Sports 26 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda's Kiplimo Claims Bronze as Kenyan Sawe Shatters Two-Hour Marathon Barrier
Kenyan runner Sebastian Sawe made history at the London Marathon by becoming the first man to finish under two hours with a world record time of 1:59:30. Uganda's Jacob Kiplimo secured third place in 2:00:28, behind Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha in second. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/athletics/kiplimo-third-as-kenyan-sawe-becomes-first-man-to-run-marathon-under-two-hours--5436838
Kenyan athlete Sebastian Sawe achieved a groundbreaking feat at the London Marathon, clocking 1:59:30 to become the first man to break the two-hour barrier in an official race. This time surpassed the previous record of 2:00:35 set by the late Kelvin Kiptum in Chicago in 2023.
Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha, on his marathon debut, finished a close second in 1:59:41, while Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo earned bronze with 2:00:28. The trio delivered one of the most historic finishes in marathon history under ideal conditions with mild temperatures and light winds.
Sawe, who overcame an autumn injury and ramped up training in January, expressed elation post-race. “I am feeling good, I am happy, it’s a day to remember,” he told the BBC, crediting the million-strong crowd along the Thames for boosting his strength.
In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa defended her title and set a new world record of 2:15:41, ahead of Kenyans Hellen Obiri and Joyciline Jepkosgei. Wheelchair races saw Switzerland’s Marcel Hug and Catherine Debrunner claim victories.
Sawe, inspired by his uncle—a former Ugandan Olympian—and a dedicated teacher, has remained undefeated in marathons since his debut win in Valencia in 2024. He advocates for clean sport, having undergone 25 doping tests ahead of a prior event.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)