Two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge has won his first marathon in three years, cruising to victory in Melbourne, Australia. The Kenyan, described as the most decorated marathoner in history, crossed the line on Sunday.
Kipchoge finished in 2 hours, 9 minutes and 10 seconds, two seconds under the race record. It was his first win over the distance since Berlin in 2023. The race formed part of his “World Tour”, a series of events held to raise funds for causes he supports.
Breakaway and finish inside the MCG
Kipchoge pulled away in the final 10 kilometres on a course that partly used the Albert Park Formula One circuit. He completed the race inside the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
He said the experience was special. “On the course, it was really wonderful; I enjoyed seeing people standing, cheering, and shouting my name,” he said, looking fresh at the finish. He added that he could have gone faster but slowed at the MCG to wave to fans.
Plans to run marathons on seven continents
The 41-year-old former world record holder announced in 2025 that he planned to complete marathons on all seven continents, including Antarctica, over two years. Melbourne was the third stop, after South Africa and Brazil.
Kipchoge said he still felt capable of competing with younger runners. “I believe that my body is still peaking – still able to compete with the next generation,” he said.
Full results from the Melbourne men’s and women’s races
- Men: Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya) 2:09:10; Thomas Do Canto (Australia) 2:10:35; Reece Edwards (Australia) 2:14:33.
- Women: Camille French (New Zealand) 2:28:25; Sinead Diver (Australia) 2:28:49; Nichola Sheridan (Ireland) 2:29:13.
