Why Sabastian Sawe believes another marathon record is possible after London’s historic feat
By Luke Oluoch, April 29, 2026Sabastian Sawe may have shattered the record for the fastest marathon ever run, becoming the first to go sub-two in an open race, but he believes the milestone will not stand for long.
In a performance that redefined the limits of human endurance and ushered in a new era of long-distance racing, the Kenyan athlete destroyed the previous world mark. Sawe, who maintains an unbeaten streak across all four major marathons he has contested, remained modest about his historic feat. He predicted that an even faster time would be recorded before the end of 2026.
Surpassing Kelvin Kiptum’s record
Before London, Sawe had suggested that surpassing the late Kelvin Kiptum’s record set in Chicago was ‘only a matter of time’. Now having attained the record, he offered the same assessment when asked about the possibility of dipping under 1:59:00.
“It is only a matter of time,” he repeated during an interview with Olympics.com. “I think it is possible if you believe it is possible.”
The declaration from the “Silent Assassin” affirmed his earlier assertions that he could run much faster—a sentiment his coach, Claudio Berardelli, also echoed.
Faster
“I can run much faster. I was well-prepared for this year’s London Marathon, and breaking the record was amazing. It proves that when I am properly prepared, I can find even more speed in future races,” Sawe said.
Among the favourites to challenge this new mark are his London competitors, Yomif Kejelcha and Jacob Kiplimo. Kiplimo, the half-marathon world record holder, now holds the third-fastest marathon time in history. While their breathtaking performances were eclipsed by Sawe’s victory, the world will be keeping close tabs on them in upcoming races.
Kejelcha, in particular, must be considered a top favourite to lower the mark further.
Favourites for a New WR
The Ethiopian pushed Sawe to the very limit in London, revealing afterwards that a late-race physical struggle slightly hampered his performance. Despite this, he showed remarkable grit to finish so close to Sawe in what was only his debut over the 42km course.
Meanwhile, John Korir, whose course-record triumph in the streets of Boston preceded the London race, is also one to watch as 2026 marks a turning point for the sport.
John remains a potent threat if he continues to push his limits, especially considering his dominance on Boston’s documented, difficult, hilly, and rugged terrain.