Not only that the marathon world record was broken in 2026, in London, but it was under 2 hours: 1:59:30, by former London Marathon 2025 winner, Sabastian Sawe. The 30 years old athlete from… Kenya made history, and not only run 30 seconds under the 2 hours mark, but it beat Kipchoge’s 1:59:40 from Vienna, in the autumn of 2019. The biggest upset is for the second place arriver, Yomif Kejelcha of Ethiopia. What thrilled me about this guy, that he said, before the race, that first half in 60 minutes and 30 seconds is not hard, a world record pace, is not a problem for him. And it wasn’t: 1:59:41.

Jaccob Kiplimo also broke the former marathon world record

I guess this is the biggest question, for many: how do you feel while breaking the 2 hours marathon barrier, but you don’t win the race! It should be a mixed feeling sentiment, and maybe not needing to carry the burden of the champion, can be, in some regards, a blessing in disguise.  Jacob Kiplimo, from Uganda, the half-marathon world record holder, and a man who actually run a half in below 57 minutes (!), even not ratified, came in third: 2:00:28. This looks neglectable now, but in other conditions it would have been also a world record.

Sabastian Sawe and Yomif Kejelcha, marathon world record in under two hours

Actually the London 2026 marathon will go down in history with the fact that the first three men put down the marathon world record, because, yes, Kiplimo also broke late Kiptum’s Chicago legacy, of 2:00:35. The marathon enters into a new era. It might be a mix between quick sands and enthusiasm. We will never know, because sports industry becomes more and more debatable. The controversy will be present more and more, but regardless, for now, only one thing remains standing: on 26th of April 2026 the marathon was ran first under 2 hours, in a looped official race. By two men: Sabastian Sawe and Yomif Kejelcha.

Photo source: apnews.com