The family of World Marathon record holder Sabastian Sawe has been swept up in celebration and disbelief after his sensational performance at the London Marathon.
The parents said they never expected the outcome and joked that life at home is set to change after their son’s historic feat.
Sawe’s father, Simon Sawe, said the race surprised the entire family, admitting they had not anticipated such a dominant showing from the Kenyan athlete on the global stage.
“It surprised us all; we were not expecting him to break the record. I was afraid that an athlete from Ethiopia would beat him, but I saw Sawe pull ahead. We did not finish watching the end of the race, I became excited,” he said.
His mother, Emily Sawe, described a moment of overwhelming joy as the family followed the race, saying she could not contain her emotions as her son surged ahead of the competition.
“I was very happy, I thanked God. I was jumping around the house. I just did not know what to do,” she said.
The parents also spoke with excitement about promises Sawe made following his performance, including improved travel arrangements for the family.
“We will not walk on foot anymore; we will use a car. He promised us that. We shall also fly abroad,” they said, adding that plans are underway for a grand homecoming celebration.
“We plan to give him a heroic welcome, a celebration and thanksgiving because he has done wonders. We wanted to celebrate him before the race, but he said no, he will go first. He had promised us a world record. We will now ask him if we are free to go ahead with the celebration,” they said.
Sawe delivered a historic performance in London, clocking 1.59.30 in what is being described as a breakthrough moment in marathon history.
He crossed the line more than one minute faster than his compatriot, the late Kelvin Kiptum's, previous record of 2.00.35, set in 2023.
He is expected to arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport today, where preparations are already underway for a heroic welcome as Kenya celebrates one of its newest global athletics sensations.
On Sunday, April 26, Guinness World Records recognised him following his performance, confirming his place in history with the fastest men’s marathon time.
In a statement, the body hailed Sawe’s achievement, noting that he clocked an astonishing 1:59:30 to set a new benchmark.
“Couldn't catch him! Congratulations to Sabastian Sawe on his fastest marathon (male) at 1:59:30. He also beats Eliud Kipchoge’s fastest marathon distance,” Guinness World Records said.
Born on March 16, 1996, Sawe had long signalled his intent to attack the marathon’s ultimate frontier. His trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric.
Sawe trains at altitude in western Kenya—living in a shared room at camp and only seeing his wife and son twice a month. He was born nearby in a remote highland village without electricity.
His running journey was nurtured by his uncle, Abraham Chepkirwok, who competed in the 800m for Uganda at the 2008 Olympics, and a teacher who told him, “Running is not just talent – it’s your fortune and your future.”
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