Sabastian Sawe Runs First Sub-2 Marathon, Sets World-Record Time

Nukunya Desk
April 26, 2026
Sports

London, UK — 26 April 2026 |

Kenyan long-distance runner Sabastian Sawe has run a marathon in under two hours for the first time in official race conditions, recording a time of 1:59:30 at the London Marathon, according to reporting via the Associated Press.

The performance is being widely described as a world-record time, surpassing the previous mark of 2:00:35 set by Kenya’s Kelvin Kiptum in 2023. Formal ratification by World Athletics is still required before the record is officially recognised.

Historic Performance in London

Sawe delivered the landmark run during the 2026 London Marathon, becoming the first athlete to break the two-hour barrier in a competitive race environment.

According to AP reporting, his time of 1:59:30 is 65 seconds faster than the previous world record, marking one of the most significant milestones in the history of long-distance running.

Record Pending Ratification

World Athletics requires all world records to undergo a formal verification process, including:

Certified course measurement
Official timing system validation
Compliance with competition regulations

Sawe’s performance, a world-record time, awaits official ratification until this process is completed. Until this process is completed, Sawe’s performance stands as a world-record time pending official ratification.

A Landmark Moment for Marathon Running

Breaking the two-hour barrier in an official race has long been considered one of the sport’s greatest challenges.

Sawe’s performance is notable for occurring within a standard competitive marathon format, despite previous sub-two-hour runs under controlled or non-competitive conditions. While sub-two-hour runs have previously been achieved under controlled or non-competitive conditions, Sawe’s performance is notable for occurring within a standard competitive marathon format.

Analysts say the achievement reflects:

Exceptional endurance and pacing
Advances in training and race strategy
Increasing depth in elite distance running

Global Reaction

The performance has generated widespread reaction across the athletics world, with fans and analysts describing it as a defining moment for the sport.

Observers say the breakthrough is likely to:

Reset expectations for elite marathon performance
Influence future race strategies
Increase global interest in long-distance events

What Happens Next

Attention now turns to the formal ratification process by World Athletics, which will determine whether Sawe’s time is officially recorded as a new world record.

Officials are expected to review:

Race data and timing systems
Course certification
Compliance with record standards

Sources

Associated Press via The Independent (April 2026): Sabastian Sawe wins London Marathon in world-record time
World Athletics — record ratification procedures

Editor’s Note

This article has been updated following credible reporting of a world-record time. Official ratification is pending.