Why London Marathon winner Sabastian Sawe has Scottish connection

Wednesday 7th May 2025

Photo courtesy of London Marathon Events

Heard the one about the TCS London Marathon winner, a Scottish coach and borrowed kit from a club in Glasgow?

It’s a true story, as it happens, with Sabastian Sawe’s success last Sunday stirring memories for Colin Thomas and a reunion in London.

Sawe stunned the field to win in London in 2:02.27 to spectacularly follow up victory in Valencia in 2024 in his marathon debut.

A few years ago, coach Colin was helping a group in Kenya and supplying kit which had been generously gathered by West End Road Runners.

‘I have been a regular visitor to the town of Iten (Home of Champions) in Kenya since 2015 and on those trips I have worked with numerous athletes and coaches,’ explained Colin.

‘In 2018 we did a ‘Kit for Kenya‘ campaign whereby we gathered unwanted running clothing from the good people of Glasgow and a lot of it came from the West End Road Runners.

‘We shipped it out and I distributed the kit when I was out there to upcoming athletes who were in need. Sabastian Sawe was one of the runners who benefitted.

Colin with a group of athletes in Kenya some years ago – including 2:02 marathoner Sabastian Sawe

‘We also took a group of eight young athletes who were showing promise and created a kind of mini training camp whereby we gave them a house to live, food and coaching.

‘I coached a number of sessions while I was out there and left them in the capable hands of Kenyan coach John Ewoi, while I provided the training plan from afar. Some of these athletes were making great progress and Sawe in particular.

‘Covid restrictions prevented this from going any further from 2020 but I had heard that Sabastian was signed by a major management company and was well on the way to being an accomplished athlete.

‘He made his debut wining Valencia in 2024 as he showed that his talent and promise was real. He has backed that up with the London success.

‘I managed to catch up with him in London after winning the marathon and that was a great moment.’