Event Overview
Marathon milestone shattered: Sabastian Sawe breaks the fabled 2-hour barrier by 30 seconds
Sabastian Sawe of Kenya has made history by becoming the first person to officially complete a marathon in under two hours, finishing the London Marathon in 1:59:30. This achievement breaks the previous record by 30 seconds. Sawe's victory marks a significant milestone in marathon running, as it is the first time the two-hour barrier has been surpassed in a sanctioned race. The event was noted for its competitive nature, with other runners also performing exceptionally well, including Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia.
This milestone could influence future marathon training and performance standards, as breaking the two-hour barrier has long been considered a significant achievement in the sport, as noted by the Associated Press.
Left / left-center
1
Center
1
Right / right-center
1
Marathon milestone shattered: Sabastian Sawe breaks the fabled 2-hour barrier by 30 seconds
Sebastian Sawe from Kenya crosses the finish line to win the men’s race at the London Marathon in London, Sunday, April 26, 2026.(AP Photo/Ian Walton) Sebastian Sawe from Kenya celebrates winning the men’s race at the London Marathon in London, Sunday, April 26, 2026.(AP Photo/Ian Walton) Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia.
Marathon milestone shattered: Sabastian Sawe breaks the fabled 2-hour barrier by 30 seconds
Sebastian Sawe from Kenya crosses the finish line to win the men’s race at the London Marathon in London, Sunday, April 26, 2026.(AP Photo/Ian Walton) Sebastian Sawe from Kenya celebrates winning the men’s race at the London Marathon in London, Sunday, April 26, 2026.(AP Photo/Ian Walton) Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia.
Historic feet: London Marathon runner is first person to finish in under 2 hours
It was a historic feat — on a pair of historic feet. Sabastian Sawe of Kenya became the first man in history to run an official marathon in under two hours, breaking the elusive mark in the London Marathon Sunday after it had eluded runners for decades. Sawe, 31, ran the 26.2-mile course in the British capital in one.
Marathon milestone shattered: Sabastian Sawe breaks the fabled 2-hour barrier by 30 seconds
Sebastian Sawe from Kenya crosses the finish line to win the men’s race at the London Marathon in London, Sunday, April 26, 2026.(AP Photo/Ian Walton) Sebastian Sawe from Kenya celebrates winning the men’s race at the London Marathon in London, Sunday, April 26, 2026.(AP Photo/Ian Walton) Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia.
Marathon milestone shattered: Sabastian Sawe breaks the fabled 2-hour barrier by 30 seconds
Sebastian Sawe from Kenya crosses the finish line to win the men’s race at the London Marathon in London, Sunday, April 26, 2026.(AP Photo/Ian Walton) Sebastian Sawe from Kenya celebrates winning the men’s race at the London Marathon in London, Sunday, April 26, 2026.(AP Photo/Ian Walton) Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia.
Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe becomes first man to run sub two-hour marathon as he wins in London
Kenyan runner Sabastian Sawe made history by becoming the first athlete to run a marathon in under two hours in a competitive race to win the London Marathon. Sawe broke the world record to complete the London Marathon in 1:59:30. His time shatters the previous world record, held by the late athlete Kelvin Kiptum, who.
Marathon milestone shattered: Sabastian Sawe breaks the fabled 2-hour barrier by 30 seconds
Sebastian Sawe from Kenya crosses the finish line to win the men’s race at the London Marathon in London, Sunday, April 26, 2026.(AP Photo/Ian Walton) Sebastian Sawe from Kenya celebrates winning the men’s race at the London Marathon in London, Sunday, April 26, 2026.(AP Photo/Ian Walton) Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia.