London hosted one of athletics’ biggest races as elite runners from several countries lined up for the marathon.
Kenya’s Sebastian Sawe won the 42.2 km event in 1:59:30, a new world record. The time also marked the first time a runner has officially completed the marathon distance in under two hours.
Sawe’s performance eclipsed the previous world record of 2:00:35 set in Chicago in 2023 by the late Kenyan runner Kelvin Kiptum, improving it by 65 seconds.
Uganda’s Yomif Kejelicha placed second with 1:59:41. Sawe, 29, is the reigning champion, and congratulations poured in from around the world.
Speaking after the finish, Sawe said he felt thrilled after seeing the time and called it an unforgettable day. He also recalled telling a reporter before the race that he believed he would one day be the person to go under two hours.
