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Sabastian Sawe: The silent, undefeated star eyeing GOAT status in 2026 London Marathon
06th April, 2026 09:52 AM
Kenyan athlete Sabastian Sawe is among the elite entries for the 2026 London Marathon, set to take place on Sunday, April 26, across the English capital.
Sawe, who turned 31 on March 16, 2026, heads to the course boasting a 100% win record over 26.2 miles, with the potential to establish himself as one of the modern marathon greats.
Sawe’s start makes for a rather remarkable account. The athlete developed his base as a track and cross-country athlete, making his big breakthrough while running the 2022 Seville Half Marathon as a hired pacer.
Sawe went on to win the race outright, crossing the finish line in 59:02 and setting a course record in his first-ever half marathon.
New kid on the block!
The new kid on the block never looked back. Fast forward to 2024: Sawe toed the line at the Valencia Marathon for his debut over 42.195 kilometres. In front of curious observers, the athlete stormed to victory with one of the fastest marathon debuts in history, clocking 2:02:05—the fifth-fastest time in competition history.
2025 triumph
In the 2025 London Marathon, Sawe stunned a highly competitive field for his first Major title. Up against Jacob Kiplimo, who was making his own marathon debut and tipped to perhaps challenge the world record—or at least the course record set by the late Kelvin Kiptum in 2023—the plaudits were for Sawe, who conquered the race in a time of 2:02:06.
Other races came thick and fast. The Kenyan showed up in his trademark fashion, with less fanfare, to steal the spotlight with performances that forced the media to acknowledge his incredible talent.
London return
A year later, in April 2026, and days after his 31st birthday, Sawe returns to the English capital undefeated and hungrier than ever for the race of his life: the TCS London Marathon.
He brings a familiar course, a favourable record, and the eternal sense of self-belief that has for years propelled Kenya’s long-distance runners. The challenge is nonetheless daunting. Bearing a favourite’s tag is never easy; in fact, it only adds to the weight of expectation and pressure.
The elite field comprises athletes of significant accolades, highlighting how high the stakes are. The Ugandan duo of Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo stands as formidable challengers. The latter has already fired a salvo at the man who beat him in 2025, having recently set a new record in the Lisbon Half Marathon in March.
Sawe will have the company of fellow Kenyans Geoffrey Kamworor, Amos Kipruto, and Isaiah Lasoi to help manage the Ugandan threat.
On Sunday, April 26, 2026, the stars will align for not just a race but for history. For Sawe, his sequel in one of the most electrifying races in the event’s storied history comes with stakes raised high: Kelvin Kiptum’s marathon record in sight, his own unbeaten status on line, and a fitting occasion for Kenya to defend its reputation in men’s long-distance racing.
Will Sawe carve out another piece of history and continue his bid for the throne as Kenya’s next greatest of all time?
