Reigning Berlin marathon champion Sebastian Sawe Kimaru became the first man to run a marathon under 2 hours after winning the London marathon with a world record, subject to ratification by the World Athletics.
Making a statement, Sawe crushed Kelvin Kiptum’s world record at 1:59:30, reducing from 2:00:35 in a landmark victory. He led Ethiopian Yomif Kejelcha to finish second in 1:59:41, the second-fastest time in history then Ugandan Jacob Kiplimo, Olympic champion Tamirat Tola, 2022 London Marathon winner Amos Kipruto and Deresa Geleta.
Sawe said “I feel good, I’m so happy. It is a day to remember for me. We started the race well, and I felt strong we approached finishing the end. When I got to the finish line, I saw the time and I was so excited.”
Top ten results
Men
1 Sabastian Kimaru Sawe (KEN) 1:59:30
2 Yomif Kejelcha (ETH) 1:59:41
3 Jacob Kiplimo (UGA) 2:00:28
4 Amos Kipruto (KEN) 2:01:39
5 Tamirat Tola (ETH) 2:02:59
6 Deresa Geleta (ETH) 2:03:23
7 Addisu Gobena (ETH) 2:05:23
8 Geoffrey Kamworor (KEN) 2:05:38
9 Peter Lynch (IRL) 2:06:08
10 Mahamed Mahamed (GBR) 2:06:14