Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe has made history as the first person to run an official marathon in under two hours.
He set the record at the London Marathon, finishing in 1:59:30. The time broke the previous world record of 2:00:35 held by Kelvin Kiptum.
“I am feeling good, I am so happy,” Sawe said. “It is a day to remember. I have shown that nothing is not possible.”
Sawe ran a strong second half to seal the win. He stayed with the lead group early on, then pulled away after 30km to finish alone.
ALSO READ: Liverpool beat Crystal Palace 3-1, go fourth on EPL table
Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha placed second in 1:59:41 on his marathon debut. Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo finished third in 2:00:28.
“Before 41 kilometres, I’m enjoying, I’m relaxed,” Kejelcha said. “My body is all great. At exactly 41 kilometres, my body stopped. I tried to push, but my legs were done.”
In the women’s race, Tigst Assefa defended her title with a world record time of 2:15:41, ahead of Hellen Obiri.