The London Marathon 2026 delivered one of the most astonishing moments in sports history. For decades, athletes and scientists wondered whether a human could ever run a full marathon in under two hours. On 26 April 2026, that dream finally became reality. Kenyan long-distance runner Sebastian Sawe stunned the world by completing the 42.195-kilometre London Marathon in 1 hour, 59 minutes and 30 seconds, becoming the first athlete in history to officially run a marathon in under two hours during a sanctioned race.
Kenyan runner Sabastian Sawe shatters marathon record
Sawe’s record-breaking run took place at the 2026 London Marathon, one of the world’s most famous long-distance races. The Kenyan runner not only won the event but also shattered the previous world record of 2:00:35, set by fellow Kenyan Kelvin Kiptum at the Chicago Marathon in 2023. In an extraordinary race, Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha finished second with a time of 1:59:41, also under the two-hour mark. Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo came third in 2:00:28, which was also faster than the previous world record.
For years, the two-hour marathon was seen as one of sport’s greatest barriers, similar to the famous four-minute mile once thought impossible. Sebastian Sawe’s historic run now marks a new chapter in endurance sport and shows how training, technology, and determination are pushing the limits of human performance.
What is a marathon?
A marathon is a long-distance running race covering 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles). The distance comes from the ancient Greek legend of a messenger who ran from the town of Marathon to Athens.
Key facts from the historic race
- Event: London Marathon
- Location: London, United Kingdom
- Winner: Sebastian Sawe (Kenya)
- Winning time: 1:59:30
- Second place: Yomif Kejelcha (1:59:41)
- Previous world record: 2:00:35 by Kelvin Kiptum (2023)
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