By John Barnes Ssentamu
Jacob Kiplimo delivered a standout performance, breaking his national record to finish third at the 2026 London Marathon in 2:00:28.
The Ugandan long-distance runner improved on his previous mark of 2:03:37, securing a podium place in a highly competitive men’s elite race.
Kenya’s Sebastian Sawe won the race in historic fashion, clocking 1:59:30 to set a new world record and become the first man to win a marathon in under two hours in an official race.
Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha also went under the two-hour mark, finishing second in 1:59:41.
Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei placed 12th with a time of 2:06:39.
In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa defended her title in a record 2:15:41, finishing ahead of Kenya’s Hellen Obiri and Joyciline Jepkosgei.
The London Marathon has significant prize money, with the top 12 in the elite races earning rewards, alongside athletes in the wheelchair category.
Additional bonuses are awarded for world records, course records, and fast times, with sub-2:02:00 for men and sub-2:15:00 for women attracting extra payouts.
