Sabastian Sawe Gives Kenya Another London Title as Marathon Legend Kipchoge Stumbles

Sabastian Sawe after winning the mens race at the London Marathon, United Kingdom. IMAGE/Imago

Sabastian Sawe Gives Kenya Another London Title as Marathon Legend Kipchoge Stumbles

Festus Chuma 13:46 - 27.04.2025

Kenya dominated the London Marathon as Sabastian Sawe powered to victory, extending the country’s incredible legacy on the global stage.

Sabastian Sawe delivered another win for Kenya as the London Marathon witnessed continued Kenyan dominance, following last year’s victory by Alexander Mutiso Munyao.

Eliud Kipchoge, who was gunning for a record-extending fifth title, stayed with the lead pack in the early stages but gradually lost ground as the race intensified past the 30K mark.

At the 10K mark, Timothy Kiplagat led the charge, clocking 28:57 alongside Sabastian Sawe and the legendary Kipchoge. Alexander Mutiso Munyao was also right there, ensuring a formidable Kenyan presence at the head of the race.

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The race dynamic shifted slightly by the 20-kilometer point. Ethiopia’s Milkesa Mengesha made a bold move to seize the lead, crossing in 58:16, just a second ahead of Sawe. Close behind, Tamirat Tola, Mohamed Esa, and Abdi Nageeye kept the competition tight. Kipchoge, maintaining a calm and composed approach, crossed 20K in 58:18, staying firmly in contention but not forcing the pace.

Among the challengers, Ethiopia’s Mengesha and Tola, alongside Nageeye from the Netherlands, injected urgency into the chase, refusing to allow Kenyan runners to dominate uncontested. Amanal Petros and Jacob Kiplimo were also hanging on, determined to stay within striking distance as the marathon unfolded.

By the 30K mark, the narrative turned fully in Kenya’s favor. Sabastian Sawe powered into the lead, hitting 30 kilometers in a blistering 1:27:47. Joining him at the front was Hillary Kipkoech, another Kenyan force, both men signaling Kenya’s intent to keep the title at home.

Ethiopian stars Tamirat Tola and Milkesa Mengesha fought hard to stay connected to the leading group, but it was clear: Kenya was setting the pace.

Alexander Mutiso Munyao crossed the 30K mark just a second behind at 1:27:48, keeping the defending champion’s hopes alive. Kipchoge, though slightly slipping, stayed close at 1:27:49 — still within touching distance but beginning to show signs of strain.

The decisive move came between 30K and 40K. Sawe surged ahead with authority, crossing 40 kilometers in 1:56:03. His strength and composure were evident, building a lead that no challenger could erase. His powerful stride and confident demeanor left no doubts — he was running not just for a personal victory, but for national pride.

Meanwhile, Kipchoge, despite his legendary status and four previous London titles, could not muster a late charge. His effort, full of heart but lacking his usual invincibility, saw him lose touch with the leaders as the final kilometers unfolded.

Ultimately, Sabastian Sawe crossed the finish line victorious in a time of 02:02:27, delivering another London Marathon title for Kenya.

Sawe led the way with an impressive finish, crossing the line in 2:02:27. Not far behind, Kiplimo pushed hard to chase him down, finishing just over a minute later.

The race stayed intense as Nageeye and Munyao arrived almost together, both clocking the same time. A little behind them, Tola kept the momentum going, making sure the gap never grew too wide.

Finally, Kipchoge and Kipkoech followed, rounding out a fiercely competitive sixth among the top runners.