Athletics Kenya President Jack Tuwei has led tributes to Sabastian Sawe after the Kenyan marathon star produced a historic world record performance to win the 2026 London Marathon.
Sawe stunned the athletics world on Sunday after clocking 1:59:30 to become the first athlete to officially break the two-hour barrier in a record-eligible marathon race. His time lowered the previous men’s world record of 2:00:35 set by the late Kelvin Kiptum at the 2023 Chicago Marathon.
Tuwei described the achievement as a proud moment for Kenya and another powerful statement of the country’s dominance in distance running.
“This remarkable feat is a proud moment for Kenya and further reinforces our nation’s enduring legacy as the global home of distance running excellence,” said Tuwei.
He praised Sawe’s composure and racing intelligence on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
“Sawe’s discipline, courage and tactical brilliance reflect the strength of Kenyan athletics and the depth of talent we continue to nurture.”
Tuwei also pointed to Sawe’s rapid rise over the last year, noting that World Athletics recognised him in 2025 as the Best Male Athlete Off the Track.
“His immense talent and consistency have now culminated in this historic world record performance,” he added.
Sawe has been a growing force over the 42km since his debut in 2024.
On his maiden outing at the Valencia Marathon 2024, he surged to victory in a world-leading 2:02:05, the second-fastest debut in history.
Only Kiptum had gone quicker on debut, clocking 2:01:53 on the same course in 2022.
Sawe carried that momentum into the London Marathon 2025, where he once again asserted his dominance, clinching victory in 2:02:27 before adding his Berlin triumph later that season.
It was that imperious 2025 campaign that saw him crowned World Athletics Male Out of Stadium Athlete.
The Athletics Kenya boss said Sawe had now joined an elite list of marathon greats who have redefined the event over the years, including Paul Tergat, Haile Gebrselassie, Eliud Kipchoge and Kelvin Kiptum.
“Today, Sabastian Sawe has written a new chapter by taking the event into previously unimaginable territory,” said Tuwei.
Elsewhere, in the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa shattered her own women’s-only world record, cruising to 2:15:41 to dip below the 2:15:50 mark she set on the same course last year.
Kenya’s Hellen Obiri clocked an impressive 2:15:53 on her London debut to finish second, with Joyciline Jepkosgei completing the podium in 2:15:55.
Tuwei also congratulated Obiri and Jepkosgei after their strong performances in the women’s race.
“Their performances once again showcased the strength, resilience and consistency of Kenyan women on the global marathon stage,” he said.
He further praised all Kenyan athletes who competed in London, saying they had represented the country with distinction.
Tuwei said Sawe’s world record, alongside the podium finishes by Obiri and Jepkosgei, was fresh proof of Kenya’s unmatched distance running heritage.