Major running history has prompted a rare nod of respect in the perpetual sneaker wars.
Sabastian Sawe of Kenya won the London Marathon on Sunday and set a world record of 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 30 seconds. Sawe, however, wasn’t the only runner to finish under a two-hour mark once thought unapproachable, as Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha finished 11 seconds behind.
The race’s third-place finisher, Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda, finished in 2 hours and 28 seconds, also beating a nearly three-year-old world record previously held by Kenya’s Kelvin Kiptum during a run of historic runs in 2023.
The London Marathon featured a relatively flat course and sunny conditions around 60 degrees, providing near-ideal conditions for running.
“It is a day to remember,” Sawe said. “I have shown that nothing is not possible.”
There has been a marathon run before in less than two hours, but not in an official competition. Kenyan great Eliud Kipchoge, a Nike runner, completed the “1:59 Challenge” in 2019, but in a much more controlled setting with a six-mile track and 41 rotating pacemakers.
Bringing the Sport Together
High-end marathoning has been a particular flashpoint of competition among sneaker manufacturers, with veteran brands such as Nike and Adidas facing new challenges from upstart rivals such as Hoka and On, and high-end shoes have continued to grow lighter and springier.
Both Sawe and Kejecha are aligned with Adidas, providing a major boost for that company.
“This is a testament to the years of hard work and dedication they have made, alongside our innovation team, who have built a super shoe that breaks new ground,” said Adidas Running GM Patrick Nava.
Nike, however, was quick to acknowledge the milestones and congratulate Sawe, despite him and Kejelcha being tied to a top competitor.
“The clock has been reset. There is no finish line,” Nike said in an Instagram post, in part echoing one of its own famed corporate slogans.
