Kenya's 'Fantastic Three' battle for London Marathon glory

Sawe, 29, alongside four-time winner Eliud Kipchoge are the only fastest athletes from the list provided by the organisers as the two have personal best times of 2:01:09 and 2:02:05 respectively.

Sawe, who previously made a name for himself on the half marathon circuit, made his debut in Valencia in December and won the race in a world-leading 2:02:05 —second-fastest debut in history, behind only Kiptum’s 2:01:53 from 2022.

Interestingly, both times came in Valencia and just like Kiptum, he has chosen London for his second ever marathon. When Kiptum ran it in 2023, he produced one of the greatest marathons ever, running 2:01:25 to crush Eliud Kipchoge’s course record thanks to the fastest second half (59:45) in marathon history.

“Running Valencia was the happiest moment for me last year, now, I feel strong. I'm ready to try and even run faster than I did in Valencia.”

Sawe trains in Kapsabet alongside marathon elites like Benson Kipruto and Evans Chebet.

Under a meticulous program crafted by his coach, he has steadily adapted to the rigors of marathon training, increasing his weekly mileage from 160 km during his half marathon days to 200 km in preparation for London.

“The only difference was increasing mileage. Now I run about 30 kilometers per day.”

His weekly routine includes a mix of long runs, recovery jogs, hill work, and speed sessions.

“On Monday, I can start with a 30-kilometer long run, then Tuesday 20 km in the morning and 10 km in the evening,” he says. “It all depends on the coach’s program.”

With discussions swirling around potential world record attempts in London — and the course record of 2:01:25 by Kelvin Kiptum looming — Sawe is staying grounded.

“I will run my own race. It’s all about feeling and preparation. Whatever comes on Sunday, I will appreciate it.”

“If it goes out fast, I am ready. My training has prepared me well.”

The battle in London is expected to be fierce, with defending champion Alexander Mutiso, fifth-peat seeking Kipchoge, Olympic champion Tamirat Tola, and two-time cross-country world champion Jacob Kiplimo, standing as Sawe’s biggest obstacle.

Mutiso has promised a resounding comeback as he seeks to put the 2024 Paris Olympic Games heartbreak behind him.

He was heavily regarded as a medal prospect in Paris, however, he fell short of expectations, finishing a disappointing 21st after clocking a 2:10:31 performance on the brutal hilly course that humbled many, including the then-defending champion Kipchoge.

“It is very possible to defend my London title with a new Personal Best. I have enjoyed sufficient rest after the Paris Games. I took a break from full marathons after Paris to focus on winning London again and in a new time,” shared Mutiso.

Mutiso outwitted legendary Ethiopian marathoner Kenenisa Bekele to land his maiden London and World Major title after clocking 2:04:01 in 2024.

Two-time World Cross Country champion Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda will mark his marathon debut in London.

Kipchoge seeking redemption

Marathon great Kipchoge said before the race that he had “woken up” after a forgetful 2024 where he failed to finish a marathon for the first time in his career and also recorded his lowest finishing place.

The former world marathon record holder, who has won four London titles, the last one coming in 2019 says he had put in the right work in training and believes he has what it takes to win his fifth title on Sunday.

“I feel good that I have trained well and put in all the hard work required to win the race. Whatever the outcome, we are in this sport to inspire generations, so I am looking forward to Sunday,” said Kipchoge.

The four-time London winner however faces tough competition in what organisers are calling the greatest men’s field ever assembled in the event’s history.