History is made at the London Marathon as three men run quicker than the old world record mark. Kenya's Sabastian Sawe wins the men's race in 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 30 seconds. The time breaks the official two-hour barrier and sets a new men's marathon world record.
Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha finishes second in 1:59:41, with Uganda's Jacob Kiplimo third in 2:00:28. Both performances sit inside the previous global best of 2:00:35. Kejelcha delivers this on his marathon debut, underlining the fierce early pace and strong depth at the front.
London Marathon world record and historic sub-two-hour barrier
The new London Marathon world record of 1:59:30 improves the men's mark by 65 seconds. Sawe becomes the first athlete to run under two hours in an official marathon race. The previous recognised world record belonged
to Kenya's Kelvin Kiptum, who clocked 2:00:35 in Chicago in 2023.
Sawe, aged 31, also keeps a perfect career record over the distance. The London victory means Sawe has still never lost a marathon. The Kenyan had already mastered this course in 2025, when Sawe won the London Marathon in 2:02:27.
Watch Sabastian Sawe 🇰🇪 run 1:59:30 to destroy the Marathon World Record in London!!🤯🔥
First man ever to break 2 hours in a marathon.
2. Yomif Kejelcha 🇪🇹 1:59:41
3. Jacob Kiplimo 🇺🇬 2:00:28
All under the previous World Record.pic.twitter.com/g76PpMHkiG- Track & Field Gazette (@TrackGazette) April 26, 2026
London Marathon world record times and podium results
The top three finishers and their times from the men's race are shown below.
| Position | Athlete | Country | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sabastian Sawe | Kenya | 1:59:30 |
| 2 | Yomif Kejelcha | Ethiopia | 1:59:41 |
| 3 | Jacob Kiplimo | Uganda | 2:00:28 |
Speaking to BBC Sport after the race, Sawe describes the emotions of the achievement. "I am feeling good. I am happy. It's a day to remember for me," Sawe told BBC Sport after smashing the world record. Sawe explains that the early rhythm sets up a strong final stretch.
Sawe also highlights the challenge from Kejelcha over the closing stages. "We started the race well and approaching the end of the race, I was feeling strong, and I remember my fellow Ethiopian runner (Kejelcha) was so competitive. I think he helped me a lot. Finally, after reaching the finish line, I saw the time, and I was so excited. "
The London crowds receive special praise from the new record-holder. Sawe said, "First of all, I want to thank the crowds for cheering us. I think they helped a lot, because if it were not for them, you don't feel like you are so loved. I think they helped a lot because their cheering makes you feel so happy and strong, and you want to push. That is why I can say what happened today is not for me alone but for all of us in London. "
Before the race, Sawe states clear goals of defending the London title and attacking the course mark. Sawe targets Kelvin Kiptum's 2023 London course record of 2:01:25. By finishing in 1:59:30, Sawe not only beats that target but resets the global standard.
The 2026 London Marathon, therefore, delivers a major rewrite of men's marathon records. Sawe lowers the official world record, keeps an unbeaten marathon record, and leads a podium where all three athletes run faster than Kiptum's former best.
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