Something happened today at the TCS London Marathon that the running world has been chasing for decades. Kenyan runner Sabastian Sawe crossed the finish line in 1:59:30 — making him the first person in history to run a marathon in under two hours under official, record-eligible conditions. That is not a typo. One hour, fifty-nine minutes, and thirty seconds to cover 26.2 miles — shattering Eliud Kipchoge’s previous world record of 1:59:40 and achieving what many once considered physically impossible. On the women’s side, Ethiopian star Tigst Assefa extended her own world record in the women’s-only race, finishing in 2:15:41. The 46th edition of the London Marathon also saw a staggering 38 Guinness World Records set or broken across the field, from the fastest marathon blindfolded (3:16:46, tethered) to the fastest marathon dressed as a book character (2:27:41), and even a man who knitted a 5.59-meter scarf while running the entire course in under six hours. It was, in every sense, a record-breaking day.
But beyond the elite performances, the London Marathon remained what it has always been, one of the greatest celebrations of human determination on the planet. More than 76 runners attempted Guinness World Records titles, with costumes ranging from Optimus Prime to Captain Underpants to traditional Nepalese dress. Jennifer Ferris ran a 3:24:45 after a double mastectomy. Chelsea Grogan ran a 2:59:32 with multiple sclerosis. For the 19th consecutive year, Guinness World Records adjudicators were on the course and at the finish line, certifying stories of courage, creativity, and community. Sabastian Sawe broke physics. Everyone else reminded us why we love sport.
