Lighter than a bar of soap: Saway wore shoes to break marathon records

The rapid development of sports science over the past 20 years has gone hand in hand with the technological advancements in racing shoes.

Simply put, we know more than ever how to ‘hit the wall’ and keep glycogen levels peaking for 26.2 miles.

In Sawa’s case, a research team from sports nutrition brand Moutain spent 32 days with Kenya on six trips over the past 12 months.

Their team, who specialize in hydrogels, worked with Sawa to train him to absorb the 90-120 grams of carbohydrates contained in the gel within an hour without feeling distress.

With glycogen levels high, the body can rely on carbohydrates as the preferred form of energy instead of storing fat.

Almost inevitably, when landmark times are set, there are those who raise doubts.

Ruth Chepengetich, who won the 2024 Chicago Marathon in a world-record 2:09:56, served a three-year ban in 2025 for doping.

In light of her countrywoman’s suspension, Savoy and Adidas have asked the Athletics Integrity Unit to step up its anti-doping testing.

In 2025, Adidas paid $50,000 (£36,800) to extend Saw’s drug tests in the build-up to the Berlin Marathon.