Staff Reporter
Nairobi: Sabastian Sawe received a rousing استقبال upon his return to Kenya after rewriting athletics history with a groundbreaking sub-two-hour marathon performance at the London Marathon.
The record-breaking runner was honoured at State House in Nairobi on Thursday, where William Ruto praised the feat as a landmark achievement in global sport.
Sawe made headlines worldwide after clocking an extraordinary time of 1 hour, 59 minutes and 30 seconds on Sunday, becoming the first athlete to complete a marathon in under two hours in official race conditions. His performance came in a fiercely competitive contest alongside Yomif Kejelcha, who also dipped below the two-hour mark.
President Ruto described the accomplishment as “a defining moment in the story of human endurance,” placing it among the greatest milestones in sporting and human history. He drew parallels with the iconic sub-four-minute mile achieved by Roger Bannister in 1954, as well as humanity’s first steps on the moon during the Apollo 11 Moon Landing.
“Future generations will look back on April 26, 2026, as the day a man broke through a physical and psychological barrier long thought insurmountable,” President Ruto said. “The name forever attached to that moment will be Sabastian Sawe.”
Sawe’s return to Nairobi was marked by scenes of celebration, as large crowds gathered at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport late Wednesday to welcome their new national hero. The athlete was greeted with chants, cheers and widespread admiration, reflecting Kenya’s deep-rooted passion for long-distance running.
Addressing supporters, Sawe expressed gratitude for the overwhelming reception. “It is such a beautiful day. I’m glad you have joined me in celebrating, and I am very grateful,” he said. “I didn’t do it just for myself, I did it for all of us. This achievement belongs to the country.”
Kenya has long been a powerhouse in long-distance running, producing world-class athletes who dominate global competitions and enjoy widespread recognition at home. Sawe’s achievement further strengthens the country’s legacy in the discipline, while also setting a new benchmark for endurance sport.
However, the success of Kenyan runners has at times been overshadowed by concerns over doping. Several high-profile athletes have faced sanctions in recent years, including former London Marathon champions Wilson Kipsang and Daniel Wanjiru, both of whom were banned after their victories.
In response to such concerns, Sawe has taken proactive steps to reinforce the credibility of his performances. He voluntarily subjected himself to an extensive testing programme conducted by the Athletics Integrity Unit, undergoing 25 drug tests in the lead-up to last year’s Berlin Marathon. Reports indicate that he personally covered the cost of the programme, amounting to approximately $50,000.
This commitment to transparency has been widely viewed as a strong statement of integrity, aimed at maintaining trust in his achievements and in the sport more broadly.
Sawe’s historic run not only redefines the limits of marathon performance but also cements his place among the greatest athletes of his generation. His feat is expected to inspire a new wave of runners, both in Kenya and around the world, as the boundaries of human endurance continue to be pushed further.
