Sabastian Sawe has been welcomed home as a national hero after becoming the first man to run a marathon in under two hours in official race conditions.
The 31-year-old Kenyan stunned the world at the London Marathon, finishing in an extraordinary time of 1:59:30, breaking one of the most elusive barriers in athletics.
Hero’s welcome in Nairobi
Sawe returned to a jubilant reception at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, where crowds, dancers and musicians gathered to celebrate his achievement.
His flight received a ceremonial water cannon salute upon landing, while his parents travelled six hours to greet him in person.
“I am happy about this good day… I did not expect it,” Sawe told supporters.
A proud moment for Kenya
The runner also met William Ruto, who praised the achievement as “a defining moment in the history of human endurance”.
Sawe was awarded 8 million Kenyan shillings and received a special number plate bearing his record time — 01:59:30.
“This is not just a sporting triumph,” Ruto said. “You have expanded the horizon of human potential.”
Breaking the barrier
Sawe’s time shattered the previous world record of 2:00:35 set by Kelvin Kiptum in 2023.
He reached the halfway mark in 1:00:29 and accelerated in the second half, completing it in just 59:01 — a remarkable negative split.
After the race, Sawe said: “I am feeling good. I am so happy. It is a day to remember for me.”
Looking ahead
Having now won all four marathons he has entered, Sawe is already targeting future races, suggesting he believes even faster times may be possible.
His historic run is being celebrated not only as a personal victory, but as a milestone for Kenya and global athletics.
Source: BBC article
