Kenyan Athletes Dominate Globally as Sawe Makes History in London and Stars Shine at Eldoret Marathon
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to nurturing athletic talent and expanding opportunities for young runners.
Jonathan Bii poses with top finishers Koech Cheruiyot, Dorrine Chesang, and fellow podium winners as they receive their awards during the Eldoret City Marathon 2026. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Kenyan athletes delivered a spectacular showcase of endurance and excellence on Sunday, recording major victories both at home and on the international stage, with standout performances at the London Marathon and the Eldoret City Marathon.
In London, Sebastian Sawe stunned the athletics world with a historic run, clocking a remarkable 1:59:30 to win the race. The feat saw him become the first athlete to complete an official marathon in under two hours, further cementing Kenya’s dominance in long-distance running.
Back in Eldoret, the seventh edition of the Eldoret City Marathon drew elite competitors and enthusiastic crowds, reinforcing its reputation as one of the region’s premier road races. The event offered a lucrative prize purse, with winners in both the men’s and women’s categories taking home KSh3.5 million.
Koech Cheruiyot clinched victory in the men’s 42-kilometre race after crossing the finish line in 2:12:53. He was closely followed by Kiprotich Leonard, who posted 2:13:23, while Kiplimo Hosea finished third in 2:13:29 in a tightly contested race.
In the women’s category, Dorrine Chesang emerged victorious after clocking 2:30:26, narrowly edging out Margaret Muruiki, who finished in 2:30:45. Jackline Jerono secured third place in 2:31:51.
Moments after the Eldoret finishes, celebrations were further amplified by breaking news from London, where Sawe’s groundbreaking achievement captured global attention. The dual success underscored not only individual brilliance but also the depth of Kenya’s talent pipeline in distance running.
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to nurturing athletic talent and expanding opportunities for young runners. He emphasized the importance of investing in youth development and strengthening platforms that enable emerging athletes to compete at the highest level.
About Author
