We’ve all heard that comparison can be the thief of joy. However, it can also be the inspiration for success.
As of April 2026, only two runners have officially completed a marathon in under two hours: Sabastian Sawe, who set a world record with 1:59:30 at the London Marathon, and Yomif Kejelcha, who finished second with 1:59:41. Previously, Eliud Kipchoge ran a sub-two-hour marathon in 2019 during the Ineos 1:59 Challenge, but this was not under official race conditions.
Like the 4-minute mile barrier, now that the elusive 2–hour marathon barrier has been broken, we will see more athletes achieving this in the coming months and years.
Comparison can steal joy, compassion can inspire greatness. Even before you make a comparison, you make a choice… You decide why you are making the comparison.
Thief or Inspiration?
