Nairobi, Kenya – May 1, 2026 – Thousands of Kenyans turned out to welcome distance running star Sabastian Sawe back to the capital this week, capping a historic milestone in marathon racing with formal state recognition and nationwide celebration that framed his sub-two-hour achievement as both a personal victory and a landmark national moment.
At an official ceremony held Thursday at Kenya’s State House, President William Ruto presented Sawe with a combined financial award of 8 million Kenyan shillings, equal to roughly $61,900. Of the total, 5 million shillings recognizes Sawe’s unprecedented record-breaking marathon run, while an additional 3 million shillings honors his 2026 London Marathon gold medal win.
Along with the cash prize, Sawe received a one-of-a-kind custom license plate etched with the time 1:59:30 – the exact mark of his trailblazing finish that cemented his place in athletic history.
In his remarks during the ceremony, President Ruto emphasized that Sawe’s breakthrough achievement has redefined global understandings of human athletic potential, and will serve as a touchstone of inspiration for generations of young Kenyan athletes to come. Ruto added that the runner’s historic performance has further strengthened Kenya’s long-held reputation as a global powerhouse 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 told the gathering.
For his part, Sawe dedicated his historic win to all Kenyans, emphasizing that he competed to lift his country’s profile on the world stage. He also expressed gratitude to the Kenyan government for its consistent investment and support for the nation’s athletic community.
“I did it on behalf of all of us, to build the name of our country so that it continues to shine,” Sawe said.
Claudio Berardelli, Sawe’s long-time coach, credited the runner’s unprecedented success to relentless discipline and extraordinary natural endurance. Berardelli revealed that Sawe maintains an grueling training routine, averaging more than 200 kilometers of running each week, with his mileage peaking at 241 kilometers in the final weeks leading up to the London Marathon.
“In over two decades of coaching in Kenya, I have not seen such a complete athlete,” Berardelli said, praising Sawe’s unwavering focus and fierce competitive spirit.
Veteran retired Kenyan marathoner Ibrahim Hussein, who made history as the first African athlete to win the Boston Marathon, called Sawe’s performance a potential turning point for the sport of distance running. Hussein noted that Sawe’s sub-two-hour finish could open the door to even faster times in future races, when run under optimal competitive conditions.