Kenyan runner Sabastian Sawe set a new world record by completing a marathon in under two hours during the London Marathon [1].
This achievement marks a historic milestone in athletics, as the sub-two-hour mark has long been considered one of the most challenging frontiers in human endurance. The feat highlights the intersection of elite athlete training and advancements in footwear technology.
Sawe, who was 31 years old at the time of the race [3], finished the marathon with a time of one hour, 59 minutes, and 30 seconds [2]. The record-breaking run took place on April 26, 2024, in London, United Kingdom [1].
Industry analysts and sports officials said the performance was a combination of Sawe's talent and a specific training regime, alongside the use of the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 shoes [1]. These ultra-lightweight shoes weigh 97 grammes [1] — a design choice intended to maximize speed and reduce fatigue.
The impact of the performance extended to the financial markets. On the Monday morning following the race, Adidas stock was priced at U.S.$44.69 [4].
Sawe's performance reinforces the trend of "super shoes" influencing world records in long-distance running. The Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 is designed as a single-use tool for maximum efficiency, reflecting a shift toward highly specialized equipment in professional sports [1].
“Sabastian Sawe set a new world record by completing a marathon in under two hours.”
The breaking of the two-hour barrier by Sabastian Sawe signifies a shift in marathon running where technological innovation in footwear is as critical as physiological training. By utilizing shoes weighing under 100 grammes, the record suggests that further reductions in equipment weight may continue to push the boundaries of human speed, potentially leading to a new era of specialized, single-use gear in competitive athletics.
