Kenyan Runner Sebastian Sawe Returns Home After Breaking Two-Hour Marathon Barrier

Sebastian Sawe returned to Kenya on 29 April 2026, greeted by jubilant crowds at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi after becoming the first man to run a marathon in under two hours in competitive race conditions. The 31-year-old athlete had completed the London Marathon on Sunday with an official time of 01:59:30.

@BBCWorld reported that Kenyan officials welcomed him amid a crowd of cameras, while dancers and musicians performed at the airport.

Sawe's arrival featured a water cannon salute for the Kenyan Airways plane carrying him. His parents, who drove six hours from their home to greet him, were present. ' The runner crossed the halfway mark of the London Marathon in 1:00:29 and completed the second half in 59:01.

This performance beat the previous record of 2:00:35 set by Kelvin Kiptum in 2023. After the race, Sawe told the BBC, 'I am feeling good. I am so happy. ' Sawe's father, Simeon Sawe, spoke about his son's determination.

He said, 'He used to tell me that one day, he was going to break the record. ' Simeon Sawe added, 'I am happy for him and all of us here. ' Sawe is expected to meet Kenya's President William Ruto following his homecoming.