Kenyan Shatters Marathon World Record
Photo Collected
**Kenyan Runner Sebastian Kimaru Sawe Shatters Marathon World Record, Becomes First to Break Two-Hour Barrier**
Kenyan athlete Sebastian Kimaru Sawe has made history by becoming the first person to complete a marathon in under two hours, setting a new world record on Sunday. Sawe crossed the finish line with an astonishing time of 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 30 seconds, eclipsing the previous record.
The prior men’s marathon world record was held by fellow Kenyan Kelvin Kiptum, who finished the Chicago Marathon in 2023 with a time of 2 hours and 35 seconds. In a remarkable display of athletic prowess, all three top finishers on Sunday surpassed this previous benchmark.
Sawe engaged in a fierce, last-minute battle with Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha. Kejelcha, in his debut marathon, finished second with a time of 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 41 seconds, marking the fastest debut in marathon history. Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo secured third place with a time of 2 hours and 28 seconds.
A jubilant Sawe expressed his elation, stating, “I feel very good. I am very happy. This day is memorable.” He described the race as having a strong start and feeling particularly powerful in the final moments. “When I reached the finish line and saw the time, I felt excitement,” Sawe added. He highlighted the significance of his second appearance in London and his dedicated four-month preparation, which culminated in this groundbreaking achievement.
0%
0%
0%
0%
