Marathon world record holder Sabastian Sawe stated in an interview that breaking the 1h59 barrier is entirely possible, asserting that elite marathon runners currently face “no limit” as training methods and shoe technology continue to evolve. Speaking to Agence France-Presse (AFP) in Berlin, the 31-year-old Kenyan athlete reflected on his historic run in April, where he became the first person to crack the two-hour mark at the London Marathon.
The Quest to Break 1h59 in the Marathon
In April, Sabastian Sawe shattered the two-hour barrier at the London Marathon by clocking an official time of 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 30 seconds. Ethiopian runner Yomif Kejelcha also dipped under the historic threshold during the same race, securing second place in 1h 59min 41sec. Sawe explained to AFP in Berlin that matching or improving upon those times depends heavily on favorable weather, a strong pacing strategy, and optimal physical conditioning.
“I know it is possible to run under 1h59,” Sawe said. “It’s difficult to predict how fast I’ll be, but it is possible if we have good weather conditions, good pacing, and if I am fit.”
While the two-hour barrier was long viewed as an absolute physiological ceiling for the human body, modern advancements have rewritten expectations. Improved athletic training regimens, advanced nutritional science, and high-tech footwear featuring carbon-fiber plates and ultra-light foam have fundamentally transformed elite distance running.
Sawe’s world record could face an immediate challenge as early as December at the Valencia Marathon, where Yomif Kejelcha is slated to compete.
Injury Setbacks and Looking Toward the 2028 Olympics
Despite his record-breaking spring, Sawe missed the Berlin Marathon due to an injury. He had previously won the Berlin race in 2025. Reflecting on his absence from the fast German course—where 13 world records have historically fallen—the Kenyan runner emphasized the mental resilience required in elite sport.
“It was hard, but I have to accept it because injuries are part of the race,” Sawe told AFP. “I’ve learned a lot and understood that patience is important.”
Looking ahead, Sawe aims to return to competitive racing at the London Marathon in 2027. Ultimately, his long-term sights are set on the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, where he hopes to achieve “something special.”
Reaction to Tigst Assefa’s Injury in Berlin
While attending the Berlin Marathon in an observational capacity, Sawe closely followed the race of Ethiopian runner Tigst Assefa. Assefa was on pace to eclipse the women’s world record of 2h09:56—set in September 2024 by Kenya’s Ruth Chepngetich—before suffering a total rupture of her right Achilles tendon.
Assefa underwent surgery in Munich on Monday, September 28, and faces a multi-month recovery. Chepngetich, who previously held the record, is currently serving a three-year suspension starting April 19, 2025, following a positive test for the banned diuretic hydrochlorothiazide.
“When I saw what was happening, I was in shock, because she was genuinely running a good race,” Sawe noted. Expressing confidence in Assefa’s future prospects, he added, “She will definitely do it because Tigst is a very strong woman, and her mentality is in a league of its own.”
Anti-Doping Measures and Frequent Testing
Amid ongoing scrutiny surrounding anti-doping compliance within Kenyan athletics, Sawe proactively requested an increased frequency of drug tests starting in the summer of 2025. He maintains this rigorous testing schedule to counter suspicion and establish transparency.
“Even with everything I have achieved, I want to show the world that not all athletes cheat,” Sawe concluded. “It’s a good habit for athletes to undergo numerous tests to prove that they run clean and win clean.”
Worth a look