Eliud Kipchoge triumphs with a course record at the Melbourne Marathon

Two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge proved that age is just a number after winning the Melbourne Marathon in a new course record, clocking 2:09:10. It was the 41-year-old Kenyan’s 17th career classic and his first since winning the Berlin Marathon in 2023.

“I believe my body is still in top shape and I can compete with the new generation. I am the oldest athlete, but it is a real pleasure for me to run alongside the young ones”, said Eliud Kipchoge

The race route ran partly along the Formula One circuit at Albert Park and finished at the legendary Melbourne Cricket Ground, where Kipchoge slowed down on the final straight to greet the assembled fans.

“The course was amazing – I enjoyed the people cheering me on and chanting my name. It was a different experience: a beautiful course, running on a Formula 1 track and finishing at such an iconic cricket stadium. I’m proud to be able to run with the younger guys and inspire the running community in Melbourne”, added the winner.

Australian Thomas Do Canto took second place in the men’s race with a time of 2:10:35, while his compatriot Reece Edwards came in third.

The women’s title was won by New Zealander Camille French in 2:28:25, followed by home team Sinead Diver and Ireland’s Nichola Sheridan.

The Melbourne Marathon was the third stop on Eliud Kipchoge’s ambitious world tour, which aims to run marathons on all seven continents, including Antarctica, within two years. Each race raises funds for the Kenyan’s foundation, which focuses on projects in education, health and environmental protection.

Eliud Kipchoge is considered one of the greatest long-distance runners of all time. In addition to his two Olympic marathon titles, he holds a silver and bronze Olympic medal in the 5000 meters, a world title, 12 victories in the prestigious Great Marathons circuit and two official world records. In 2019 in Vienna, the Kenyan became the first person in history to run the marathon distance in under two hours under special conditions with an unofficial result of 1 hour, 59 minutes and 40 seconds.