:00:29, Sawe accelerated in the second half, making a decisive move before the final 10 kilometres.

Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha was the only athlete able to respond, finishing second in 1:59:41 to also break the two-hour barrier, while Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo placed third in 2:00:28.

Speaking after the race, Sawe 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 retained her title, setting a new women-only world record of 2:15:41 after pulling clear of Kenya’s Hellen Obiri and Joyciline Jepkosgei.

In the wheelchair events, Switzerland’s Marcel Hug claimed a record-equalling eighth London Marathon title, matching Great Britain’s David Weir, while compatriot Catherine Debrunner defended the women’s title ahead of the United States’ Tatyana McFadden.

BBC/Maxwell Oyekunle

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