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Kipchoge Hails Historic Sub-Two-Hour Marathon as Sawe, Kejelcha Break Barriers

Kenya's Sabastian Sawe shattered the marathon world record at the London Marathon 2026, finishing in 1:59:30. Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha also broke the two-hour barrier, clocking 1:59:41. Two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge celebrated the historic achievement on social media. Kipchoge called it proof that "no human is limited" in his tribute to the athletes.

Key Points: Sub-Two-Hour Marathon: Sawe, Kejelcha Make History at London 2026

  • Sabastian Sawe wins London Marathon in 1:59:30, first sub-two-hour in record-eligible race
  • Yomif Kejelcha finishes second in 1:59:41
  • Both break Kelvin Kiptum's previous world record of 2:00:35
  • Eliud Kipchoge praises the achievement on social media
2 min read

"No human is limited": Kipchoge hails historic sub-two-hour marathon as Sawe, Kejelcha rewrite record books

Kenya's Sabastian Sawe and Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha break the two-hour marathon barrier at London 2026. Eliud Kipchoge hails the historic feat.

"No human is limited - Eliud Kipchoge"

London, April 27

A historic chapter in marathon running was written at the London Marathon 2026 on Sunday as the men's race shattered long-standing limits, with two athletes breaking the elusive two-hour barrier under official conditions for the first time.

Kenya's Sabastian Sawe led the charge, storming to victory in 1:59:30 to become the first man to clock a sub-two-hour marathon in a record-eligible race. His run eclipsed the previous world record of 2:00:35, set by Kelvin Kiptum, by 1 minute and 5 seconds.

Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha followed just 11 seconds later in 1:59:41, joining Sawe in the history books, while Uganda's Jacob Kiplimo finished third in 2:00:28 as all three athletes went under the previous world record.

Sawe, who won last year's London Marathon in 2:02:27, raised the bar to unprecedented levels, turning a highly anticipated race into a landmark moment in distance running.

Two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge hailed the achievement as a defining moment for the sport. Taking to social media, Kipchoge, who himself ran 1:59:40 during the non-record-eligible INEOS 1:59 Challenge, praised the athletes for realising a long-held dream.

"Seeing two athletes break the magical two-hour barrier at the London Marathon is proof that we are just at the beginning of what is possible when talent, progress, and an unwavering belief in human potential come together. My deepest congratulations to both Sabastian Sawe and Yomif Kejelcha," Kipchoge wrote on Instagram.

"Breaking the sub-two-hour barrier in the marathon has long been a dream for runners everywhere, and today you've made that dream come true. During the INEOS 1:59 Challenge, we showed the world that it was possible, and it has always been my hope to see another athlete continue with this belief and break this magical barrier in a city marathon," he added.

"Let this achievement inspire the next generation and remind everyone in the world that no human is limited," he concluded.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Kipchoge's vision was spot on. "No human is limited" — he showed us the possibility with his 1:59 challenge, and now two others have done it in a real race. Makes me wonder: could an Indian runner ever challenge this? We have talent, but our infrastructure and coaching need massive upgrades. Government should take note.
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Rohit P
What a race! 😱 Kiptum's record stood only 3 years and they demolished it by 65 seconds. Sawe and Kejelcha pushed each other like never before. This is what competition does — it elevates everyone. Kiplimo also ran under the old WR and ended up third! The depth in East African running is insane.
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Siddharth J
I'm happy for the athletes but I have a small concern. With records falling so fast, are we pushing too hard on the human body? I hope the focus remains on long-term athlete health rather than just breaking barriers every year. The Kenyan and Ethiopian camps should ensure proper recovery and medical support. Progress is great, but sustainability matters.
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Kavya N
This is absolutely phenomenal! 👏🏽 And Kipchoge's graciousness in celebrating their achievement rather than feeling threatened shows what true sportsmanship means. He didn't say "I did it first" — he said "you made the dream come true." That's the kind of inspiration we need in every field. Also, imagine the prize money they get for breaking the world record!
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Tanvi S
As someone who volunteers at a local running group in Bangalore, this news is electrifying! We have so many budding runners in our country — from

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