Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe delivered a masterclass in tactical racing and raw strength to win the 2025 TCS London Marathon, clocking a brilliant 2:02:27 and overpowering a stellar field that included legends like Eliud Kipchoge and rising stars such as Jacob Kiplimo.
On a day that promised drama and delivered it in abundance, Sawe launched a decisive attack near Canary Wharf, turning a tightly bunched men’s race into a one-man show over the final miles.
His victory also capped a massive day for Adidas, as Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa also smashed the women’s-only marathon world record in 2:15:50.
How the Race Unfolded
For 30 kilometers, the men’s race was cagey but quick. A large group featuring Kipchoge, world half marathon record-holder Jacob Kiplimo, Olympic champion Tamirat Tola, and defending London Marathon winner Alexander Mutiso Munyao rolled through halfway in 1:01:30 — outside world record pace, but still aggressive considering the warming temperatures.
By the 30K mark, however, the complexion of the race changed dramatically. As the leaders approached a drinks station in Canary Wharf, Sawe made a bold decision — skipping his drink, he unleashed a devastating surge that included a 4:18 mile. It was a gamble that paid off spectacularly.
Caught off guard at the back of the group, Kiplimo reacted gamely but could not close the gap. Tola quickly fell off the pace. Kipchoge, running smoothly for much of the morning, began to fade as the clock ticked past 90 minutes, eventually finishing sixth.
By 35K, Sawe had carved out a commanding lead, covering the previous 5K in a searing 13:56 — just five seconds off world record pace for that split. His powerful negative split performance — a faster second half than first — propelled him to a historic win.
Top 3 Finishers – Men’s Elite Race
| Place | Athlete | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Sabastian Sawe (KEN) | 2:02:27 |
| 2nd | Jacob Kiplimo (UGA) | 2:03:37 |
| 3rd | Alexander Mutiso Munyao (KEN) | 2:03:47 |
Key Storylines and Performances
Sabastian Sawe’s Breakthrough
Sawe, 29, who only emerged onto the international scene at 27, followed up his win at the Valencia Marathon last December with an even more dominant performance in London. His winning move was not only brave but incredibly effective, shredding the field in a matter of minutes.
In the final stretch along Victoria Embankment and The Mall, Sawe looked untouchable, smiling and full of running as he crossed the finish line in front of Buckingham Palace.
Jacob Kiplimo’s Brilliant Debut
Despite being caught out by Sawe’s attack, Jacob Kiplimo showed immense maturity and endurance for a 24-year-old marathon debutant. The Ugandan star, who recently obliterated the half marathon world record with a 56:42 in Barcelona, bided his time early and gritted through to secure an impressive second place.
Kiplimo’s performance suggests it’s only a matter of time before he becomes a regular threat at the marathon’s top table — and perhaps even chases the elusive sub-two-hour mark one day.
Mutiso Holds Strong for the Podium
Last year’s champion Alexander Mutiso Munyao defended his reputation with a gutsy run, edging out Abdi Nageeye in a photo finish for third. Though he couldn’t match Sawe’s decisive burst, his 2:03:47 finish underlined his consistency at the highest level.
Kipchoge’s Brave Effort
At 40 years old, Eliud Kipchoge showed flashes of his legendary smoothness early in the race but eventually succumbed to the brutal mid-race surges and warm conditions. He battled valiantly to finish sixth in 2:05:25 — a remarkable performance by any standard, even if short of his historic best.
Men’s elite race Top 10
- Milkesa Mengesha (ETH) 2:09:01
- Sabastian Sawe (KEN) 2:02:27
- Jacob Kiplimo (UGA) 2:03:37
- Alexander Mutiso Munyao (KEN) 2:04:20
- Abdi Nageeye (NED) 2:04:20
- Tamirat Tola (ETH) 2:04:42
- Eliud Kipchoge (KEN) 2:05:25
- Hillary Kipkoech (KEN) 2:06:05
- Amanal Petros (GER) 2:06:30
- Mahamed Mahamed (GBR) 2:08:52
