Freshly minted marathon world record holder Sabastian Sawe will receive a cash reward of Sh8 million after returning home to a hero’s welcome following his historic run at the London Marathon.
Sawe, who clocked 1:59:30 on Sunday to become the first man to run a marathon in under two hours in official competition, landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Wednesday night aboard a Kenya Airways flight from London.
President William Ruto looks on as World marathon record holder Sebastian Sawe signs off his framed picture following his record-setting victory in London Marathon over the weekend.
His arrival shortly after 8.35pm was marked by a ceremonial water cannon salute as airport fire engines formed an arch over the aircraft in honour of the athlete’s achievement.
On Thursday morning, Sawe was hosted at State House Nairobi, where President William Ruto announced the reward package.
President William Ruto handed over the National flag by the New world marathon record holder Sebastian Sawe at State House Nairobi. Sawe won the London Marathon with a new world mark of 1 hour 59.30 seconds.
“Moments such as these are exceedingly rare. They come perhaps once in a generation; sometimes only once in a lifetime,” President Ruto said during the reception.
Of the Sh8 million, Sh5 million is under the government’s standing reward scheme for breaking a world record, while Sh3 million is for winning the London Marathon.
The President also announced that Sawe would receive a car of his choice, bearing a custom number plate inscribed with his record time, “1:59:30.”
“We will continue working hard to advance our talents and strengthen the reputation of our country,” Ruto said.
The reception was attended by Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya and other senior government officials.
Sawe’s homecoming was further marked by a rare symbolic tribute at the airport, where the flight display system briefly changed his incoming flight number to “KQ1:59:30” in recognition of the new world record.
A water cannon salute is traditionally reserved in aviation for milestone moments such as inaugural flights, retirements or the arrival of distinguished figures. Sawe is the first Kenyan sports personality to receive the honour in that form.
Among those at the airport to receive him were Mvurya, Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, Athletics Kenya president Jack Tuwei and Sawe’s coach Claudio Berardelli.
“I am overwhelmed. I lack words to express myself,” Sawe said.
“I am happy with this awesome reception. I feel honoured for all of you to come and celebrate with me.”
His parents, Simeon and Emily, welcomed him with Sinendet, a sacred green vine among the Kalenjin community symbolising victory, peace and blessing.
Sawe said although he had trained well for the race, the world record still came as a surprise.
“I had trained well but the world record came as a surprise. This world record is for all Kenyans,” he said.
Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe celebrates with a shoe after winning the men’s elite race and setting a new world record with a time of 01:59:30.
“The cheers from the crowd and the support back at home pushed me to the record.”
Mvurya described the feat as one of the greatest moments in Kenyan athletics history.
“Sawe has done us proud. He managed to do what no man has done,” he said.
“He has shown us that nothing is impossible with hard work.”
The government introduced the Sh5 million world record reward in 2023 to encourage Kenyan athletes to pursue global milestones.
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