President Ruto awards record-breaker Sabastian Sawe Ksh.8M, custom number plates

President Ruto hosted the marathoner in State House, Nairobi, on Thursday, celebrating his incredible feat of breaking the two-hour mark for the first time in history on Sunday in winning the London Marathon.

Sawe, 30, became the first man to run a marathon in under two hours in competitive race conditions with an official time of 01:59:30.

"We are here to celebrate a historic achievement of what a human being can achieve. Congratulations to you and your teammates. I am sure they pushed you," he said.

"Your return to London and set a new record confirms one enduring truth, you were destined for greatness."

President Ruto further thanked Sawe for extending Kenya's legacy in being a force to reckon with in long-distance competitive races.

Sawe was therefore awarded a Ksh.5 million, a pledge from the President for anyone who breaks the world record, and a Ksh.3 million cheque from the Ministry of Education. 

He also received custom vehicle plates engraved with his official record time.

"He is wondering what he will do with the number plates. He has told me that his car already has plates, so Sebastian, I will find a car for you," President Ruto said.

On his part, Sawe gifted President Ruto with the shoes he wore when he broke the world record.

To nurture sports development, Kenya reviewed its reward framework for its athletes, which will see Gold medal winners receive Ksh.3 million, Ksh.2 million for silver medalists and Ksh.1 million for bronze medalists.

For commonwealth winners, gold medal winners will receive Ksh.2.5 million, Ksh.1.5 million and Ksh.1 million for bronze. 

Daily allowances for athletes have also increased from Ksh.7,749 (USD 60) to Ksh.25,830 (USD 200) and for officials Ksh.10,332 (USD 80) to Ksh.38,745 (USD 300) when representing the nation abroad.

Sawe, who has won all four marathons he has competed in, has already intimated that he is working to break his record in the next competition.