The 98-Gram Secret Behind the First Sub-2-Hour Marathon

By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief, Archysport

LONDON — April 28, 2026

In a performance that will be studied for decades, Sebastian Sawe shattered the most coveted barrier in distance running on April 26, 2026, becoming the first human to complete a marathon in under two hours. The 28-year-old Kenyan crossed the finish line at The Mall in London in 1:59:30, a time that rewrites the record books and cements his place in athletics history. But the real story may lie in what was on his feet: a pair of shoes so technologically advanced they weigh just 98 grams—about the same as a small apple—and cost €500.

The Shoe That Changed the Game

Sawe’s footwear, the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3, represents the pinnacle of a decade-long arms race in running shoe technology. Since Nike’s Breaking2 project in 2016 demonstrated the performance benefits of carbon-plated shoes, brands have pushed the boundaries of biomechanical engineering. Adidas’ latest creation, but, takes this innovation to an unprecedented level.

The Evo 3’s design is a masterclass in minimalism and efficiency. The upper portion is little more than a thin sock, with weight-saving measures extending to the eyelets—no reinforcements, no embroidery. But the real magic happens in the midsole, where two layers of Adidas’ proprietary LightStrike foam sandwich a carbon-fiber plate shaped like an inverted horseshoe. According to Adidas, this configuration returns 80% of the energy from each stride, a claim that appears to have been validated by Sawe’s historic performance.

World Athletics regulations cap shoe sole thickness at 40 millimeters, and the Evo 3 complies while maximizing every millimeter. The outsole is a thin layer of rubber developed by Continental, the German tire manufacturer, designed solely for grip during high-speed running—not durability. “These shoes aren’t made to last,” said an Adidas spokesperson in a verified statement. “They’re made to help athletes run faster than ever before.”

The Anatomy of a Record

Sawe’s sub-2-hour marathon didn’t happen by chance. It was the result of meticulous preparation, near-perfect conditions, and a shoe that gave him a measurable advantage. Here’s how the pieces came together:

• Pacing Strategy: Sawe ran the first half in 59:45, a pace that would have broken the previous world record (2:00:35, set by Kelvin Kiptum in 2023) if maintained. His second half was even faster—59:45—thanks to a combination of fresh legs and the energy-returning properties of his shoes.
• Weather: London delivered ideal conditions on race day: 12°C (54°F) with light cloud cover and minimal wind. For comparison, Sawe’s previous attempt in Berlin in September 2025 was derailed by temperatures exceeding 25°C (77°F).
• Nutrition: Sawe kept his pre-race meal simple: coffee, toast, and honey. During the race, he consumed a mix of gels and electrolytes at regular intervals, a strategy that helped him avoid “the wall”—the infamous point around the 30-kilometer mark where glycogen stores deplete and fatigue sets in.
• Experience: This was Sawe’s fourth marathon. His previous races—Valencia (2024), Berlin (2025), and London (2025)—served as critical learning experiences, particularly in managing late-race fatigue.

The Carbon-Plate Revolution

Sawe’s shoes are the latest evolution in a technological shift that began nearly a decade ago. In 2016, Nike’s Breaking2 project introduced the world to the concept of carbon-plated shoes, which use a rigid plate to reduce energy loss and improve running economy. The following year, Eliud Kipchoge wore a prototype of these shoes to set a then-world record of 2:01:39 in Berlin. By 2019, nearly every elite marathoner was training and racing in some version of carbon-plated footwear.

The impact on performance has been undeniable. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Sports Sciences found that carbon-plated shoes can improve running economy by 4-5%, a margin that can translate to minutes over the course of a marathon. For context, the difference between Sawe’s time and the previous world record is 1 minute and 5 seconds—an eternity in elite distance running.

Critics argue that these shoes have turned marathons into a technology race rather than a test of human endurance. “It’s not just about the athlete anymore,” said Paula Radcliffe, the former women’s marathon world record holder, in a recent interview with the BBC. “It’s about who has the best engineers and the most advanced materials.”

The Road to Sub-2

Sawe’s journey to the sub-2-hour marathon was marked by near-misses and heartbreak. The Kenyan had been pegged as a potential record-breaker since 2024, when he ran 2:03:12 in Valencia. His London Marathon in 2025 (2:01:58) was a tantalizing glimpse of what was possible, but he faded in the final kilometers.

The sport lost another contender in February 2024, when Kelvin Kiptum, the then-world record holder, died in a car accident. Kiptum had run 2:00:35 in Chicago just months earlier, and many believed he was the athlete most likely to break the two-hour barrier. His death left a void in the marathon world and added a layer of poignancy to Sawe’s achievement.

“I thought about Kelvin a lot during the race,” Sawe said in a post-race interview. “He was a friend and a rival. I know he would have been proud.”

What’s Next for Marathon Running?

Sawe’s record is likely to stand for some time, but the technology behind it will continue to evolve. Adidas has already hinted at further refinements to the Evo 3, including potential adjustments to the carbon plate’s shape and the foam’s energy-return properties. Competitors like Nike, New Balance, and ASICS are undoubtedly working on their own versions of the “super shoe,” ensuring that the arms race in marathon footwear is far from over.

For now, however, the focus is on Sawe’s historic achievement. His time of 1:59:30 is not just a new world record—it’s a milestone that redefines what is possible in human endurance. And while the shoes he wore may have played a crucial role, they don’t diminish the magnitude of his accomplishment. As Radcliffe put it: “The shoes help, but you still have to run the race. And Sawe ran it better than anyone ever has.”

Key Takeaways

• Historic Performance: Sebastian Sawe became the first athlete to run a marathon in under two hours (1:59:30) at the 2026 London Marathon.
• Revolutionary Footwear: Sawe wore the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3, a shoe that weighs just 98 grams and features a carbon-fiber plate and energy-returning LightStrike foam.
• Energy Return: The Evo 3’s design returns 80% of the energy from each stride, according to Adidas.
• Pacing Strategy: Sawe ran even splits (59:45 for each half), a rarity in marathon racing.
• Weather Conditions: Ideal temperatures (12°C/54°F) and minimal wind played a critical role in his success.
• Technological Impact: Carbon-plated shoes have improved running economy by 4-5%, according to a 2020 study, reshaping the sport.

FAQ

How much do the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 shoes cost?

The shoes retail for €500, reflecting their advanced technology and limited-use design.

Are these shoes available to the public?

Adidas has not announced a public release date for the Evo 3. Previous versions of the Adizero Adios Pro line have been available to consumers, but the Evo 3 is currently marketed as an elite-performance shoe.

What was Sebastian Sawe’s previous marathon personal best?

Sawe’s previous personal best was 2:01:58, set at the 2025 London Marathon. His 1:59:30 in 2026 shaved 2 minutes and 28 seconds off that time.

How do carbon-plated shoes work?

Carbon-plated shoes use a rigid plate embedded in the midsole to reduce energy loss during each stride. The plate acts like a lever, helping to propel the runner forward while the foam in the midsole returns energy. This combination can improve running economy by 4-5%.

What are the rules around marathon shoes?

World Athletics, the sport’s governing body, regulates shoe technology to ensure fairness. Key rules include:

• The sole thickness cannot exceed 40 millimeters.
• The shoe cannot contain more than one rigid embedded plate or blade.
• The shoe must be available to all athletes (though elite versions may have limited distribution).

What’s Next?

Sebastian Sawe is expected to take a well-deserved break before mapping out his next competitive goals. The 2027 World Athletics Championships in Budapest could be on the horizon, but for now, the marathon world is still celebrating his historic achievement. Fans can follow Sawe’s journey on his Instagram account, where he shares training updates and behind-the-scenes content.

For those inspired by Sawe’s record, the next major marathon on the calendar is the Berlin Marathon on September 27, 2026. Will another athlete step up to challenge the sub-2-hour barrier? Only time—and technology—will tell.

What do you think about the role of technology in marathon running? Should there be stricter limits on shoe design, or is this the future of the sport? Share your thoughts in the comments below.