Kenya’s Sebastian Sawe: ‘I Did Not Expect It’ as He Returns Home in Celebrations

A Historic Return and National Pride

I did not expect it – Kenya’s Sebastian Sawe, a long-distance runner, returned to his homeland in a jubilant celebration that left many stunned. His unexpected return to Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport marked a historic milestone: becoming the first male athlete to complete a marathon in under two hours under official race conditions. The event, which unfolded during Sunday’s London Marathon, has ignited a wave of pride across the nation. As Sawe stepped off the Kenyan Airways plane, a vibrant display of dancers, musicians, and a water cannon salute greeted him, capturing the sheer magnitude of his achievement.

Breaking Barriers and Family Joy

Sawe’s parents, who traveled six hours to be present, were among the first to welcome him. Their emotional presence added a deeply personal dimension to the festivities, as the 31-year-old runner had already etched his name into history by finishing in 1 hour 59 minutes and 30 seconds. This feat, often called the “holy grail” of marathon running, has positioned him as a national hero. “I did not expect it,” he said, addressing the crowd, “but I’m overwhelmed by the support and joy this day brings.”

His success was not just a personal triumph—it was a defining moment for Kenya’s athletic legacy. The airport ceremony, a rare public honor for a sports icon, symbolized the culmination of years of dedication. Sawe’s father, Simeon Sawe, shared his pride, recalling how his son had often dreamed of breaking the two-hour barrier. “He used to tell me he would one day achieve this,” Simeon said. “I did not expect it, but today, the entire nation is celebrating.”

The celebration extended to a meeting with Kenya’s President William Ruto, who praised Sawe’s accomplishment as a “cultural and sporting milestone.” Ruto presented him with two cheques totaling 8 million Kenya shillings (£46,000) and a gold medal. To commemorate his historic time, Sawe was also gifted a vehicle number plate featuring his official record: 01:59:30. “This is just the beginning,” the president declared, framing the achievement as a testament to Kenya’s enduring dominance in long-distance running.

Sawe’s performance in London has redefined the limits of human endurance. By surpassing Kelvin Kiptum’s previous record of 2 hours 0 minutes 35 seconds, set in 2023, he has demonstrated the relentless progress in marathon running. His pacing strategy was flawless, with a steady rhythm through the halfway mark and a decisive surge in the second half, cutting the time by nearly a minute. “I did not expect it,” he admitted, highlighting the surprise and awe that accompanied his breakthrough.

The nation’s reaction has been nothing short of electric. From the streets of Nairobi to the villages in the Rift Valley, fans have hailed Sawe as a symbol of Kenya’s athletic prowess. His achievement has inspired a new generation of athletes, with many viewing his record as a benchmark for future greatness. “This run was for all of us,” he said, underscoring the collective pride that his unexpected success has sparked.

As the celebrations continue, Sawe’s focus remains on pushing boundaries. Having won all four marathons he has competed in, he is now aiming for even greater feats. “There is still room to go further,” he stated, hinting at his ambitions for the upcoming autumn races. His determination to break his own record cements his status as a trailblazer. “I did not expect it, but this is just the start of something bigger,” he concluded, setting the stage for future triumphs.