Sabastian Sawe to receive heroic welcome at JKIA after smashing London Marathon record
Kenya is set to give a hero’s welcome to marathon sensation Sabastian Sawe following his historic world-record performance at the London Marathon on Sunday, April 25, 2026.
According to a statement from Athletics Kenya dated Tuesday, April 28, 2026, Sawe is expected to arrive in the country on Wednesday night, April 29, 2026, after clocking a stunning 1:59:30 to set a new marathon world record in London.
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The record-breaking athlete will land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) aboard Kenya Airways flight KQ 113 from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. His arrival is scheduled for 8:35 pm at Terminal 1A.
Sawe’s heroic arrival
Athletics Kenya confirmed that Sawe will be received by federation officials, government representatives, and key stakeholders in the athletics fraternity, highlighting the significance of his achievement on the global stage.
The federation praised Sawe for his inspiring performance, noting that his feat has elevated Kenya’s status in long-distance running. They have also called upon members of the public, media, and athletics stakeholders to turn up in large numbers to welcome the champion back home.
”Athletics Kenya congratulates Sabastian for his inspiring performance and invites media, fans, and athletics stakeholders to join us in welcoming our champion back home,” AK’s statement read in part.
Sawe’s sub-two-hour marathon performance marks a monumental milestone in athletics, placing him among the greatest long-distance runners in history and reinforcing Kenya’s dominance in the sport.
Tuwei hails Sawe
Following the record-breaking victory, Athletics Kenya President Jack Tuwei led tributes to Sabastian Sawe after the Kenyan marathon star produced a historic world record performance to win the 2026 London Marathon.
Sawe stunned the athletics world to become the first athlete to officially break the two-hour barrier in a record-eligible marathon race. His time lowered the previous men’s world record of 2:00:35 set by the late Kelvin Kiptum at the 2023 Chicago Marathon.
Tuwei described the achievement as a proud moment for Kenya and another powerful statement of the country’s dominance in distance running.
“This remarkable feat is a proud moment for Kenya and further reinforces our nation’s enduring legacy as the global home of distance running excellence,” said Tuwei.
He praised Sawe’s composure and racing intelligence on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
“Sawe’s discipline, courage and tactical brilliance reflect the strength of Kenyan athletics and the depth of talent we continue to nurture.”
Tuwei also pointed to Sawe’s rapid rise over the last year, noting that World Athletics recognised him in 2025 as the Best Male Athlete Off the Track.
“His immense talent and consistency have now culminated in this historic world record performance,” he added.
Sawe has been a growing force over the 42km since his debut in 2024.
On his maiden outing at the Valencia Marathon 2024, he surged to victory in a world-leading 2:02:05, the second-fastest debut in history.
Only Kiptum had gone quicker on debut, clocking 2:01:53 on the same course in 2022.
