LONDON – In a groundbreaking achievement for athletics, Sabastian Sawe from Kenya has etched his name in sports history by becoming the first person to break the elusive two-hour barrier in marathon running. This monumental feat unfolded during the London Marathon, where Sawe clocked an astonishing time of 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 30 seconds, shattering the previous men’s world record by an impressive 65 seconds.
Notably, the race also saw remarkable performances from other elite runners. Yomif Kejelcha of Ethiopia finished second with a time of 1:59:41, marking a historic moment as he also dipped under the two-hour mark in his debut marathon. Meanwhile, Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda finished third, breaking the former world record — set by Kenya’s Kelvin Kiptum in Chicago earlier this year — by seven seconds, with a time of 2:00:28.
Sawe, 29, who defended his title in London, expressed gratitude to the enthusiastic crowds that lined the streets to support him. “What comes today is not for me alone,” he reflected, “but for all of us today in London.” His performance was not only a personal triumph but a significant milestone for the sport.
In an electrifying display of stamina and speed, Sawe completed the second half of the marathon in just 59 minutes and 1 second. After 30 kilometers, he pulled ahead of Kejelcha and made a decisive break in the final two kilometers, sprinting down The Mall towards the finish line.
Assefa Sets Women’s Marathon Record
The marathon also witnessed a record-breaking performance in the women’s race. Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa dominated the field, pulling ahead with about 500 meters to go to win in a remarkable time of 2:15:41. This victory solidified her title while also marking the fastest-ever time recorded in a women’s-only marathon. However, it fell short of the overall course record of 2:15:25, set by Paula Radcliffe in 2003 during a mixed race.
Swiss Dominance in Wheelchair Races
In the wheelchair races, athletes from Switzerland showcased their prowess with a double victory. Marcel Hug clinched his sixth consecutive men’s title and eighth overall, while Catherine Debrunner won a closely contested race against Tatyana McFadden to defend her title.
This year’s London Marathon not only highlighted individual achievements but also underscored the evolving landscape of long-distance running, where barriers once thought insurmountable are now being challenged and surpassed.
___
AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports
