Sebastian Sawe’s Title Hopes Hang on New York Marathon Showdown
By Bruno Mugala
Kenya’s rising marathon star Sebastian Sawe may not be at the starting line for the 2025 New York Marathon on November 2, but the race could determine his fate in one of the most prestigious running titles in the world — the World Marathon Majors (WMM) championship.
After a spectacular season marked by victories in London and Berlin, Sawe sits at the top of the men’s standings with 50 points. Yet, his grip on the title remains uncertain as rivals Alphonce Simbu of Tanzania and Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda close in with 41 points each.
Kiplimo’s recent triumph in Chicago has intensified the competition, and all eyes now turn to Simbu, the reigning World Champion, who is con
firmed to compete in New York. If Simbu finishes first or second, he will surpass Sawe and clinch the $50,000 (Ksh 6.4 million) WMM series prize. A third-place finish would tie him with Sawe at 50 points, forcing officials to apply tiebreak rules to determine the overall winner.
For Sawe, the wait will be nerve-racking. Though he won’t be running, his entire season’s effort depends on what unfolds thousands of miles away. His dominance across major races has earned him admiration across Kenya and the global athletics community — but in marathon racing, nothing is guaranteed until the final finish line is crossed.
Meanwhile, the women’s category promises its own share of drama. Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa leads with 41 points, followed closely by Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands with 34 points. Kenyan stars Sharon Lokedi (25 points) and Hellen Obiri (16 points) will both feature in New York, determined to shake up the standings and possibly steal the spotlight.
The World Marathon Majors, spanning Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, Sydney, and New York, crown the most consistent elite marathoners across the globe. For 2025, the season’s finale in New York is more than just another race — it’s a battle for pride, legacy, and continental dominance.
As the countdown begins, the question lingers:
Will Sebastian Sawe’s early victories be enough, or will Alphonce Simbu storm past him in New York to claim East Africa’s ultimate marathon glory?
Only the finish line will tell.
