First Runner to Break 'Sub-2' Is Coming… Marathon with Korean Runners

Sebastian Sawe of Kenya, who became the first human in history to break the magical two-hour marathon barrier, is visiting South Korea to run with local marathon enthusiasts.

The Korea National Marathon Association announced today (the 30th) that it will host the "Sebastian Sawe Invitational Marathon" in the area of Geumsan-gun, South Chungcheong Province, on December 5 to 6.

The event will be held as a single 14-kilometer category over two days, with a total scale of 30,000 participants, running at 15,000 per day.

Registration for the event is scheduled to open on a first-come, first-served basis starting September 1.

Previously, Sawe achieved the "sub-2" milestone—finishing a full marathon under two hours—for the first time in human history by completing the 42.195-kilometer full course in 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 30 seconds at the men's division of the 2026 London Marathon held last April.


The association explained that this visit marks Sawe's first attendance at a promotional or special event rather than an official regular competition since setting the world record.

The invitation was reportedly finalized after Chang Young-ki, president of the Korea National Marathon Association, directly visited Sawe's training base camp in Kenya on the 28th.

"We are thrilled to invite Sawe, who left a monumental record in world marathon history, to provide an unforgettable experience for local enthusiasts," President Chang said. "We will make thorough preparations to ensure that marathoners nationwide can run safely against the backdrop of Geumsan's beautiful natural scenery."

The association plans to finalize detailed schedules and side event plans with Sawe's management next month, and specific guidelines regarding the competition will be announced on the association's official website prior to participant recruitment.
 
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.