Eliud Kipchoge Shines at Melbourne Marathon, Breaks Race Record

Two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge delivered a stunning performance at the Melbourne Marathon on Sunday, setting a new race record. The 41-year-old Kenyan completed the 42.2-kilometre race in 2 hours, 9 minutes and 10 seconds, beating the previous record by two seconds.

Kipchoge pulled away from his competitors in the final 10 kilometres to secure a dominant victory. Australia’s Thomas Do Canto finished second in 2:10:35, while compatriot Reece Edwards claimed third place in 2:15:57.

In the women’s category, New Zealand’s Camille French won the race in 2:28:25. Australia’s Sinead Diver finished second, just 23 seconds behind, while Ireland’s Nichola Sheridan secured third place.

The race concluded at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where Kipchoge celebrated with thousands of cheering fans. He described finishing at the historic stadium as a special experience, marking 70 years since it hosted the start and finish of the marathon at the 1956 Olympic Games.

The victory marks Kipchoge’s first marathon win since 2023. His Melbourne appearance was part of a global tour aimed at running a marathon on all seven continents, including Antarctica.

Expressing his enthusiasm for running alongside younger participants, the 41-year-old said, “I’m happy to run with the Gen Zs.”