Eliud Kipchoge Reacts as Sabastian Sawe Achieves First Official Sub-2-Hour Marathon in London

Sebastian Sawe made history at the London Marathon, becoming the first athlete to run a sub-two-hour marathon in an official race, a feat that marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge has hailed as a landmark achievement for the sport.

The 30-year-old Kenyan delivered a stunning performance, crossing the finish line in 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 30 seconds. His time obliterated the previous world record of 2:00:35, set by the late Kelvin Kiptum in 2023.

The race also saw Yomif Kejelcha of Ethiopia, in his debut, cross the finish line in a time of 1:59:41 to finish second. Ugandan star Jacob Kiplimo completed the podium in 2:00:28.

Eliud Kipchoge, the former world record holder, released a statement describing the day as "historical for marathon running."

He praised the accomplishment as the start of a new chapter in distance running, highlighting it as proof of what can be achieved through talent, progress, and belief in human potential.

"My deepest congratulations to both Sebastian Sawe and Yomif Kejelcha," Kipchoge stated, also acknowledging the runner-up's performance.

He noted that breaking the two-hour barrier in a competitive marathon had long been a global ambition for runners, and that today's race had transformed that dream into reality.

Eliud Kipchoge also drew a parallel to his own groundbreaking run at the INEOS 1:59 Challenge, where he became the first person to cover the marathon distance in under two hours, albeit under controlled, non-record-eligible conditions.

He explained that the purpose of that event was to demonstrate that the feat was possible, expressing his hope that another athlete would one day replicate it in an official city marathon.

"Let this achievement inspire the next generation and remind everyone in the world that 'No Human Is Limited'," Kipchoge concluded.

Speaking after his record-breaking victory, an elated Sawe shared his thoughts on the race. "I am so happy, it is a day to remember for me," he said.

"We started the race well, and approaching the end... I was feeling strong. Reaching the finish line, I saw the time, and I was so excited to run a world record today."

In an interview with the BBC, Sawe also credited the spectators for their role in his success. "I want to thank the crowds. They help a lot. You feel so happy and strong and pushing," he explained. "What comes for me today is not for me alone but all of us in London."