Record breaker Sabastian Sawe will be laughing all the way to the bank as he created marathon history in his new $850 super shoes.
The Kenyan athlete, 31, trod new ground in track-and-field as he crossed the finish line of the London Marathon along The Mall in an incredible time of one hour 59 minutes and 30 seconds on Sunday evening (AEST).
Watch the biggest Aussie sports & the best from overseas LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
In second place, Ethiopian Yomif Kejelcha – making his debut over the distance – also dipped under the magical two-hour mark as he ran 1:59:41.
Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda came home third in 2:00:28.
It means three men had bettered the previous world record of 2:00:35 that had been set by the late Kenyan Kelvin Kiptum at the Chicago Marathon in October 2023.
Sawe is expected to earn more than $1.4million in contractual bonuses following his history-making exploits.
The first two runners both wore Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 for the first time – these shoes have super fast foam and a carbon plate.
This footwear, which has now revolutionised the world of running, weighs 97 grams. An article in the Wall Street Journal likened their weight to being “lighter than a newborn kitten”, with AS in Spain describing them as “magic shoes”.
And they should be available to buy from next month – so amateurs can see the benefits themselves on the road.
The effect of lighter shoes across longer distances can be profound and Sawe proved that to devastating effect on a traditionally flat course. The race among all manufacturers – whether that is Nike, Adidas or Puma – is to create running shoes even lighter and the technology is getting better all the time.
Sawe, who wrote the time on his white trainers, said: “I’m feeling good. So happy. It is a day to remember.
“We started the race well. Approaching finishing the race, I was feeling strong.
“I remember my fellow champion lead was so competitive. I think he was the one who helped a lot.
“Finally reaching the finish line, I saw the time, and I was so excited to see I ran a world record.
“I think today shows me a lot, the first time for everyone, and I am so happy. I was prepared. “Coming to London for the second time was so important to me and that’s why I prepared well for it.
“Finally, what I had done for four months, it has come today to be a good result.
“First of all, I want to thank the crowds for cheering us. I think they help a lot, because if it was not for them you don’t feel like you are so loved.
“I think they help a lot because them calling makes you feel so happy and strong and pushing.
“That is why I can say what comes for me today is not for me alone but all of us in London.”
