Assefa Sets Women's Record, Sawe Wins London Marathon

Sabastian Sawe of Kenya claimed victory in the London Marathon, making a decisive solo breakaway with about 10 kilometers left to finish in 2 hours, 2 minutes, and 27 seconds, marking his biggest career win and Kenya's fourth consecutive men's title. Sawe, who previously won the Valencia Marathon, pulled away from a strong field that included legendary runner Eliud Kipchoge, who finished sixth. In the women's race, Ethiopia's Tigst Assefa set a new women's only world record with a time of 2 hours, 15 minutes, and 50 seconds, finishing almost three minutes ahead of Kenya's Joyciline Jepkosgei. Assefa's victory came as redemption after finishing second in both the London and Paris Olympic marathons last year, notably beating her rival Sifan Hassan, who placed third. The event also saw Swiss athletes Marcel Hug and Catherine Debrunner secure wins in the men's and women's wheelchair categories, respectively. Both Sawe and Assefa expressed satisfaction with their performances, attributing their success to strong preparation and favorable race conditions.