Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo ran one of the greatest races of his career but still had to settle for third place in a historic men’s contest at the 2026 London Marathon on Sunday.
Kiplimo crossed the line in 2:00:28, a Ugandan record and a time faster than the previous world record yet it came on a day when the limits of marathon running were completely rewritten.
Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe won the race in a groundbreaking 1:59:30, becoming the first man to run a legal sub two hour marathon. Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha followed in 1:59:41, also under the previous mark of 2:00:35 set by the late Kelvin Kiptum.
From the start, the pace signaled something special. A strong lead group that included Kiplimo, Sawe and Kejelcha went through halfway in 1:00:29, holding a steady, aggressive rhythm.
The race broke open after 30km. Sawe and Kejelcha surged ahead, leaving Kiplimo to run alone in third.
He held his position, maintaining composure as the leaders pushed into uncharted territory.
Up front, Sawe made his move in the closing stages, pulling away to seal a landmark win.
His time cut 65 seconds off Kiptum’s world record and surpassed even Eliud Kipchoge’s earlier sub two hour exhibition.
Kejelcha secured second with the fastest marathon debut ever, while Kiplimo followed with a performance that confirmed his place among the world’s best.
It was a race that will be remembered for history that the World Record fell thrice but also for perspective on another day.
