For most runners, finishing a marathon—regardless of the time—is a major achievement. This weekend, over 59,000 people ran the London Marathon, including actress Cynthia Erivo and former footballer Tony Adams. But before the masses took to the capital's roads, a small group of elite runners set off, and when two of them crossed the finish line in under two hours, the world was left in disbelief.
Sawe's Historic Performance
Yesterday's marathon winner, Sabastian Sawe, stunned spectators not only with his pace but also his endurance. Unlike most elite marathoners, whose form deteriorates as the race progresses, Sawe maintained a stable stride even in the final miles. His body appeared to resist the usual signs of fatigue that slow other runners.
Sawe, 31, from Kenya, stopped the clock at 1:59:30, with Yomif Kejelcha just 11 seconds behind in 1:59:41. Until now, the closest official time was Kelvin Kiptum's 2:00:35 set in 2023. Sawe became the first athlete to break the two-hour barrier in an official, record-eligible marathon. Even the legendary Eliud Kipchoge, who famously broke two hours in 2019, did so in a controlled exhibition rather than a competitive race.
Sawe averaged around 4:33 per mile over 26.2 miles, holding speeds above 13 mph from start to finish.
Unwavering Composure
'He has no fear. He knows his strength,' said his uncle, former athlete Abraham Chepkirwok. 'He doesn't panic in races. Even when others are suffering, he stays calm.' Sawe himself was typically understated afterwards. 'I am feeling good, I am so happy,' he said. 'It is a day to remember. I have shown that nothing is not possible.'
Physiological Factors Behind the Feat
Sports scientists say the explanation begins with three core physiological factors. Dr Richard Blagrove, an expert in endurance physiology at Loughborough University, explains that elite marathon performance is usually determined by oxygen uptake (VO2max), the ability to sustain that oxygen use, and running efficiency. Based on laboratory work with elite athletes, Blagrove believes Sawe sits at the extreme end of all three. 'He would likely have a VO2max in the high 70s to low 80s, be able to sustain more than 90 per cent of that for around two hours, and have exceptional running economy,' he explained.
But Blagrove says there is now a fourth factor becoming just as important: durability. 'In most athletes, efficiency starts to drop after around an hour of hard running,' he said. 'But in rare cases, that deterioration is much smaller. The athlete at the start line is almost the same athlete you see at the finish.' That, he suggests, may be what separates Sawe from the rest.
Rigorous Training Regime
Behind that physiological profile sits one of the most demanding training structures in elite sport. According to Runner's World, Sawe typically runs 125 to 150 miles per week in a marathon buildup. Most of it is easy mileage, but it is layered with two high-intensity sessions and a weekly long run of around 40 km, often performed closer to race effort than traditional endurance training. That combination of volume and intensity is designed to push his physiological ceiling while forcing the body to recover faster under repeated stress.
'He looks unusually relaxed even during hard efforts,' one insider said. 'Even near-race pace sessions can look controlled.'
Role of Footwear and Altitude
Sports scientist Dr Ross Tucker says that the level of mileage is not new in elite running, but the way it is now tolerated may be changing. 'Very high mileage has always been part of elite marathon training,' he said. 'What we don't fully understand is how athletes are now able to handle it in combination with higher intensity work.' Tucker suggests advances in footwear may be part of the explanation. 'Carbon-plated shoes with improved cushioning may allow athletes to absorb more training load without the same injury or fatigue cost as before,' he said.
Like many Kenyan runners, Sawe also trains at altitude in the Rift Valley. Lower oxygen levels force the body to produce more red blood cells, improving oxygen delivery when racing at sea level. Over time, this can reshape endurance capacity and efficiency under stress. Tucker adds that long-term altitude background may also play a role. 'It's not just training camps,' he said. 'There is evidence that altitude ancestry over generations may contribute to how athletes tolerate extreme endurance loads.'
What Sets Sawe Apart
Put together, experts say Sawe represents a rare combination of physiology, training tolerance, and efficiency. Blagrove puts it simply: a runner whose body not only performs at an extreme level but appears to maintain that level for longer than most others can sustain it. That, more than anything, is what has left the sport questioning how far the limits of marathon running can now be pushed.
What is VO2 max?
VO2 max is one of the most reliable ways to measure how fit you really are—and experts say it can even offer clues about your long-term health and risk of disease. In simple terms, VO2 max measures how much oxygen your body can use during intense exercise. The higher the number, the more efficiently your heart, lungs, and muscles are working together. A high VO2 max is linked to better physical fitness, a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, and even increased longevity.
What does VO2 max actually mean? The 'V' stands for volume, while 'O2' refers to oxygen. Put together, VO2 max measures the maximum volume of oxygen your body can take in and use during exercise. It is usually recorded in millilitres of oxygen used per kilogram of body weight per minute (ml/kg/min). When you breathe in, your lungs absorb oxygen and pass it into your bloodstream. Red blood cells then carry that oxygen to your muscles and organs. Your muscle cells use this oxygen to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP)—the body's main energy source during physical activity. In short: more oxygen means more energy and better performance. This is also why your breathing becomes faster and deeper during exercise—your body is working harder to meet the increased demand for oxygen. If you have a high VO2 max, it suggests your heart and lungs are delivering oxygen efficiently, and your muscles are making the most of it. In other words, it is a strong indicator of cardiovascular fitness. Fitness experts often use VO2 max to track improvements in endurance training and to tailor exercise programmes more effectively. The better your VO2 max, the more efficiently your body can perform under physical stress—whether that's running, cycling, or even everyday activities like climbing stairs. Source: Harvard Health
