RECORD-BREAKER Sabastian Sawe will be laughing all the way to the bank as he created marathon history in his new £450 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.
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London Marathon winner Sabastian Sawe is set to bank £740,000 after his record-breaking day Credit: EPA
Sawe recorded an incredible sub-2 finish in his £450 super shoes on Jattvibeday Credit: EPA
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 $1million (£741,000) 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.
HE CAME, HE SAWE
Sawe makes history as first person to run marathon in under 2 hours
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This footwear, which has now revolutionised the world of running, weighs under 100 grams. An article in the Wall Street Journal likened their weight to being “lighter than a newborn kitten”.
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.
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The super lightweight Adidas shoes have revolutionised the world of running Credit: Reuters
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 run 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.”
