Millions Sabastian Sawe Pocketed Including Ksh 8 Million from Kenya Government After Sub-Two Marathon
Sabastian Sawe was on Thursday morning added more to his growing fortune after historic marathon record
Sabastian Sawe has seen his earnings soar into the millions following his groundbreaking performance that redefined marathon history and stunned the global athletics community.
The Kenyan long-distance runner made headlines worldwide after clocking an astonishing 1:59:30 at the London Marathon, becoming the first athlete to run an official marathon in under two hours.
Sawe’s performance eclipsed the previous world record of 2:00:35 set by the late Kelvin Kiptum at the 2023 Chicago Marathon. In the same race, other elite runners including Yomif Kejelcha and Jacob Kiplimo also posted remarkable times, but it was Sawe who captured global attention with his sub-two-hour finish.
Breakdown of Sawe’s Prize Money
Following his victory, Sawe secured an impressive prize purse totaling approximately $355,000 (over Ksh 45 million). This amount came from multiple performance-based bonuses awarded under the Abbott World Marathon Majors series.
He earned $150,000 for completing the race under 2:02:00, a time benchmark that guarantees elite-level rewards. Additionally, Sawe received $125,000 for setting a new world record, further boosting his earnings. To cap it off, he collected another $25,000 for breaking the London Marathon course record.
All prize money from the series is paid in US dollars, making the earnings even more valuable when converted into Kenyan shillings. This places Sawe among the highest-earning marathoners from a single race in recent history.
Government Rewards Push Earnings Higher
Beyond race winnings, Sawe’s historic feat attracted significant recognition from the Kenyan government. President William Ruto awarded the athlete Ksh 8 million in appreciation of his achievement.
During a ceremony at State House in Nairobi, Sawe received two cheques worth Ksh 5 million and Ksh 3 million. These rewards underline the importance Kenya places on athletic excellence and global representation.
In addition to the cash prize, Sawe was gifted a brand new car, further increasing the total value of his rewards. The vehicle came with a customized number plate reading “1:59:30,” symbolizing the historic time that secured his place in the record books.
Total Earnings So Far
Combining his race winnings and government incentives, Sabastian Sawe has already earned more than Ksh 53 million from this single achievement. This figure is expected to rise significantly as endorsement deals, sponsorships, and appearance fees begin to roll in.
Reflecting on his achievement, Sawe said: “I am feeling good. I am so happy. It is a day to remember for me.”
A Historic Moment for Kenya
Sawe’s achievement is not just a personal triumph but also a major milestone for Kenya. The country has dominated marathon running for over a decade, consistently producing world-class athletes. Sawe’s record extends that legacy and reinforces Kenya’s position as a powerhouse in long-distance running.
President Ruto described the feat as a defining moment for humanity, praising Sawe for pushing the limits of human endurance.
Beyond Financial Rewards
While the millions earned are remarkable, Sawe’s accomplishment goes far beyond money. His sub-two-hour marathon has inspired athletes worldwide and reshaped what is considered possible in endurance sports.
His humility and focus on representing Kenya have also earned him admiration both locally and internationally, making him not just a champion on the track but also a symbol of national pride.
