Elite men's post-race quotes
Sabastian Sawe, 2025 TCS London Marathon champion:
“The London Marathon today was a nice race for me. It was my first [Abbott World Marathon] Majors race, and it was very good. I ran well and I’m really happy. I prepared well for this race.
“I've done two marathons and got two victories. I knew I was tipped to win and I was very confident. I think I finished this a bit faster than Valencia.”
On the support he got along the course:
“The London crowds were so nice for me; they cheered us well and they helped us to keep that spirit of pushing. We feel we are so loved in London, and for me, I felt so energetic hearing the sounds of the cheerers.”
On how the Valencia Marathon compared to today’s TCS London Marathon:
“Valencia is a little bit faster than London, because in London you have a bit of up and down.”
Runner-up Jacob Kiplimo, who finished in 2:03:37 on his marathon debut:
“It was a good race today for me; I planned to run to be on the podium. I tried to close the gap, but wow my legs were really tired.
“For me, the crowds were amazing, especially on The Mall. But now nothing for two weeks, rest and recovery and I'll regroup with my management and agree what’s next.”
Alex Mutiso, third-place finisher in 2025 and 2024 TCS London Marathon champion:
On following up his 2024 TCS London Marathon title with third this year:
“I am very happy, I am not disappointed at all because I knew the field was very strong and I hoped I would finish on the podium. I thank God I finished number three. Finishing third in my second Abbott World Marathon Major, I am so happy.
“I tried hard [in the final 50 metres], I thought I can come number three and be among the podium finish, so I said let me push hard. I am happy it was a podium finish.”
On the thrilling photo-finish with Abdi Nageeye, who finished in the same time (2:04:20):
“I never knew whether I was number three or number four because we finished at the same time. I was listening to him, I could see him coming, he wanted number three, and I wanted number three, the podium finish.”
Great Britain’s Mahamed Mahamed, who was the first Brit over the Finish Line in the elite men’s race:
“It's tough out there, I was really enjoying it after halfway but then it got tougher. I did really enjoy it, though, it's definitely a dream for me to be first Brit home in the London Marathon, the crowd really pushed me on a lot.
“I'm looking forward to the world championships and hopefully I'll be selected. We have a really positive group of British elite men marathon runners, it's good and healthy to have Emile [Cairess] back and Phil [Sesemann] racing.”
Olympic triathlon champion Alex Yee on his marathon debut:
“Good race but very tough, I struggled in the last three miles, which I found really hard. I think I went out too hard at the start.
On the comparison with a triathlon:
“It's very different to the 6-7K running experience, but today has been really informative on what it’s like to complete the distance at that pace. I definitely feel more informed for my next challenge.”
Great Britain’s Philip Sesemann, who finished 20th in the elite men’s race:
“Today was tough for me, but I kept my head up even though it felt worse than my training runs. The last half was a real battle, but I'm going to go away from this and build on what I've learnt today.
“I have a really excellent set up in Leeds where we've cultivated a strong group of runners. So, I'll be back to run something Spanish and quick and hopefully cooler later this year.”