Eliud Kipchoge Wins First Marathon in Three Years in Melbourne
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Kenyan running legend Eliud Kipchoge returned to the top of the marathon podium on Sunday, winning the Melbourne Marathon in Australia at the age of 41. The two-time Olympic champion completed the race in two hours, nine minutes and 10 seconds, finishing two seconds faster than the previous course record.
The victory marked Kipchoge’s first marathon win since his triumph in Berlin in 2023. The celebrated long-distance runner delivered a strong performance on a course that included sections of Melbourne’s Albert Park Formula One circuit before finishing at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Kipchoge made his decisive move within the final 10 kilometres, pulling away from his competitors to secure the title. He could potentially have finished even faster, but slowed down near the finish line to wave to spectators inside the stadium.
Speaking after the race, Kipchoge praised the atmosphere along the route, saying he enjoyed the support from fans who cheered and called out his name. He also described the experience of running on the Formula One circuit and completing the marathon at a cricket ground as something special.
The Melbourne race is part of Kipchoge’s wider World Tour initiative, which aims to raise funds for causes he supports while inspiring people through running.
In 2025, the former world record-holder announced plans to complete marathons on all seven continents, including Antarctica, over a two-year period. Melbourne was the third stop on the journey, following races in South Africa and Brazil.
Kipchoge is widely regarded as one of the greatest marathon runners in history. His latest victory demonstrates his continued commitment to the sport and his ambition to encourage younger athletes and running communities around the world.
Australia’s Thomas Do Canto finished second in the men’s race with a time of 2:10:35. In the women’s event, New Zealand’s Camille French claimed victory in 2:28:25.
The Melbourne triumph adds another achievement to Kipchoge’s remarkable career, as he continues his global running project while competing against a new generation of marathon athletes.
