London Marathon star Sawe says ‘nothing is impossible’ after sub-2-hour record run
City’s race chief believes Sabastian Sawe achievement could be ‘greatest sporting moment’ of the 21st century
Sabastian Sawe said he was living proof “nothing is impossible” after becoming the first athlete to break the two-hour barrier in an official competition to win the London Marathon in a world record 1 hour, 59 minutes and 30 seconds.
The Kenyan defended his 2025 title, beating debutant Yomif Kejelcha by 11 seconds. The Ethiopian runner-up also crossed the line in an astonishing 1:59:41 hours, while Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda finished third in 2:00:28.
All three were faster than the previous official world record of 2:00:35 set by the late Kelvin Kiptum in 2023, while Sawe’s time was also 10 seconds faster than the unofficial 1:59:40 set by Eliud Kipchoge in a 2019 exhibition.
“I think I’ve made history today in London, and for the new generation [it shows] to run a record is possible,” Sawe said. “It depends on the preparation you had and the discipline you had, so for me I think I have shown them that nothing is impossible.
“Everything is possible with a matter of time. I was ready today. I was well-prepared for the London Marathon and for today’s results. I’m so happy because I had a lot of courage to push, even when the pace was fast.
“It’s something not to be forgotten, something to be remembered, and it will remain in my mind forever.”
