Kenya celebrates Sawe's historic run with state recognition

A hero's welcome, complete with state honors and nationwide celebration, greeted Sabastian Sawe on his return to Nairobi, as Kenya marked his historic sub-two-hour marathon as not just a personal triumph, but a defining national moment.

At a ceremony at Kenya's State House on Thursday, President William Ruto awarded Sawe a total of 8 million Kenyan shillings ($61,900), including 5 million for breaking the marathon record and 3 million for winning a gold medal at the 2026 London Marathon.

He also received a customised license plate bearing the time "1:59:30", symbolizing his landmark performance.

Ruto said the achievement had "redefined what is possible" and would inspire future generations, adding that Sawe had reinforced Kenya's global standing in long-distance running.

"You have not only broken a record; you have expanded the horizon of human potential. You have made the impossible possible. You have inspired a nation, a whole generation and the world," Ruto said.

"I did it on behalf of all of us, to build the name of our country so that it continues to shine," Sawe said, dedicating the victory to Kenyans and thanking the government for its support of athletes.

Sawe's coach, Claudio Berardelli, attributed the win to discipline and exceptional endurance, noting that the athlete averaged more than 200 kilometers per week in training, peaking at 241 in the final weeks before the race.

"In over two decades of coaching in Kenya, I have not seen such a complete athlete," Berardelli said, describing Sawe as focused and highly competitive.

Veteran marathoner Ibrahim Hussein, a retired Kenyan long-distance runner who made history as the first African to win the Boston Marathon, said the performance could mark the beginning of a new era in distance running, adding that even faster times may be possible under optimal conditions.