Sabastian Sawe: “Just a Matter of Time” – Marathon Legend Eyes Next Record in Berlin

By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief

LONDON — The ink is barely dry on Sabastian Sawe’s historic 1:59:30 marathon world record and the Kenyan phenom is already targeting his next milestone. Less than 48 hours after becoming the first human to officially break the two-hour barrier in a record-eligible race, Sawe told Archysport he believes another record run is “just a matter of time” — with the Berlin Marathon in his sights this fall.

The Record That Shook the World

Sawe’s 1:59:30 performance at the 2026 London Marathon didn’t just rewrite the record books — it shattered them. The 31-year-old Kenyan crossed the finish line on The Mall 2 minutes and 35 seconds faster than Kelvin Kiptum’s previous world record of 2:00:35, set in Chicago in 2023. His final 5K split (13:54 between 30-35K) was just 65 seconds off the all-time road 5K record, a staggering display of sustained speed.

“I knew it was possible,” Sawe said in a post-race interview with LetsRun. “The training was there. The team was there. We just needed the perfect day.” That “perfect day” included ideal weather (52°F with light tailwinds) and a meticulously executed race plan that saw Sawe hit halfway in 59:45 — the first sub-60 half in marathon history.

From Humble Beginnings to History

Born on March 16, 1995, in Kenya’s Rift Valley Province, Sawe’s journey to marathon immortality began in the most unlikely of circumstances. Raised by his grandmother in a home without electricity, he initially focused on middle-distance running before a late arrival at a 2019 track meet forced him into a 5,000m race — which he won in 13:56. That serendipitous performance caught the attention of former Olympic bronze medalist Abel Mutai, who became Sawe’s coach.

Sawe’s marathon debut came at the 2024 Valencia Marathon, where he won in 2:02:05 — then the third-fastest debut in history. A year later, he claimed victories at both the Berlin and London Marathons, establishing himself as the man to beat. His 2026 London triumph wasn’t just about the time; it was about the manner of victory. While Eliud Kipchoge’s 1:59:40 in the 2019 INEOS 1:59 Challenge was an exhibition with rotating pacemakers and optimized conditions, Sawe’s record came in a World Marathon Major against 38 elite competitors, with no special allowances.

“The Next Step Is Obvious”

Speaking exclusively to Archysport from his training base in Iten, Kenya, Sawe made it clear he’s not content to rest on his laurels. “The two-hour barrier was always the sizeable target, but now we see what’s possible,” he said. “1:59 is just the beginning. The next step is obvious — we travel faster.”

That next step may reach at the 2026 Berlin Marathon on September 28. Berlin’s flat, fast course has been the site of six of the last 10 men’s marathon world records, including Kiptum’s 2:00:35. Sawe’s coach, Abel Mutai, confirmed to Archysport that they’re “seriously considering” Berlin, though no final decision has been made.

The Science Behind the Sub-2

Sawe’s record has sent shockwaves through the sports science community. Dr. Ross Tucker, a leading exercise physiologist, told Archysport that Sawe’s performance “rewrites our understanding of human endurance limits.” Key factors in his success include:

• Pacing Strategy: Sawe ran the first half in 59:45 and the second half in 59:45 — a nearly perfect negative split that defied conventional marathon wisdom.
• Fueling: He consumed 80-90g of carbohydrates per hour, a rate previously thought impossible to absorb during elite marathon racing.
• Shoe Technology: While Sawe wears Adidas’ latest Adios Pro 4, experts agree the shoes provide only a 1-2% advantage — not enough to explain a 2:35 improvement over the previous record.
• Genetics: Sawe’s VO₂ max has been measured at 85 ml/kg/min — among the highest ever recorded for a marathoner.

What’s Next for Sawe?

With the 2026 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo still on the calendar (October 10-19), Sawe faces a busy autumn. His immediate focus, however, remains on recovery and preparation. “The body needs time to adapt to what we just did,” he said. “But the mind is already thinking about Berlin.”

Should Sawe choose Berlin, he’ll face a stacked field that includes:

• Tamirat Tola (Ethiopia) — 2022 World Champion and former world record holder (2:01:41)
• Kibiwott Kandie (Kenya) — 2020 World Half Marathon Champion and current half-marathon world record holder (57:32)
• Joshua Cheptegei (Uganda) — Olympic 5,000m/10,000m champion and 5K/10K world record holder

The Legacy of 1:59:30

Sawe’s record has reignited debates about the future of marathon running. Some key questions emerging from his performance:

1. Is 1:55 Now Possible?

Dr. Tucker believes Sawe’s time “opens the door to 1:55 within the next decade,” though he cautions that “we’re approaching the absolute limits of human physiology.”

2. Will We See More Sub-2 Marathons?

“Absolutely,” said Sawe. “There are probably 5-10 guys in Kenya and Ethiopia right now who can run 2:01. The question is who can put it all together on the right day.”

3. How Will This Affect Race Strategy?

Sawe’s even pacing has already influenced how elite marathoners approach races. “We’ll see more athletes going out hard from the start,” said former world record holder Paula Radcliffe. “The old ‘sit and kick’ strategy is dead.”

Key Takeaways

• Sabastian Sawe became the first person to run a sub-two-hour marathon in a record-eligible race (1:59:30 at 2026 London Marathon).
• His performance was 2:35 faster than Kelvin Kiptum’s previous world record (2:00:35).
• Sawe is considering the 2026 Berlin Marathon (September 28) for his next attempt at lowering the record.
• The record has sparked debates about the future of marathon running, including whether 1:55 is now possible.
• Sawe’s even pacing (59:45/59:45) and fueling strategy (80-90g carbs/hour) have redefined elite marathon racing.

How to Follow Sawe’s Journey

For official updates on Sabastian Sawe’s training and race schedule:

• Follow World Athletics (official athlete profile)
• Check Adidas Running (Sawe’s sponsor)
• Monitor Berlin Marathon announcements

The Road Ahead

As the running world processes the seismic shift caused by Sawe’s record, one thing is clear: marathon running will never be the same. With the 2026 Berlin Marathon just five months away, all eyes will be on Kenya’s “Silent Assassin” as he attempts to push the boundaries of human endurance even further.

For Sawe, the message is simple: “The two-hour barrier was just the first wall. Now we see what’s on the other side.”