Sabastian Sawe Gifted More Millions by Government as President Ruto Promises New Car

The money keeps flowing in for newly-crowned world marathon record holder Sabastian Sawe following his historic run at the London Marathon on Sunday.

Sawe made history as the first man to run an official marathon under two hours, when he clocked an astonishing 1:59:30 in the English capital, bringing down the previous mark of 2:00:35 set by Kelvin Kiptum, although Ethiopian Yomif Kejelcha (1:59:41) and Ugandan Jacob Kiplimo (2:00:28) also lowered the mark.

For his heroics, Sawe is already assured over Ksh31 million from race organisers, but back home, more has been offered to him.

Sawe, who returned to Kenya on Wednesday night, met President William Ruto at Statehouse, Nairobi on Thursday morning when more goodies were offered to him by the government.

The 31-year-old was offered Ksh5 million which is the reward for Kenyan athletes who break a world record and an extra Ksh3 million for a gold medal, following his win in London, taking his total to Ksh8 million from the government.

“What Sabastian Sawe has done by running a marathon under two hours confirms Kenya’s place as the origin of wonder,” President Ruto said during the ceremony. “If you are looking for the origin of wonder, it is right here, as we witnessed Sabastian Sawe make history and create new wonder for the world.”

The Head of State also had a personal gift to Sawe, surprising the marathoner with customized car plates reading ‘01 59 30’ going by the time he clocked in London before, making a pledge of gifting him a new car.

“Because Sabastian did something so special, I have given him this number plate to put on a car. But he has said his car already has a number plate. So, Sabastian, I will get you a new car,” the President further promised.

Sawe was not just at Statehouse to receive as he also had his own gift to the President, handing him a pair of the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 supershoes that he used to break the historic marathon time on Sunday.

The limited edition shoes weigh just 97 grams and cost $500 (Ksh64,600) with Sawe gifting Ruto a pair that had been autographed with his record-breaking time.