President Ruto on Sawe's historic sub-two-hour London Marathon win
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 27.04.26. | 11:27
President Ruto congratulated Sawe, praising both the victory and its significance to global athletics
President William Ruto has led the country in celebrating Sabastian Sawe after his remarkable display at the London Marathon, where he delivered a historic performance on Sunday.
Sawe stormed to victory on the streets of London in a sensational 1:59:30, becoming the first man in history to run under the two-hour mark in a marathon.
His performance stunned the athletics world, as he broke what had been considered a long-standing barrier in distance running.
He went past the previous men’s world record of 2:00:35 set by the late Kelvin Kiptum at the 2023 Chicago Marathon, further underlining the magnitude of his achievement.
Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha finished second in a blistering 1:59:41, while Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo completed the podium in 2:00:28, rounding off a historic and tightly contested race among elite runners.
President Ruto congratulated Sawe, praising both the victory and its significance to global athletics.
“We celebrate you, Sabastian Sawe, for a performance of rare brilliance at the London Marathon,” Ruto said. “You have not only claimed a historic victory; you have redrawn the limits of human endurance, smashing the world record and breaking the two-hour barrier with extraordinary resolve.”
He added that the achievement marks a defining moment for Kenyan sport.
“This is more than a win; it is a defining moment. Your triumph places you firmly among the greats of global athletics and reaffirms Kenya as an enduring force at the pinnacle of distance running.”
In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa produced another outstanding performance, breaking her own women-only world record with a time of 2:15:41, improving the 2:15:50 mark she set on the same course last year.
Kenya’s Hellen Obiri impressed on her London Marathon debut, finishing second in 2:15:53, while Joyciline Jepkosgei completed the podium in 2:15:55 after a close battle for the top positions.
Ruto also praised the two Kenyan women for their strong performances.
“We also commend Hellen Obiri and Joyciline Jepkosgei for their remarkable second and third-place finishes in the women’s race. Your discipline and competitive fire continue to define the standard of Kenyan excellence on the world stage.”
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya also hailed Sawe’s achievement, saying it had pushed human endurance to new limits.
“Sawe’s achievement has not only redefined the limits of human performance but also cements his place among the greats in marathon history,” Mvurya said. “Your success is a proud moment for athletics and an inspiration to aspiring runners worldwide.”
He added: “Kenya stands tall and proud, a reminder to the world that long-distance running remains our pride and strength.”
