Kenyan long-distance runner Sabastian Sawe has scooped an eye-watering bonus after he became the first person in history to run a sub two-hour marathon in a competitive race.
A total of 59,000 runners made their way around the 26.2 mile course in London on Sunday, including reigning champion Sawe, who crossed the line in a record-breaking time of 1:59:30.
For years, many believed the fabled two-hour barrier was unrealistic but, to their absolute credit, Sawe and Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha, who came in second, both managed to eclipse the feat in style.
In fact, Sawe was more than one minute faster than Kelvin Kiptum's previous record of 2:00:35, which was set in 2023.
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So, how much will the winners of this year's London Marathon take home?
The winner of each elite race (Men, Women, and Wheelchair) receives a base prize of approximately $55,000 (£40,000), while the runner-up takes around $30,000 (£24,000), with prize money scaling down to $1,000 (£800) for the person who finished in 12th-place.
Athletes can significantly increase their earnings if they manage to cross the line in a pacey time.
For example, finishing under the 2:02:00 mark (Men) or 2:15:00 (Women) yields an eye-watering $150,000 (£111,000) additional bonus.
And if that wasn't enough, breaking the world record will give you a bonus worth $125,000 (£92,000), while another sum of $25,000 (£18,500) is awarded for breaking the London course record.
Sebastian Sawe, therefore, will walk away from London with an estimated prize pot of $355,000 (£263,000).
The 29-year-old finished first ($55,000/£40,000) while picking up additional bonuses worth ($300,000/£223,000), as mentioned above. You can see a full breakdown of the prize money below.
What is the prize money for the London Marathon?
Men’s and women’s elite races
1st place - $55,000
2nd place - $30,000
3rd place - $22,500
4th place - $15,000
5th place - $10,000
6th place - $7,500
7th place - $5,000
8th place - $4,000
9th place - $3,000
10th place - $2,000
11th place - $1,500
12th place - $1,000
Additional bonuses
Elite men
2:02:00 - $150,000
2:03:00 - $100,000
2:03:30 - $75,000
2:04:00 - $50,000
Elite women
2:15:00 - $150,000
2:15:30 - £100,000
2:16:00 - $75,000
2:17:00 - $50,000
Elite men
- First and men’s course record (2:01:25) - $25,000
- First and men’s world record (2:00:35) - $125,000
Elite women
- First and women’s course record (2:15:50) - $25,000
- First and women’s world record (2:15:50) - $125,000
Elite men’s wheelchair
- First and men’s course record (1:23:44) $5,000
Elite women’s wheelchair
- First and women’s course record (1:34:18) $5,000
Topics: Athletics
Jack Kenmare