Millions for Sabastian Sawe after historic run in London
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 28.04.26. | 07:23
The 31-year-old took 65 seconds off the previous world record set by the late Kelvin Kiptum
Sabastian Sawe made history at this year's London Marathon by becoming the first man to officially break two hours for the distance, winning the race in a world record of 1:59:30.
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The 31-year-old took 65 seconds off the previous world record set by the late Kelvin Kiptum in Chicago in 2023, while also surpassing Eliud Kipchoge’s 1:59:41 exhibition performance from 2019.
While the world celebrates an achievement previously thought unfathomable, Sawe is raking in millions for the feat.
He is set to bank a whopping Ksh26.5 million (USD 205,000) after storming to the historic London Marathon victory on Sunday.
He earned Ksh7.1 million (USD 55,000), topping it up with a bonus of Ksh16.1 million (USD 125,000) for breaking the World Record and a further Ksh3.2 million (USD 25,000) for smashing the London Marathon Course Record.
In a landmark day for marathon running, Yomif Kejelcha finished second in 1:59:41, the second-fastest time in history and the fastest marathon debut ever, finishing ahead of Jacob Kiplimo, who secured third place in a Ugandan record of 2:00:28, also inside the previous world record.
The Ethiopian walked home Ksh3,874,500 ($30,000)richer, with Kiplimo getting Ksh2,905,875 ($22,500). The top finishers were awarded with payments extending down to 12th place ($1,500 and $1,000) to reward the deep competition.
2026 Elite Prize Money Breakdown (USD)
1st Place: $55,000
2nd Place: $30,000
3rd Place: $22,500
4th Place: $15,000
5th Place: $10,000