World marathon record holder Sabastian Sawe was among the Kenyan sports personalities recognised by President William Ruto during the 2026 Mashujaa Day celebrations held on Tuesday, 20 October.Download our Mozzart Sport App for more newsSawe headlined a list of athletes and sports administrators honored for their contributions to the country, following a remarkable season in which he made history at the London Marathon.The Kenyan long-distance runner achieved a landmark feat on 26 April, winning the 2026 London Marathon in 1:59:30 to become the first athlete to run a competitive marathon in under two hours under recognised race conditions.##NAJAVA_MECA_10047449##His performance lowered the previous men’s marathon world record by 65 seconds, earning him global recognition and further cementing Kenya’s reputation as a powerhouse in distance running.World Athletics subsequently ratified the performance as the men’s marathon world record.Sawe was also named the organisation’s Athlete of the Month for April and received nominations for the 2026 World Athletics Athlete of the Year and the inaugural World Athletics Moment of the Year awards.AFC Leopards pile pressure on Gor Mahia with gritty win over Police FCThe 2026 Mashujaa Day recognition added to the national honours Sawe received following his historic achievement in London, when President Ruto awarded him $68,000 (approximately Ksh8.84 million).Sawe had been scheduled to defend his Berlin Marathon title on 27 September but withdrew from the race in August because of an undisclosed injury.He was among 264 Kenyans named national heroes for 2026 by the National Heroes Council, with 46 of those recognised posthumously.The honours covered 14 categories, celebrating individuals whose service and achievements have contributed to the country’s development and national pride.Top CAF official responds to reports of Kenya losing AFCON 2027 hosting rightsSeveral other prominent figures from Kenyan athletics featured on the list, including: Reynold Cheruiyot, Timothy Cheruiyot, Edmund Serem, Beatrice Chepkoech, Rose Chelimo, Mercy Cherono and Lilian Odira.Reynold Cheruiyot earned recognition after an impressive campaign that included victory in the men’s 2km race at the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country in Eldoret in February.He also finished second in the 1,500m at the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi and secured his place on Kenya’s Commonwealth Games team after finishing runner-up to Timothy Cheruiyot at the national trials.Timothy, meanwhile, enjoyed a strong return to form after an injury layoff.He won the national 1,500m title before triumphing in the Dream Mile at the Oslo Bislett Games in June, clocking 3:48.21.He went on to claim bronze in the men’s mile at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, completing a full set of Commonwealth medals after previously winning silver in 2018 and 2022.Fans force Gor Mahia to change kick off time in Saturday's clash against BandariSteeplechaser Edmund Serem was also among the athletes recognised following a standout season.He won gold in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase at the Commonwealth Games in 8:18.23, leading a Kenyan clean sweep ahead of Simon Koech and Leonard Bett.Other athletes and sports personalities named among the honourees included: Hashim Kamau Athman, Janet Atieno, Beatrice Chepkoech, Kevin Kiarie, Travis Kimani Njoroge, Paul Koech, Carolyne Kolla, Barnaba Korir, Annedy Kwamasi, Robert Langat, Francis Liboyi, Beldine Odemba, Sela Odhiambo, Fasila Omondi, Irene Anyango, William Sigei, Stephen Wesonga and Michelle Chepng’etich.Humphrey Kayange identifies current Kenya Sevens player possessing his qualitiesThis year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations were held in the North Rift region, with Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet counties selected to host the national event.The celebrations were guided by the theme, Ngao Yetu, Ustawi Michezoni na Uchumi Bora (Security, Sports and a Strong Economy).
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