Addisu Gobena and Peres Jepchirchir Win Sydney Marathon Titles
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
SYDNEY: Ethiopia’s Addisu Gobena and Kenya’s Peres Jepchirchir claimed impressive victories in the men’s and women’s races at the Sydney Marathon on Sunday.
For 21-year-old Gobena, the result marked his first victory at a World Marathon Major event. He had finished second in Sydney last year and returned this time determined to improve on that performance.
Gobena Sets New Sydney Marathon Record
Gobena produced a strong finish to win the men’s race in 2 hours, 4 minutes and 42 seconds.
He made his decisive move during the final kilometre and crossed the finish line four seconds ahead of fellow Ethiopian Chimdessa Debele Gudeta. Lesotho’s Tebello Ramakongoana completed the podium.
Gobena’s winning time also set a new course record, improving the previous mark by nearly one and a half minutes.
The Ethiopian previously competed in javelin before moving into long-distance running. His international profile grew after he won the 2024 Dubai Marathon.
Gobena said finishing second in Sydney last year gave him an opportunity to learn from his mistakes and prepare differently for this year’s race.
Jepchirchir Dominates Women’s Race
Kenyan world champion Peres Jepchirchir delivered an equally impressive performance in the women’s event.
She finished in 2:18:31, crossing the line near the Sydney Opera House almost four minutes ahead of fellow Kenyan Irine Cheptai.
Ethiopia’s Shure Demise Ware finished third.
The Sydney victory adds another major marathon title to Jepchirchir’s career. She has previously won major races in Boston, New York and London.
Jepchirchir said she was confident in her preparation but was not certain before the race that she would win.
Challenging Sydney Course
Jepchirchir also highlighted the demanding nature of the Sydney course, particularly during the first half of the race.
She said the hilly route made the early stages difficult, while the second half felt comparatively easier.
Both winners delivered strong performances despite the challenging course, giving the Sydney Marathon two memorable champions and a new men’s course record.
