Running News Daily

The 2026 London Marathon delivered one of the greatest distance-running spectacles ever witnessed, and few stories were as captivating as the rise of Yomif Kejelcha. Just days before the race, even Kejelcha himself admitted that running 1:59 in his marathon debut sounded almost too good to be true. By Sunday afternoon, doubt had been replaced by destiny.

The 28-year-old Ethiopian produced a sensational 1:59:41 in his first-ever full marathon, becoming only the second man in history to officially break the two-hour barrier. It was a performance of courage, precision, and extraordinary natural talent — the kind of run that instantly becomes part of sporting folklore.

To achieve such a mark on debut makes the feat even more remarkable. The marathon is known for humbling even the finest athletes, demanding patience, strength, and experience over 42.195 kilometres. Yet Kejelcha ran with the poise of a seasoned champion, matching the pace of history stride for stride.

Only one athlete finished ahead of him — Sabastian Sawe, who stormed to victory in a world record 1:59:30. Together, the two men transformed London into the setting of an unforgettable breakthrough, becoming the first pair to go under two hours in the same official race.

For Kejelcha, second place carried the weight of triumph. He arrived with questions surrounding his transition to the marathon, but left with global admiration and a place among the sport’s immortals. What seemed impossible on Friday had become reality by Sunday.

London will celebrate Sawe’s world record, but it will also remember the fearless Ethiopian who trusted his legs, defied expectations, and discovered that the impossible was possible after all.

Today in London, Sabastian Sawe didn’t just win the marathon—he broke the barrier, clocking an incredible 1:59:30.

His splits tell the story of something truly special:

5K – 14:14

10K – 28:35

15K – 43:10

20K – 57:21

Half – 60:29

25K – 1:11:41

30K – 1:26:03

35K – 1:39:57

40K – 1:53:39

Finish – 1:59:30

And it wasn’t just one man today. Yomif Kejelcha finished second in 1:59:41—also under two hours in his marathon debut.

On the women’s side, Tigst Assefa delivered a performance of her own, setting a women-only world record of 2:15:41.

We’ve talked about moments like this for years. Today, it all came together.

— Bob Anderson

In a moment that will echo through the annals of long-distance running, the defending champion Sebastian Sawe has achieved what generations once believed to be beyond human reach—breaking the two-hour barrier in an official marathon setting at the TCS London Marathon 2026. 

Clocking a breathtaking 1:59:30, the Kenyan star becomes the first man in history to run a sub-two-hour marathon under record-eligible conditions, delivering a performance of extraordinary precision, endurance, and courage. It was not just a race—it was a statement that the limits of human performance continue to be redefined.

The race unfolded at a relentless pace, with Sawe demonstrating remarkable composure and control from the very start. As the kilometers ticked away, it became increasingly evident that something historic was taking shape. Each stride carried the weight of expectation and possibility, and when he finally crossed the line, the stopwatch confirmed the unimaginable had become reality.

Hot on his heels was Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha, who matched the historic time of 1:59:41, securing a personal best and national record in a performance that would have dominated headlines on any other occasion. Meanwhile, Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo delivered a sensational 2:00:28, also a personal best and national record, further highlighting the extraordinary depth and quality of this unforgettable race.

What made this performance even more remarkable was the manner in which it was achieved. The pace never wavered, the rhythm never broke, and the intensity never dropped. Every split reflected surgical precision, as the lead pack worked in perfect harmony before Sawe unleashed his decisive surge in the closing stages. It was a masterclass in controlled aggression—where endurance met absolute mental strength on the grandest stage.

Beyond the numbers and records, this race will be remembered for the statement it sends to the rest of the world: that marathon running has officially entered a new dimension. What was once considered untouchable is now history, rewritten in bold ink. Sawe’s triumph, alongside the extraordinary performances of Kejelcha and Kiplimo, has elevated the sport into a new era where limits are not just challenged—but completely erased.

Top 10 Finishers – 2026 TCS London Marathon (Elite Men)

1. Sebastian Sawe – 1:59:30 (World Record)

2. Yomif Kejelcha – 1:59:41 (PB, NR)

3. Jacob Kiplimo – 2:00:28 (PB, NR)

4. Amos Kipruto (Kenya) – 2:01:39 PB

5. Tamirat Tola (Ethiopia) – 2:02:59

6. Deresa Geleta (Ethiopia) – 2:03:23

7. Addisu Gobena (Ethiopia) – 2:05:23

8. Geoffrey Kamworor (Kenya) – 2:05:38

9. Peter Lynch (Ireland) – 2:06:08 NR

10. Mahamed Mahamed (Great Britain) – 2:06:14 PB

This extraordinary race will be remembered as one of the defining moments in the evolution of marathon running, where human endurance and scientific preparation converged to produce something once thought impossible. It was not only about breaking a barrier, but about completely redefining what the sport can deliver at its highest level, inspiring a new generation of athletes to dream beyond established limits.

As the dust settles on this historic achievement, the legacy of this day will endure far beyond the finishing times. Sebastian Sawe and his closest challengers have etched their names into athletics history, proving that greatness is not a destination but a continuous pursuit. The marathon world now stands transformed, with a new standard set and a new era unmistakably underway.

he world’s fastest marathoner, Eliud Kipchoge, has teamed up with the Japanese auto company Isuzu to release a limited edition “Eliud Kipchoge 1:59 Isuzu D-Max” double cabin pickup truck in honour of the two-time Olympic champion.The name of the vehicle comes from Kipchoge’s run at the INEOS 1:59 Challenge in Austria on Oct. 12, 2019, where he became the first man in history to run a marathon in under two hours, covering the Vienna course in 1:59:41.

The special limited edition of the vehicle will see a symbolic 159 units produced to celebrate Kipchoge’s achievements. Kipchoge will have the honour of driving out the first of the special edition vehicle bearing plate number 001.

Kipchoge broke his previous (official) marathon world record two weeks ago at the Berlin Marathon, running 2:01:09 to take the win in the German capital.According to Isuzu East Africa managing director Rita Kavashe, the company has seen an increase in market share by 50 per cent with their single-cabin pickup truck in eastern Africa since beginning their partnership with Kipchoge in 2017. “Isuzu embraced me before all these achievements.

They have been with me all this time in training,” Kipchoge said to the Nation.Although the Isuzu D-Max is still under production, proceeds from vehicle sales will support the Eliud Kipchoge Library in his hometown of Kapsisiywa, Kenya.

World marathon record holder and Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge reckons that his secret to longevity is taking sports as a profession and proper planning.

The 37-year-old Kipchoge, who has been running for the last two decades, said that loving athletics as a sport and focusing on his preparations rather than what he will earn from it are what has made him last long.

Kipchoge called on fellow athletes to invest in their careers, available time and earnings wisely, noting that the life span of a sportsperson is short.

“Focusing on preparations and not financial gains first will make an athlete go far,” said Kipchoge.

“I discovered treating sports with respect and like any other well-paying job and career quite early and it has worked for me.”

Kipchoge noted that it is good to have goals, but putting in place working systems enables someone to achieve more.

“It’s always good to have goals but that is not as important as having good systems, Goals solve problems temporarily,” noted Kipchoge.

Kipchoge was speaking on NTV’s live sports show SportOn hosted by Bernard Ndong and James Wokabi on Monday night.

Kipchoge recaptured the Berlin Marathon title, smashing his own world record by 30 seconds on September 25 in the German capital.

It was yet again poetry in motion as Kipchoge clocked 2:01:09 to win, beating his previous world record time of 2:01:39 set when winning in Berlin in 2018.

Kipchoge disclosed that the secret to success wasn’t rocket science, but planning in small bits to success.

“One must remain consistent all through for good results hence no quick fixes,” said Kipchoge, who was received at the Nation Centre by NTV's Head of Broadcasting and Executive Director (Transformation), Monica Ndungú.

Ndungú was accompanied by Nation Media Group Managing Editor (Sports), Elias Makori and Head of Marketing, Philbert Mdindi.

Kipchoge noted that embracing professionalism always defines a professional athlete from an amateur.

“A professional will plan and follow his program to the later but an amateur is full of life, running up-and-down aimlessly, “said Kipchoge, adding that is what keeps him going is his love for running.

“I feel satisfied and the urge to do more when I know I have inspired someone or a generation. What I see on my social media platforms by people embracing what I am doing across the world drives the hunger in me,” said Kipchoge.

An ardent reader, Kipchoge disclose that what inspired him before heading to Berlin was the book “The Practice of Groundedness: A Transformative Path to Success That Feeds--Not Crushes--Your Soul’ by Brad Stulberg, an internationally known expert on human performance, well-being, and sustainable success.

“I succeeded in most cases when I discovered the secret to reading.  Success is approached from different angles.

“I read 20 pages a day in a book and that is three books a month. To get to learn a lot and be more knowledgeable when you read books,” said Kipchoge, who reads after training at 5pm.

Kipchoge, whose favourite meal is maize meal (ugali) and any traditional vegetables, also loves listening to US Pop star Kelly Clarkson's music especially –Stronger ( What doesn’t  kill you, makes you stronger).

With the world celebrating World Mental Health Day on Monday, Kipchoge noted that sportsmen and women who win easily have good mental health.

“Matches and races are won mentally and not the training invested,” said Kipchoge, adding that his most successful race was when he broke the two hour mark, running 1:59:41 during the INEOS 1:59 Challenge at Prater Hauptallee, Wien course in Austria on October 12, 2019.

However, the time wasn’t recognized as a world record because it wasn't conducted under regular conditions.

“That race was not only critical to me but human nature. I made history as the first man to run a marathon under two hours,” said Kipchoge. “I know someone might in future run in a normal; event but I am glad to be the first one to run under any conditions and that has inspired many.”

Kipchoge said his record-breaking feat in Berlin has finally settled.

“I am happy that I have continued to inspire many. I think I could have run under two hours if the pacesetters went up to the 30km mark,” said Kipchoge, adding that he knew he would break his own record when he looked at the splits time after 25km and 30 km.   

However, Kipcgohe wondered why people are focused on whether he will run under two hours in a normal race soon.

"I don't understand why people are asking that when I did it at the Ineos Challenge," said Kipchoge in a laughter.

Kipchoge advised fellow sportsmen and women to desist from doping saying that besides ruining their reputation, they are putting their health in grave danger.

"You better be slow and sure and succeed. I appeal to the young generation to train well  and love sports. It will treat them well," said Kipchoge.

He will on Tuesday be hosted for a media breakfast by Isuzu East Africa in Nairobi.

The two distance running greats had been set to go head-to-head in the London Marathon on Sunday

Eliud Kipchoge and Kenenisa Bekele should have been in London this week, preparing for a mouthwatering marathon clash on the streets of the UK capital.

Thursday morning would have seen them speak with the world’s media in the elite men’s pre-race press conference, but instead, on Friday, they dialled into a telephone conference from their respective homes in Kenya and Ethiopia.

While it is too early to know whether the two fastest marathon runners in history will take part in the rescheduled event on October 4, they were both happy to share insight into their current lives amid the coronavirus crisis.

They talked about what might have been had Sunday’s race taken place as planned, plus their training and thoughts on the sub-two-hour marathon.

SOLO TRAINING

Social distancing measures mean that NN Running Team athletes Kipchoge and Bekele must now train alone, rather than as part of the big groups they are used to. How does that affect them both physically and mentally?

“You cannot run really in a strong way because you are alone,” said Kipchoge, who is based in Eldoret.

“Physically I am training to make sure that I am fit but when you have the whole team then you can train to make sure that you are in the best-ever shape.

“Mentally, you can get tired early,” he added, “because if you have an hour run and you’re running alone, then you can really get tired because you are running alone, you are thinking alone.

“I have been with a team for the last 15 years and it’s really crazy for me. I can say it is not comfortable at all, but safety is my number one priority.”

Bekele has also found it a challenge.

“It is not really nice to run alone but of course it’s not possible to run together,” he said. “It is difficult to prepare and it has affected us a lot.

“I’m trying to maintain my performance, but it’s really not efficient. I am praying that this time will be over soon.”

On his sessions, he added: “I am doing four or five days a week outside, alone just running in the forest.

“Most of the time I am staying at home.”

SUB-TWO

Both athletes had an incredible 2019, with Kipchoge having broken two hours for the marathon with 1:59:41 in the non-record eligible INEOS 1:59 Challenge in Vienna and Bekele having run 2:01:41 to win in Berlin, missing the Kenyan’s official world record mark by just two seconds.

Would their plan for the London Marathon on Sunday have been to go for an official sub-two?

“I was coming to London as a defending champion and not really to run under two hours but I trust that it would have been a good race, an interesting one, but I don’t think it would have been under two hours,” said Kipchoge.

“I think on Sunday, if the London Marathon could have happened, we could actually have had the best race ever.

“Kenenisa has run 2:01:41 and I have run 2:01:39. It could have been the best-ever time and London could have been the best race ever between two people who have the fastest times in the marathon.”

Bekele agreed that it would have been a great clash but that two hours would have been unlikely.

“London is of course a really great race to bring us together,” he said. “I don’t think the time would have been under two hours.

“Maybe if there were good weather conditions, it could have been possible maybe around a world record, if we had been pushing together. I don’t think under two hours would have happened this time.”

BUT IN THE FUTURE?

“Absolutely, why not?” Kipchoge replied, when asked if he thinks someone in the next 10 years could run a competitive marathon in under two hours.

“Personally, I tried last year, and I ran under two hours, but I trust and believe in all my mind and my heart that in the next 10 years, one human being will run under two hours in a normal marathon. That is my view.

“Human beings need to be shown the way, and I trust that I have shown everybody the way.”

The worldwide economic depression that has resulted from COVID-19 has cratered the advertising markets and it’s no longer economically feasible to run the website.

“May 7, 2000, was a dark day for US distance running fans and me personally, so the 20th anniversary of that date is the perfect day to go out,” said LetsRun.com co-founder Weldon Johnson, who saw his Olympic dream denied on the streets of Pittsburgh at the 2000 US Olympic Marathon Trials on May 7 when only one man made the team. “The coronavirus canceled the Olympics and now it’s canceled LetsRun.com.

“It’s never been easy to make a living while giving away everything for free, but the decline in the online ad markets over the last few weeks has been unprecedented. Couple that with the fact that online ad marketplaces have gotten much better at tracking people in recent years and our revenue has almost entirely dried up. The advertisers now know that most of our visitors haven’t achieved the ‘LetsRun triple.’ While many have the potential to make well over $250,000 a year, the reality is most of them have never had a full-time job and are living in mom and dad’s basement still chasing that final PR before Father Time gets to them.”

Robert Johnson, Weldon’s brother and the website’s co-founder, didn’t want to talk on the phone. He issued the following statement via email.

Weldon keeps telling me our demise is all the result of COVID-19. That’s hard for me to believe, but maybe that’s because I live in Baltimore, where in the month of March we’ve had 18 killed by murder and only 3 by the coronavirus. Ironically, given the leading role we’ve played during the last two decades in the anti-doping movement, I blame our demise on Travis Tygart and USADA. Once Alberto Salazar got banned, the messageboard traffic really plummeted. People had been speculating about drugs in regards to Athletics West and Salazar since our founding, but now that that storyline has come to a conclusion, there isn’t anything left to talk about. 

I begged Weldon to keep the site going until Salazar’s appeal is heard. If his ban gets overturned, the site could become profitable again. But with his baby due in early May, he told me can’t hold out any longer. He’s heard he can make six figures delivering for Instacart in San Fran and since he was used to sleeping in his car often high up in the mountains in Flagstaff, he’ll give that a go until the economy comes back. I feel for him as he won’t even get to see his daughter in person.

Weldon, the elder brother and brains behind the LetsRun.com operation, refused to take a negative view about the closure of the site.“This isn’t a day for ‘woe is me.’ It’s been a great run and I’m really proud of the contributions the platform has made to elevating distance running. When we started the website, the marathon world records were 2:05:42 for the men and 2:20:43 for the women. Now a man has run 1:59:41 and a woman 2:14:04 and we’ve certainly played a role in that, both by developing a platform where coaching advice could spread and by actually pacing two of those world records, one for Catherine Ndereba and one for Paula Radcliffe. Social justice warriors be damned, I’m most proud of the role we’ve played in elevating women’s distance running across the globe. That’s what I hope people will remember us for,” said Weldon.

Eliud Kipchoge believes he could break his own world record when he bids to become the first able-bodied athlete to win the Virgin Money London Marathon for a fifth time next April. 

The Kenyan superstar, who created history with his groundbreaking run of 1:59:41 in October, has announced he will race in the UK capital once again in 2020 for the 40th edition of an event he has won four times in four appearances. 

Kipchoge’s sub-two-hour run in Vienna was not eligible to be considered for world record purposes, given the controlled conditions in which it was achieved, but he can see the two-hour barrier being broken in a big city marathon in the not-too-distant future. 

For now, the official world record stands as the 2:01:39 which the Olympic champion ran in Berlin last year and, though he insists there is plenty of training to do between now and the London race day of April 26, he won’t rule out going quicker come springtime.  

“Absolutely,” was Kipchoge’s answer when asked if he could create yet more history in London, where he won in a time of 2:02:37 earlier this year which broke his own course record. “It is possible.”

Has what he achieved in Vienna in fact given him the confidence that anything is possible?

“Absolutely, yes.”

Kipchoge is undoubtedly the dominant force in world marathon and his achievements have gained recognition across the globe, with the 35-year-old currently in Britain to attend the BBC Sports Personality of the Year, where he will receive the World Sport Star of the Year award.

He is feted as a hero, too, in his native country, where he received a very different kind of medal. 

“Everyone in Kenya is recognising me,” he said. “I can say it is a crazy time. There was no need for a big procession because the president honoured me with the national certificate. I was given the honour – the golden heart – the highest recognition by the Head of State.”