President William Ruto on Thursday hosted a special reception at State House, Nairobi, in honour of marathon sensation Sabastian Sawe following his historic performance at the London Marathon on April 26.
Sawe stunned the world by clocking 1:59:30, becoming the first athlete to officially run a marathon in under two hours on a sanctioned course.
The milestone places him firmly in the history books, surpassing Eliud Kipchoge’s 2019 time of 1:59:40, which, though groundbreaking, was not ratified due to assisted conditions.
Speaking during the reception, Ruto described Sawe’s feat as a once-in-a-lifetime achievement that goes beyond sport. He said the run represents a defining moment in the story of human endurance and determination.
According to the President, future generations will look back on the race as the day a long-standing barrier was finally broken, with Sawe’s name forever linked to that historic breakthrough. He credited the athlete with lifting Kenya’s flag even higher on the global stage.
“You have reminded us that what once seemed impossible is within reach if only we dare to believe in ourselves and pursue our aspirations with courage, consistency, and resolve,” Ruto said.
To underscore the magnitude of the achievement, the President likened it to landmark moments such as Apollo 11 Moon Landing and Roger Bannister four-minute mile, both of which redefined the limits of human capability.
He added that Sawe’s run gives renewed meaning to Kipchoge’s famous belief that no human is limited, saying the athlete has expanded the horizon of what humanity can achieve.
Sawe’s rise to the top has been remarkably swift. As recently as 2024, he had not competed in a marathon.
Since then, he has remained unbeaten, beginning with an impressive debut victory in Valencia where he clocked 2:02:05. His return to London to win again—this time setting a world record—has cemented his status as a generational talent.
Ruto noted that Sawe’s success continues Kenya’s rich legacy in long-distance running, referencing past greats such as Patrick Makau and the late Kelvin Kiptum. He affirmed that Kenya remains the global powerhouse of marathon excellence.
The President emphasised that athletes serve as the country’s finest ambassadors, showcasing Kenya’s resilience and spirit on the world stage.
To support future success, Ruto outlined ongoing government investments in sports infrastructure and development. These include the construction of Talanta Stadium, renovation of Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium, as well as plans to build 25 new stadia across the country.
He also highlighted a lease agreement for a modern Arena and Entertainment District in Nairobi, the establishment of grassroots sports academies, and the proposed Sports Bill 2026, which aims to create a National Sports Regulatory Authority.
In addition, the government has enhanced incentives for athletes, including cash rewards of Sh3 million for gold medalists, Sh2 million for silver, and Sh1 million for bronze, alongside increased allowances for those representing Kenya internationally.
Ruto stressed that sustained investment in sports and the creative economy will open up opportunities for young people to transform their talents into viable livelihoods.
He concluded by wishing Team Kenya success at the upcoming World Relays Championships in Botswana, expressing confidence in athletes led by Ferdinand Omanyala and Mercy Oketch.
