Sabastian Sawe, a Kenyan marathon runner, broke the previous world record of 2:00:35 set by Kelvin Kiptum in 2023, completing the London Marathon in 1:59:30 on April 26.
Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha was the runner-up in the race, finishing at 1:59:41, and Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda held the third position at 2:00:28.
According to Sawe, his win was motivated by the competitors, who, he said, strengthened his desire to win.
“I am feeling good. I am happy. It’s a day to remember for me. We started the race well, and as we approached the end of the race, I was feeling strong, and I remember a fellow Ethiopian was so competitive. I think he helped me a lot. Finally, reaching the finish line, I saw the time. I was so excited,” Sawe commented.
The current marathon world record holder, Sabastian Sawe Kimaru, mostly trains in Kapsabet, western Kenya, under an Italian coach, Claudio Berardelli.
As the world record breaker and the first to complete the marathon, Sabastian is set to receive an estimated $355,000, valued at about KSh 45.8 million, after winning the London Marathon.
Also Read: Profile of Sabastian Sawe, First Man to Run a Marathon in Under 2 Hours
Sawe Prize Money Breakdown
According to the official TCS London Marathon awards and bonuses guidelines, Sabastian will receive $55,000, which is valued at KSh 7,111,500, as the base prize for the 1st-place winner.
Additionally, the marathoner will also be granted KSh 19,395,000 for the time bonus for the sub-2:02:00 tier.
An additional bonus amount of KSh 3,232,500 will also be awarded to the marathoner for breaking the men’s course record.
Sawe is also set to receive KSh 16,162,500 for breaking the men’s world record set by Kelvin Kiptum in 2023 at the Chicago Marathon.
Sabastian Sawe is therefore expected to receive approximately KSh 46 million before any taxes, management fees, or deductions are made from his prize money.
Also Read: Sabastian Sawe Becomes First Human to Win a Marathon in Under Two Hours
Sabastian’s Marathon Career
Sabastian was born on March 16, 1996, in Kenya’s Rift Valley region, where he was raised, and during his early life, he engaged in long-distance marathons.
Following his marathon engagements, Sawe set a Kenyan national record in the one-hour run and won several road races in Europe in 2022.
Sabastian earned his title as one of the fastest marathon runners in 2024 during his race at the Valencia Marathon, where he completed the race in 2:02:05.
In 2025, Sabastian won the London Marathon and the title of outstanding marathoner at the Berlin Marathon.
As of 2026, Sabastian is the world record holder and the first man to complete a race under two hours.
