Kelvin Kiptum, the Kenyan marathon record holder and the only person to run under 2:01, died suddenly on Feb 11, 2024, shocking the running world.
Kenyan Sabastian Sawe has become the first man to run an officially sanctioned marathon under two hours, winning the London Marathon in 1:59:30 on 26 April 2026. Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha has finished second in 1:59:41 and Uganda's Jacob Kiplimo has taken third in 2:00:28. Tigst Assefa has defended her title and set a women-only world record (2:15:41).
Kenya's Sabastian Sawe has become the first man to run a competitive marathon in under two hours, finishing the 2026 London Marathon in 1:59:30. Yomif Kejelcha has also run under two hours. The performance has reshaped the world record, triggered national celebration in Kenya and prompted discussion about shoes, pacing and testing.