London Marathon 2026 Sees Historic Sub-Two Hour Finish By Sabastian Sawe

On April 26, 2026, the London Marathon delivered one of the most extraordinary days in athletics. Nearly 60,000 runners participated, but the spotlight was firmly on Sabastian Sawe, who redefined human limits in marathon running.

Men’s Elite Race

Sabastian Sawe clocked 1:59:30, becoming the first man to run under two hours in a record-eligible marathon. Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha finished second in 1:59:41, also breaking the barrier in his debut marathon. Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo secured third place with 2:00:28, surpassing the previous world record set by Kelvin Kiptum in 2023.

Women’s Elite Race

Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa defended her London title with a 2:15:41 finish, lowering her own women’s-only world record from 2025. Kenya’s Hellen Obiri followed closely at 2:15:53, while Joyciline Jepkosgei finished third at 2:15:55, marking the closest top-three finish in London Marathon history.

Wheelchair Races

Switzerland’s Marcel Hug claimed his eighth men’s wheelchair title with a time of 1:24:13, while compatriot Catherine Debrunner won the women’s wheelchair race in 1:38:29, completing a Swiss double.

Key Highlights

•⁠  ⁠Sabastian Sawe wins men’s race in 1:59:30, first official sub-two-hour marathon

•⁠  ⁠Yomif Kejelcha finishes second in 1:59:41, fastest marathon debut ever

•⁠  ⁠Tigst Assefa sets new women’s-only world record at 2:15:41

•⁠  ⁠Marcel Hug and Catherine Debrunner secure Swiss victories in wheelchair categories

•⁠  ⁠Nearly 60,000 runners participated in the 2026 London Marathon

Sources: ESPN India, Outlook India, London Evening Standard, Daily Express, Yahoo Sports, World-Track and Field, Marathon Handbook, Olympics.com