đź“° Article

On April 26, 2026, the London Marathon witnessed one of the greatest moments in human sporting history. Thirty-year-old Kenyan runner Sabastian Sawe crossed the finish line in 1 hour 59 minutes 30 seconds, becoming the first person ever to break the two-hour barrier in a competitive marathon race.

A Historic Breakthrough

Sawe’s time was more than a minute faster than the late Kelvin Kiptum’s previous world record of 2:00:35. Notably, the great Eliud Kipchoge became the first man to run a marathon under two hours in 2019, but that was achieved during the INEOS 1:59 Challenge under carefully controlled conditions, not in an official competitive race.

Sawe was already on world-record pace at the halfway mark, crossing in 1:00:29, and managed to accelerate over the second half of the race, ultimately finishing with a time that surpassed even Kipchoge’s experimental run.

A Race for the Ages

The historical significance of this race extends far beyond one sub-two-hour performance. Remarkably, Yomif Kejelcha of Ethiopia, making his marathon debut, became the second man to break two hours in race conditions, finishing runner-up in 1:59:41. Half marathon world record holder Jacob Kiplimo also crossed the line faster than Kiptum’s former record, completing the podium in 2:00:28.

One race, three runners under the previous world record, two breaking the two-hour barrier — this is unprecedented in the history of marathon running.

Speaking to BBC Television 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 the finish, I was feeling strong. Finally reaching the finish line, I saw the time, and I was so excited.”

Women’s Race

In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa retained her title in 2:15:41, improving her own world record for a women-only field. She surged clear of Kenyan rivals Hellen Obiri and Joyciline Jepkosgei in a thrilling finish.

In the wheelchair category, Swiss legend Marcel Hug cruised to a record-equalling eighth London Marathon victory, tying Great Britain’s David Weir with a sixth consecutive win.

Training and Technology

Sawe’s sub-two performance was not a fluke. He had already shown world-record potential when winning last year’s London Marathon in 2:02:27. In pre-race interviews with BBC Sport, he stated that breaking two hours was “only a matter of time.”

Analysts point to a combination of factors driving this breakthrough: Adidas’s Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 racing shoes, more scientific training methodologies, and more precise pacing strategies. However, what ultimately made it reality remains the athlete’s unparalleled willpower and the breaking of human physical limits.

Source: BBC Sport, Adidas News