Berlin (AFP) - Kenyan runner Sebastian Saweh, who became the first man to run the marathon in less than two hours, believes that it is still possible to record faster times in the 42.195 km race.

Published on: 09/30/2026 - 10:17

In April, the 31-year-old recorded a time of 1:59:30 hours in the London Marathon, breaking the two-hour barrier that many considered unachievable.

“I know it is possible to run in less than 1:59,” Saweh told AFP in an interview in Berlin, adding, “It is difficult to predict the speed I can achieve, but (it is possible) if there is good weather and a suitable pace and I am in good physical condition.”

Saweh added that other records will fall with the significant increase in the popularity of this sport and the development of technology, saying, "We do not know what the coming years will hold for us. Perhaps other people will come and achieve something great. There are no limits at the present time."

"Something extraordinary"

Even Saouih himself was surprised by what he achieved in London, according to what he said, saying, “I did not expect to achieve less than two hours. I wanted to retain my title. When I saw it (the time) with my own eyes as I was about to finish the race, it was a surprise to me, and I was very happy and grateful.”

The winner of the 2025 Berlin Marathon was preparing to participate again in the race in the German capital, which was held on Sunday, but he missed due to a broken leg.

He touched on this matter, saying, “It was difficult, but I had to accept it because injuries are part of running.”

Saweh hopes to return to participate in London in 2027, but he has his sights set on achieving “something exceptional” at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

He said, "I have now become a bigger person in athletics, and I have learned a lot. I also learned that patience is important and that recovery is important in order to feel fast and strong."

Saweh was speaking in Berlin just one day after a severe injury ended Ethiopian Tigaste Assefa's hopes of breaking the women's world record.

While the Ethiopian runner was walking at a world record pace until the thirty-fifth kilometer, she suffered a rupture in her Achilles tendon.

Although she covered the last two kilometers with a ruptured Achilles tendon, she was able to amazingly cross the finish line in first place, recording the third best time in the history of the women’s marathon and the best number for the course before she collapsed.

Saweh spoke about this, saying, “When I saw what happened, I was shocked because she was running a good race this year in Berlin. Everything was perfect for her... She was running to achieve everything she worked for.”

Saweh expressed his confidence in Assefa's ability, who is 29 years old, to chase the world record, saying, "She will definitely do so, because Tigist is a very strong woman and her mentality is completely different. She always has the courage to push her limits to the utmost extent."

"protect sports"

The severe injury not only deprived Assefa of the opportunity to make history, but it also robbed her of the opportunity to surpass a record that many believe is tainted by suspicion.

Assefa's time of 2:11:04 hours is slightly slower than the record of 2:09:56 hours set by Kenyan Ruth Chepngitich in 2024.

One year later, Chepngitich was banned for three years for doping, but her record still stands.

Saweh has made a great effort to improve the image, especially in Kenya, where there are currently more than 100 athletes suspended for doping.

For years, Sawiya volunteered to undergo extensive additional examinations, approximately every three days, in addition to national and international requirements.

"Even with what I have achieved, I want to show the world that not all athletes achieve their results illegally," he said. "There was a time when suspicion was greater than trust. It is good for athletes to undergo multiple tests to prove that they are racing and winning fairly. It shows that we are protecting the sport for the future."

This month, it was announced that Nairobi will be the first African city to host the World Athletics Championships, scheduled for 2029.

Saweh hoped that his testing system would help “give my country a good reputation and show that we are fighting doping in multiple ways,” adding, “It is special for us as Kenyans. It is an important moment to host the tournament in our country and we appreciate that very much.”

© 2026 AFP

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