London Marathon: Sabastian Sawe Makes History with Mind-Blowing Sub-Two-Hour Run as Tigst Assefa Triumphs

Records fell in spectacular fashion at the London Marathon as Sabastian Sawe produced a historic performance, breaking Kelvin Kiptum’s world record in a thrilling men’s race alongside a fiercely contested women’s battle.

At the 5km mark, defending champion Tigst Assefa was setting the pace alongside two-time Boston Marathon winner Hellen Obiri, with former champion Joyciline Jepkosgei and Catherine Reline also firmly in contention.

By the 10km point, Obiri had moved to the front, closely followed by Assefa, while Jepkosgei and Reline remained within the leading pack as the race stayed tightly contested.

At the 15km mark, Hellen Obiri was still dictating the pace at the front, with Tigst Assefa and Joyciline Jepkosgei close behind in second and third respectively, while Catherine Reline and Degitu Azimeraw remained within the leading group.

By the halfway point at 21km, Obiri, having briefly eased off the pace, picked up momentum again to reclaim the lead, with Assefa moving into second place and Jepkosgei continuing to apply pressure just behind.

At the 25km mark, Hellen Obiri, Joyciline Jepkosgei, and Tigst Assefa had broken away from the rest of the field, creating a clear lead group, while Catherine Reline spearheaded the chasing pack behind them.

Tigst Assefa had now taken the lead, passing the 30km mark, with Joycilline Jepkosgei having maintained second place. Hellen Obiri was running in third.

By the 35km mark, Hellen Obiri, Tigst Assefa, and Joyciline Jepkosgei had broken away decisively, opening up a significant gap from the rest of the field.

At the 40km mark, the leading trio were still locked in a tight battle, with Hellen Obiri appearing composed and well-positioned, seemingly preparing to unleash her finishing kick.

Tigst Assefa took first place in a women-only World Record of 2:15:41, followed by Hellen Obiri in second at 02:15:53, and Joyciline Jepkosgei in third at 02:15:55.

Sabastian Sawe, Amos Kipruto, and Jacob Kiplimo were among the leading pack through the 5km mark. By 10km, defending champion Sawe remained at the front, continuing to set the pace.

Jacob Kiplimo had moved to the front as the men went through the 15km mark, with Sabastian Sawe and Amos Kipruto still firmly in contention just behind him.

By the 21km mark, Sabastian Sawe had reclaimed the lead, with former London Marathon winner Amos Kipruto moving into second place and Jacob Kiplimo holding third.

Debutant Yomif Kejelcha had moved to the front by the 25km mark, closely followed by Sabastian Sawe and Amos Kipruto, while Olympic champion Tamirat Tola also remained firmly in the leading group.

Sabastian Sawe and Yomif Kejelcha were still looking strong as they went through the 30km mark, with Jacob Kiplimo and Amos Kipruto also remaining firmly in contention within the leading group.

Sabastian Sawe remained in control as he passed the 35km mark, still holding the lead. By the 40km point, the contest had narrowed to a duel between Yomif Kejelcha and Sawe, with Jacob Kiplimo in pursuit, working hard to close the gap.

In a historic performance, Sabastian Sawe won the race and set a new world record with a time of 01:59:30, leading a top-four finish that included Yomif Kejelcha at 01:59:41, Jacob Kiplimo at 02:00:28, and Amos Kipruto at 02:01:39.