Marathon Record-Breaker Sabastian Sawe Welcomed as Hero in Kenya

Marathon record-breaker Sabastian Sawe was welcomed as a hero in Kenya, with thousands of fans gathered at Nairobi's airport and the country's president awarding him cash and a car.

Sawe made history by running a marathon under two hours for the first time in an official event, clocking 1 hour 59 minutes 30 seconds at the London Marathon on Sunday. He shattered one of athletics' toughest barriers, improving the previous world record by more than a minute.

The 31-year-old athlete became a national pride upon his return Wednesday evening, greeted warmly by fans and family at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The plane carrying Sawe received a traditional water cannon salute.

President William Ruto hosted Sawe at State House, awarding him 8 million Kenyan shillings (about $62,064) and a car. At the ceremony, President Ruto praised: "You did not just break a record; you expanded the horizons of human potential. You have done what many believed was impossible, and in doing so, you have inspired a nation and the world."

Sports Minister Salim Mvurya called the achievement "a victory for Kenya." Sawe was given a traditional victory wreath made from tree branches, and traditional dancers praised him before he boarded a luxury government car. An enthusiastic crowd of fans waited for Sawe at a brief press conference at the airport, according to Al Jazeera correspondent Catherine Soi.

Many fans admitted they did not know Sawe before the feat was reported and had only seen clips of the race. Fan David Gitonga shared: "Meeting him in person is very special and inspiring because I know he is just an ordinary person like me. If he can achieve such great things, then I have the potential too."

Sawe's mother, Emily Sawe, told AP: "When he was little, he ran very fast while bathing. I told myself this boy would shine one day." His father, Simion Kiplagat Sawe, said he was nervous watching the race because the TV had interference: "The moment my son took the lead, I stepped outside and didn't see him finish. I watched the replay later. I am very happy. We shouted so much that now it is hard to swallow anything."

Coach Claudio Bertelli analyzed the race: "He followed the pacemaker for 27 kilometers, then took control of the race, pushing the pace with great courage and determination."

The previous record of 2:00:35 was set by compatriot Kelvin Kiptum at the Chicago Marathon in October 2023. Kiptum died in a car accident in 2024. Eliud Kipchoge broke the two-hour barrier in a private event in 2019 but it was not recognized as an official record. Sawe made his marathon debut with a victory in Valencia in December 2024 and has won all his road races since.

Speaking at the ceremony, Sawe said: "I am proud to have achieved a great milestone in life" and revealed plans to "try to lower the record further." He presented President Ruto with a signed pair of Adidas Adizero shoes he wore during Sunday's race, along with a photo of his world record-breaking moment.