Sawe flies back to hero’s welcome after breaking sub-two barrier in London

Newly minted world record holder Sabastian Sawe returned to a hero’s welcome Wednesday night, briefly disrupting activities at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport following his record-breaking feat in London.

The 31-year-old, from Ndonyongaria Village, Mutwot in Nandi County stunned the world by clocking 1:59:30 to become the first man to run a sub-two-hour marathon in an official race at London Marathon last Sunday.

Sawe, who shattered the previous world record set by the late Kelvin Kiptum in 2023 by 65 seconds, arrived back home aboard Kenya Airways flight KQ113 and was honoured with a ceremonial water cannon salute.

Sawe’s astonishing run has been widely hailed as one of the greatest moments in marathon history, achieved on a demanding course where many had previously fallen short.

Speaking on arrival, a composed but confident Sawe signaled his hunger for more and dedicated his achievements to all Kenyans.

“I made it happen , but this is for all Kenyan’s , let be proud of our country ,” he said.

His coach Claudio Berardelli attributed the historic run to discipline and extraordinary ability.

“In the last six weeks, he averaged over 200 kilometres per week, peaking at 241. That level of training is not common, and it showed in London,” said Berardelli.

Reflecting on Sawe’s rise, the Italian veteran tactician was emphatic.

“In over two decades of coaching in Kenya, I have not seen such a complete athlete. He is humble, focused, but with a strong competitive fire. We have witnessed the era of Eliud Kipchoge and the late Kelvin Kiptum—now Sawe is stepping forward to carry that legacy.”

Kenyan marathon pioneer Ibrahim Hussein believes the best is yet to come.

“He has the capacity to run even faster. On flatter and quicker courses like the Chicago Marathon or Berlin Marathon, he can dip further below 1:59,” said Hussein.

Sawe was received by top government officials led by Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi and Athletics Kenya president Jack Tuwei, alongside family, officials and jubilant fans.