London Marathon champion Sabastian Sawe will return to the British capital in April, aiming to defend his crown and protect his perfect 100 per cent winning record over the classic 42km distance.
Sawe enjoyed a near-flawless 2025 season, establishing himself among the world’s leading marathon runners with two dominant victories that showcased both speed and authority. He remained unbeaten over the distance, breaking the 2:03 barrier in both marathon outings.
The 27-year-old delivered a standout performance at the London Marathon on April 27, powering away from a quality field to claim victory in 2:02:27. Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo finished second in 2:03:37, while Kenya’s Alexander Munyao completed the podium in 2:04:20.
Sawe carried that blistering form into the Berlin Marathon on September 21, where he once again proved untouchable, storming to victory in 2:02:16. Japan’s Akira Akasaki (2:06:15) and Ethiopia’s Chimdessa Debele (2:06:57) finished second and third, respectively.
Reflecting on his breakthrough campaign, Sawe described winning both London and Berlin in the same season as a defining moment in his career.
“I’m very proud to have won two big marathons. Winning London and Berlin in one season is something special,” Sawe told World Athletics.
His outstanding year was capped by being named World Athletics Male Out of Stadium Athlete of the Year, recognition he said validated the hard work behind his rise.
In London, Sawe will lead a strong Kenyan contingent that includes two-time New York Marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor and 2022 London winner Amos Kipruto.
Kamworor returns to a course he knows well, having finished second at the 2023 London Marathon in 2:04:23 behind the late Kelvin Kiptum.
The veteran enjoyed a solid 2025 season, highlighted by wins at the Rotterdam Marathon and Antrim Coast Half Marathon, despite a rare off-day at Chicago.
Kipruto also brings a proven London pedigree, having won the race in 2021. His 2025 campaign featured victory at the Hamburg Marathon and a runner-up finish in Chicago.
The Kenyan trio will face stiff competition from a stacked international field led by Olympic champion Joshua Cheptegei, World Cross Country champion Jacob Kiplimo, and reigning world marathon champion Tamirat Tola.
by TEDDY MULEI
