Two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge has ended his three-year marathon drought, securing a victory in Melbourne, Australia. The 41-year-old Kenyan distance legend crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 9 minutes and 10 seconds, beating the existing race record by two seconds.
The World Tour Campaign
This win marks Kipchoge’s first major marathon victory since his 2023 Berlin performance and serves as the third stop in his ambitious “World Tour.” Initiated in 2025, the project aims to complete marathons on all seven continents, including Antarctica, within two years to raise funds for charitable causes. Melbourne follows previous successful runs in South Africa and Brazil.
Race Dynamics
- Kipchoge surged ahead inside the final 10km, navigating a route that traversed the Albert Park Formula One circuit before culminating at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
- The runner noted, “I [increased] the pace after 30km to see whether I can run well and beat the race record. My plan went well.”
- Reflecting on the unique environment, he added, “It was actually different – running on a beautiful course, but also running on the Formula One track, and above all else, finishing on a cricket ground.”
- Kipchoge, who appeared fresh at the finish, shared, “On the course, it was really wonderful; I enjoyed seeing people standing, cheering, and shouting my name.”
Podium Standings
In the men’s event, Australians Thomas Do Canto and Reece Edwards rounded out the podium with times of 2:10:35 and 2:14:33 respectively. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Camille French claimed the women’s title in 2:28:25, with Sinead Diver of Australia finishing second in 2:28:49 and Ireland’s Nichola Sheridan taking third in 2:29:13. Kipchoge remains focused on the future, stating, “I believe that my body is still peaking – still able to compete with the next generation. The oldest athlete is still competing, but I am happy to run with the Gen Zs.” But he slowed down at the MCG, waving to fans, kipchoge would have gone faster.
