His record-breaking run was news everywhere, but it had its biggest impact in Kenya. Michelle Katami explores the meaning of a hero’s welcome for the winner of the London Marathon, as well as the expectations now mounting on his shoulders.
It is rare that a framed photo of Kenya is displayed at the State House in Nairobi. Yet today two can be found hanging proudly and prominently on its white walls, one in the boardroom and the other in the H.S. In President William Ruto’s office, Sebastian Soi crosses the finish line at the 2026 London Marathon in 1:59:30.
An unprecedented display of heroism and honor reflected an achievement that resonated around the world. It’s not just about becoming the first person to run an official marathon under two hours. It goes beyond a mere sporting milestone and is not only a profound moment in the history of endurance running, but also a moment of national pride – a Kenyan story that symbolizes national identity, nationalism and even global diplomacy.
“What Sebastian has achieved confirms Kenya’s place as the birthplace of the miracle,” President Ruto said.
Sawe is Shujaa, a hero, and his performance underscores the nation’s long-standing legacy of long-distance running greatness. Since 2008, eight of the ten men’s marathon world records have been held by Kenyans: Paul Tergat, Patrick Makau, Wilson Kipsang, Dennis Kimetto, Eliud Kipchoge, Kelvin Kiptum and now Soi.
“It’s a joy for all of us,” said the most recent member of that exclusive club.
“Our athletes are one of our best ambassadors who represent the best of our nation to the world,” said the president.
“No investment can match the global recognition and positive image they have powerfully and consistently brought to our nation.”
Given the recent lack of favorable headlines surrounding Kenyan athletes and ongoing doping issues, this was just the kind of good news the country was looking for. Soi created a moment of surprise as he received a grand state welcome, arriving at State House in a sleek black Mercedes Benz, escorted by police.
“I did this for all Kenyans,” he declared, realizing that he carried the hopes of more than 58 million people. Then he softly promised. “We will continue to work hard with our talents and build our nation’s name to stay on top.”
The noise of some compatriots about his achievements was much louder. Media personality Edith Kimani said it was “unmistakably Kenyan”, while Ian N Okola wrote “It’s a Kenyan thing”. Journalist Lynn Wachira wrote: “Kenya to the world. Because magical Kenyans are making history.” “We’re just at the beginning of what’s possible when talent, progress and an unwavering belief in human potential come together.”
And so it was that upon his return from London, the red carpet was rolled out for So, and he walked it, carrying the national flag to the waiting President. The state awarded him with two customs license plates of the 1:59:30 mark, Ksh. 8 million (£46,090) and a car of his choice. The Kenya Tourism Board gifted her with a fully sponsored four-night luxury stay at a destination of her choice in Magical Kenya.
Back home in Nandi County, the 31-year-old was given a traditional homecoming. As part of Kalenjin tradition, he was adorned with a Sinendet (green vine) around his neck, symbolizing victory, honor, blessings and protection. He was served Mursik, a traditional fermented milk drink.
And it was here that he was awarded, perhaps, the most significant honors. Sawe was presented with a cow also adorned with a Sinendet neckpiece, a prestigious and special gift in Kalenjin culture. He was also given a ceremonial stick by the elders as a symbol of approved leadership, as well as a three-room house.
Sawe’s journey
All this glory and honor now belongs to a man who didn’t take long to fall in love with running. Originally a track athlete, Soi competed in the 1500m back in 2018.
“He loved athletics from a young age, more than football,” recalls his uncle, Abraham Chepkirwok. “Seeing me run, he saw that something could be achieved in athletics. And in 2008, when people were watching and cheering me on, that also inspired him.”
Abraham is an Olympian, 2006 World Junior bronze medalist and Ugandan 800m national record holder. Soye lived with him and his family and considers him more like an older brother than an uncle.
Soye trained first in Kimumu and then in Iten before settling in Kapsabet where he progressed. Abraham narrates AW: that he was originally scheduled to focus on the 800m and 1500m, only for one fateful day to change everything. At the Athletics Kenya local meet in Mumias, Western Kenya, Soi arrived late to find that both events had already finished.
“I told him to run as far as he could,” Abraham says. “He tried the 5,000 meters and won.”
Soi went on to compete in numerous local meets and Kenya’s trials for the 2019 African Games, where she finished seventh in the 5,000m, before a tendon injury nearly ended her athletics career early, sidelining her for more than a year.
His turning point came when he joined Gianni DeMadonna’s training camp. After his recovery, Italian trainer Claudio Berardelli noticed his potential in long distance running, Abraham reveals.
After walking the 2022 Seville Half Marathon, which he won, Soi has steadily risen to participate in numerous half marathons across Europe. His half marathon PB is 58.06 and he has also won gold at the 2023 World Road Championships.
A summary of theseand: includes an African best in the 20,000m (56:20.55), a 15,000m world best of 41:51.64 and a Kenyan one-hour record. He entered the marathon in 2024, winning Valencia with 2:02:05.
“He decided to invest in athletics through discipline,” Abraham says. “If he’s in camp, he doesn’t even go outside to go to the center, when he leaves training, he goes home.”
Everyone around Save describes him as a humble and quiet person. is an introvert; reserved, calm, very calm and soft spoken. Others say he is a good listener and easy to get along with. “He’s rarely in trouble, he’s just a good guy,” adds Abraham.
The pressure of fame
His rise to fame changes Soi’s life. He is a man in constant demand, from media requests and appointments to national functions. He recently attended the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, where he met French President Emmanuel Macron and several other heads of state.
“There’s a lot of pressure, but he’s not a very public person, it’s difficult and stressful for him, but he’ll make it,” Abraham explains.
That’s a particularly heavy burden to carry, especially when you consider that “just” being a world record holder may not be considered enough. Apart from all the attention, Save is under the pressure of ‘sasa, itabidi ashindie nchi kitu’ which means ‘Now he has to win something for the country’.
This loosely translates to winning Olympic and World Championship medals. For Kenya and the athletics community in particular, the world titles remain the pinnacle of athletics glory. Expectations are now huge for Sawe when it comes to next year’s Beijing World Championships and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. His uncle agrees.
“After breaking the world record, our wish for him (I’ve talked to him) is to win the world championship or the Olympics, so that he has a good personality,” Abraham.
says: “The decoration is not complete without medals.”
Sawe manager Eric Lillot adds: “Sabastian is as devoted to sports as he was before overcoming the sub-two barrier. He is a true professional. His goals and ambitions did not end with this feat alone.”
Beyond medal expectations, Saw is responsible for Kenya’s reputation and the sport itself: clean sport. He took a strong public stance against doping, forcing his shoe sponsor Adidas to fund his vigorous and ongoing testing.
“There was pressure, but it never crossed his mind. He knows he’s clean,” Abraham explains. “He’s got a lot of responsibility, but he’s good.”
Soye is now back in training camp. For him and his team, 1:59:30 is in the past. His priority and focus has shifted to September’s Berlin Marathon, where he hopes to run “as fast as he can”.
“Getting back into your normal training and routine is also a way to stay true to yourself and not get distracted by all the noise,” Lillot adds. “Sabastian intends to continue to give his best in the upcoming competitions and he clearly has his sights set on the Olympic marathon.”
But the question on everyone’s lips now is how fast can he run in Berlin? Abraham is confident that another world record can happen, and after all, Soye has changed what we thought was possible.
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