sports
Sabastian Sawe receives hero’s welcome in Kenya after sub-two hour marathon feat
Record-breaker says London Marathon win was ‘a victory for all of us’ as he is greeted by family and friends in Eldoret
TL;DR
- Sabastian Sawe returned to his home village in Kenya as a hero after running the first official marathon in under two hours in London.
- He was greeted by his wife, family, friends, and the local community at Eldoret airport with traditional celebrations.
- Sawe stated that his victory was a collective achievement for his community.
- The region around Eldoret is known for producing elite distance runners due to training at high altitudes, which increases red blood cell production.
- Sawe's grandmother, Vivian Kimaru, was also an Olympian.
- President William Ruto honored Sawe with 8 million shillings (£46,000) and car number plates displaying his record time.
- Running is seen in Eldoret as a crucial means of achieving wealth and escaping poverty.
- Athletes are described as the 'cash crop' of the region, with a high percentage of successful individuals being runners.