Sabastian Sawe and Tigst Assefa set world records at 2026 London Marathon

37 articles · Updated · NBC Sports · Apr 26

Sawe ran 1:59:30 for a new men’s world record, while Assefa set a women’s only world record with 2:15:41.
Yomif Kejelcha also broke the two-hour barrier in his marathon debut, finishing second in 1:59:41. Marcel Hug and Catherine Debrunner won the men’s and women’s wheelchair races, respectively.
These performances surpass Kelvin Kiptum’s 2024 record and highlight advances in training and shoe technology, cementing the 2026 London Marathon as a historic event in distance running.

Did Kelvin Kiptum's tragic death inspire this historic sub-two-hour run?

Why is a women's-only marathon record considered a separate achievement?

How will Sabastian Sawe's record change training for future marathoners?

Is marathon running now a race of technology, not just athletes?

Could super shoes diminish the legendary status of past marathon records?

What is the next 'unbreakable' barrier in human athletic performance?