Kenyans go wild in Karura watch party after Sawe shatters world marathon record in London
By Luke Oluoch, April 26, 2026Kenyans lined up from the remotest villages in Nandi County to the streets of Nairobi and London to watch the sons and daughters of the soil defend the country’s heritage in the 2026 London Marathon.
A rare event at the Karura Forest watch party encapsulated the carnival mood as Sabastian Sawe crossed the tape to set a new world record in the men’s marathon on Sunday, April 26, 2026.
Historic edition
The flat and fast course, which starts in Greenwich Park and heads through the streets of London before finishing on The Mall near Buckingham Palace, attracted more than 59,000 athletes.
It was, however, the East Africans who drew the most attention in the pre-race talking points, with a stacked field setting up an enthralling battle between defending champion Sabastian Sawe and the reigning half-marathon record holder, Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda.
There were also formidable men in the mix, including Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei, Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha, and Kenyans Isaiah Lasoi and Geoffrey Kamworor, among others.
The significance of the task in London was well captured at Karura Forest, where wild scenes greeted Sawe’s finish. The crowds lost themselves in a celebratory mood after the Kenyan crossed the line in a record-breaking time of 1:59:30 to set a new world record.
Hundreds of Kenyans gathered at the venue, joining the incoming British High Commissioner to the Republic of Kenya, Matt Baugh, who, alongside other dignitaries, had convened to mark 100 days to the Commonwealth Games.
The event brought together elite Kenyan athletes, sports officials, and key stakeholders in a unique blend of sports, environmental conservation, and national pride.
Sports personalities
Notable attendees included former Kenya Rugby Union chairman Sasha Mutai and the president of NOC-K, Shadrack Maluki, alongside Paul Tergat, the former NOCK supremo and a renowned marathoner in his heyday.
Former world champion Janeth Jepkosgei’s reaction was also a stunning one. The retired athlete stared in disbelief with her hands over her head as Sawe’s obliterated the marathon record.
This comes after Sawe acknowledged the immense role of the fans in his performance. Speaking after the race, the athlete stated:
I want to thank the crowds for cheering us. I think they help a lot, because if it were not for them, you wouldn’t feel so loved. I think they help because their shouting makes you feel happy and strong and keeps you pushing. That is why I can say what I achieved today is not for me alone but for all of us in London,” he explained.