Running News Daily

Sebastian Sawe, the 2025 London Marathon champion and currently the fastest marathoner in the world, is preparing for his third career marathon on September 21 in Berlin. Determined to ensure his performances are beyond question, Sawe has taken an unprecedented step: partnering with the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) to undergo one of the strictest anti-doping programs ever seen in the sport.

In collaboration with his management team and adidas, Sawe’s program includes:

• A minimum of 25 anti-doping tests in the two months leading up to Berlin.

• Surprise, out-of-competition testing under the most advanced laboratory protocols.

• Complete independence in testing, with no prior notice given to Sawe or his team.

• Full financial support from adidas, his primary sponsor.

Explaining his decision, Sawe said:

“I am tired of reading constant doubts and accusations whenever a Kenyan athlete performs well. I acknowledge that doping is a real issue in our country, and ignoring it would be a mistake. We must face it, work with organizations like AIU and World Athletics, and fight this problem that feels like a cancer for Kenyan athletes. My hope is to set an example, encourage others to act, and show that clean performances are possible. Above all, I want people to know that when I line up in Berlin, I am clean, and my results should not be questioned just because I am Kenyan.”

The testing officially began on July 25.

Sawe’s initiative comes at a crucial moment, as Kenya’s Anti-Doping Agency was recently declared non-compliant with WADA’s code. While the agency has 21 days to contest the ruling and implement corrective measures, Sawe’s leadership highlights a proactive and athlete-driven path forward.

As he builds toward Berlin, Sawe is not only racing for victory but also for the integrity of Kenyan athletics, proving that world-class performances can and must be achieved clean.