The 2026 London Marathon delivered a familiar storyline with historic proportions: African runners once again dominated the world-famous race, claiming top positions and delivering record-breaking performances.
Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe produced a landmark performance, becoming the first man to run a marathon under two hours in official race conditions, crossing the line in 1:59:30. Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha followed closely in 1:59:41, while Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo completed an all-African podium.
In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa broke her own world record with a time of 2:15:41, finishing ahead of Kenya’s Hellen Obiri and Joyciline Jepkosgei, another clean sweep for African athletes.
When it comes to marathon running at the highest level, Africa, particularly East African runners, has dominated the London Marathon for more than two decades.
Athletes like Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge, a four-time London winner widely regarded as the greatest marathon runner in history, helped cement that legacy. Year after year, the winners’ lists have been overwhelmingly African
First held in 1981, the London Marathon has grown into one of the world’s most prestigious long-distance races, alongside events in Boston, New York, Berlin, Chicago, and Tokyo.
Founded by former Olympic champion Chris Brasher and athlete John Disley, the race was inspired by the inclusive spirit of the New York Marathon, combining elite competition with mass participation and charity fundraising.
Today, it attracts more than 50,000 runners annually and raises hundreds of millions of pounds for charitable causes, making it as much a social event as a sporting spectacle.