Kenyan Runner Sebastian Sawe Breaks Two-Hour Marathon Barrier at London Marathon

Sebastian Sawe, a 31‑year‑old Kenyan athlete, prayed at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Eldoret before winning the London Marathon on April 26, 2026. He completed the 26.2‑mile race in 1 hour, 59 minutes and 30 seconds, becoming the first runner to achieve a sub‑two‑hour marathon time in an official race.

Sawe’s victory followed his marathon debut in Valencia (2024) where he posted 2:02:05. Ethiopian runner Yomif Kejelcha finished 11 seconds later, also under two hours. The parish priest, Rev. Pius Tuwei, said he blessed Sawe without expecting the outcome. Sawe credited his faith, saying, “Nothing is impossible.”

The achievement highlighted the role of Christianity in Kenyan distance running, with other champions such as Eliud Kipchoge also citing Catholic faith as a source of discipline. Analysts noted that while genetics and training are crucial, the spiritual support from churches is increasingly recognized as part of athletes’ success.