Sabastian Sawe arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi amid a flood of cameras, dancers and a water‑cannon salute from Kenya Airways. The 31‑year‑old had just broken the two‑hour barrier in a competitive race, recording 1:59:30 at the London Marathon. He greeted cheering crowds and parents, who drove six hours, with a surprised grin, saying he never expected such celebration to the nation.

President William Ruto met Sawe at the airport and presented two cheques totalling 8m Kenya shillings in a televised ceremony that drew nationwide viewership, along with a personalised number‑plate reading 01:59:30. Ruto called the feat a “defining moment in human endurance,” while Sawe handed the president the shoes he wore for the 26.2‑mile run. The ceremony underscored the national pride his record sparked.

Sawe’s time eclipsed Kelvin Kiptum’s 2023 record by more than a minute, and his second‑half split of 59:01 was even faster than the first. Having won every marathon he entered, the Kenyan now eyes an autumn race, confident he can lower the mark further. His performance cements Kenya’s dominance in distance running and inspires a new generation of athletes for Kenya's rich marathon legacy.