Kenya’s grip on global marathon racing remained firm this weekend, with Sharon Lokedi winning the women’s race at the Boston Marathon and Sebastian Sawe producing a record-breaking performance at the London Marathon.
Lokedi surged late in Boston to secure victory in one of the world’s most historic races, holding off a competitive field in a tightly contested finish. Her win adds to Kenya’s consistent success on the course, which is known for its challenging terrain and unpredictable weather.
In London, Sawe delivered one of the fastest performances in the race’s history, setting a new record time of finishing the marathon under two hours breaking his fellow Kenyans, Eliud Kipchoge and Kelvin Kiptum‘s records by over a minute. His run further underlined Kenya’s depth in men’s long-distance running, where athletes continue to push the limits of speed and endurance.
When asked how he felt after achieving such a record, in post-marathon interview, he was quoted saying; “I’m feeling so excited. I’m so happy for today’s class, and it is a day to remember, because unfortunately, what comes today, I was not expecting, but that’s come to be a world record, so I’m happy in a really tight battle for much of the race take us through.”
Both races are part of the elite World Marathon circuit, attracting top runners from across the globe. Kenyan athletes have dominated these events for decades, regularly finishing on the podium and often taking top honors.
Kenya’s success in marathon running has been linked to a combination of high-altitude training, strong running culture, and a steady pipeline of emerging talent. Victories in major races like Boston and London continue to strengthen the country’s reputation as a powerhouse in long-distance athletics.
The latest wins come as Kenyan runners maintain a strong presence across international competitions, with new names continuing to rise alongside established stars in the sport.
