Nairobi — President William Ruto has awarded marathon sensation Sebastian Sawe Ksh8 million in recognition of his record-breaking efficiency on the London Marathon, the place he grew to become the primary athlete in historical past to finish the 42-kilometre race in underneath two hours.
Sawe surprised the athletics world on Sunday after clocking an astonishing 1:59:30, eclipsing the earlier world document of two:00:35 set by the late Kelvin Kiptum on the 2023 Chicago Marathon.
Throughout a celebratory ceremony at State Home, Nairobi, President Ruto introduced the athlete with two cheques price Ksh5 million and Ksh3 million on behalf of the federal government.
Sawe additionally obtained a brand-new automotive and a personalized car registration plate bearing the numbers “1:59:30” the time that secured his place in sporting historical past.
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Ruto described the feat as a defining second not only for Kenya, however for humanity.
“You might have achieved what many believed might by no means be achieved. You might have made the unimaginable attainable, and in doing so, you will have impressed a nation, impressed a technology, and impressed the world,” he stated.
The President likened Sawe’s accomplishment to a few of historical past’s biggest milestones, saying it had expanded the boundaries of human potential.
“You haven’t solely damaged a document, you will have redefined the bounds of human endurance and chance,” Ruto stated.
Sawe’s rise in marathon operating has been meteoric. Since making his debut in Valencia in 2024 the quickest marathon debut in historical past the 30-year-old has remained unbeaten on the worldwide stage.
“From that second, you will have demonstrated uncommon consistency, unwavering self-discipline and the mindset of a real champion,” the President stated.
Ruto famous that Sawe’s victory extends Kenya’s long-standing dominance in marathon operating, with the nation having held the boys’s world marathon document repeatedly since 2011.
He hailed Kenyan athletes because the nation’s best ambassadors, saying their achievements have projected Kenya’s picture to the world in methods no formal funding might match.
“Our athletes are amongst our best ambassadors, projecting the easiest of our nation to the world. No funding might safe the worldwide recognition and optimistic picture they’ve persistently delivered to Kenya,” he stated.
The President additionally praised Sawe’s humility and patriotism, noting that even in triumph, the athlete selected to discuss Kenya quite than himself.
“That demonstrates extraordinary patriotism. Thanks for carrying the identify, the stature and the flag of our nation so proudly,” he stated.
Ruto reaffirmed the federal government’s dedication to strengthening the sports activities sector by expanded infrastructure, expertise improvement and improved athlete welfare.
He highlighted main tasks together with the development of Talanta Sports activities Metropolis, the renovation of Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums, and plans to construct 25 further stadiums throughout the nation.
The federal government can also be establishing constituency sports activities academies to determine and nurture younger expertise from an early age.
“These academies will give younger individuals entry to high quality coaching, fashionable amenities and clear pathways into skilled sports activities,” he stated.
Ruto additional cited the proposed Sports activities Invoice 2026, which seeks to ascertain a nationwide sports activities regulator to boost governance and requirements throughout the sector.
He additionally introduced improved rewards for athletes representing Kenya internationally, together with elevated prize cash and better each day allowances.
As Kenya celebrates Sawe’s historic feat, the President expressed confidence in Crew Kenya competing on the World Relays Championships in Botswana.
“Sebastian, you will have lifted our flag very excessive and proven the world the power of the Kenyan spirit,” he stated.
“Above all, you will have reminded us that what as soon as appeared unimaginable is inside attain if solely we dare to consider in ourselves and pursue our highest aspirations with braveness, consistency and resolve.”