Sebastian Thaw made history at the London Marathon on Sunday morning, becoming the first man to complete the marathon under two hours under official race conditions while retaining his title for the second year running. The 31-year-old Kenyan, known as the “Silent Assassin” at the training camp, completed the 26.2-mile (42.2-kilometer) race in 1 hour, 59 minutes and 30 seconds, breaking a longstanding barrier in competitive racing and setting a new world record in the process. At the end of the game, he held up an Adidas sneaker with the time written on it in pen to record the moment. It was only the fifth marathon of Savi’s career, but he took control of the race and crossed the finish line with stunning clarity. Ethiopian Yomif Kejelcha also finished second at The Mall in 1 hour, 59 minutes and 41 seconds, while Ugandan Jacob Kiplimo finished third in 2 hours, 00 minutes and 28 seconds.
Sebastian Sawe from Kenya celebrates winning the men’s race at the London Marathon on Sunday, April 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)
Savi’s time was 35 seconds off the official world record of 2:00:35 set by the late Kelvin Kiptum at the 2023 Chicago Marathon, and 10 seconds faster than the unofficial world record of 1:59:40 set by Eliud Kipchoge in 2019 under controlled conditions.
Bonuses, bonuses and gross earnings
If you’re wondering how much money the Kenyan star takes home, Savi’s earnings from the competition come from a combination of base prize money and a range of performance bonuses, creating a life-changing payout that could go a long way in helping him make plans for his family and future. The base prize for winning the men’s elite event is $55,000 (approximately £40,000). On top of that, he is eligible for all major performance bonuses available:
- The prize for finishing in under 2:02:00 is $150,000 (approximately £111,000)
- World Record Breaking Prize $125,000 (approximately £92,000)
- London course record $25,000 (approximately £18,500)
This brings his confirmation bonus to $355,000, approximately £263,000. Other reports, including from the sunsuggested that Sawe could earn up to $1 million from the achievement if sponsorship terms and business bonuses are taken into account. As an Adidas athlete, he set records wearing the Adios Pro Evo 3 shoes, which retail for around £450.
Men’s champion Sebastian Sawe from Kenya celebrates on the podium after the London Marathon on Sunday, April 26, 2026. AP/PTI(AP04_27_2026_000113A)
Throughout the event, prize money is reduced from $55,000 for the winner to about $30,000 (£24,000) for second place and about $1,000 (£800) for 12th place.
What does he plan to do with the money?
Savi has made it clear that his first priority is his family in Kenya. He plans to build them a house and buy a car so they no longer have to walk, fund the completion of a local church and support relatives on trips abroad. His father Simon told the BBC through a translator: “The truth is, he promised us he would build us a house. He also said he would buy a car. So we won’t be walking anymore. “He also promised that he would finish the church here and help us fly abroad.” The family watched the race in rural western Kenya, with his mother Emily saying she was “jumping around the house” and “so happy” when he crossed the finish line. They are planning a bigger celebration when he returns home as the world record holder.
Competition and Sawe in their own words
Around 59,000 runners took part in the London Marathon, but the focus soon turned to the front of the men’s race as Sawe established and maintained his lead. After the game, he thanked the London crowd and told Gabby Logan on the BBC: “First of all, I want to thank the audience. “They help a lot. They help a lot. You feel so happy, strong and motivated. Today is not just for me but for all of us in London.”
Sebastian Sawe from Kenya crossed the finish line to win the men’s race of the London Marathon on Sunday, April 26, 2026, in London. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)
Savi’s preparations for the day were particularly simple. He said “two slices of bread with ham and a few cups of tea” gave him energy before the game.
The background behind the performance
Savi previously served as pacer at the 2022 Seville Half Marathon before quickly rising through the ranks, with this latest win marking a second successive London Marathon win. For years, the two-hour marathon mark was considered out of reach in official races. Not only did Savi break the record, but he did so convincingly, the same day another player fell below it. This result is one of the most important performances in distance running, both in terms of time itself and the shift it represents in what is achievable under race conditions.
