Kenyan marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge, at 41 years old, set a new course record at the Melbourne Marathon, completing the race in 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 10 seconds. This victory marked Kipchoge’s 17th career marathon win and his first since the 2023 Berlin Marathon.

Kipchoge’s time surpassed the previous record held by fellow Kenyan Timothy Kiplagat, cutting it by two seconds. The event took place partly on the Albert Park Formula 1 circuit and concluded inside the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with a large crowd cheering the athletes. Kipchoge expressed his appreciation for the unique course and the enthusiastic support from spectators throughout the race.

The Kenyan said he feels his performance is still at a peak despite his age, highlighting the motivation he draws from competing alongside younger runners. “I believe that my body is still peaking, still able to compete with the next generation,” he stated, emphasizing his pride in inspiring the running community in Melbourne.

Australian runners Thomas Do Canto and Reece Edwards finished second and third respectively, with Do Canto posting a time of 2:10:35, the closest challenger to Kipchoge. In the women’s race, New Zealand’s Camille French took first place with a time of 2:28:25, followed by Australia’s Sinead Diver and Ireland’s Nichola Sheridan.

This marathon in Melbourne is the third event in Kipchoge’s world tour, an ambitious project aiming to complete marathon races on all seven continents, including Antarctica, within two years. Proceeds from these races benefit the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation, which supports initiatives in education, environmental sustainability, and health.

Reflecting on the event, Kipchoge noted the race was about more than competition, expressing gratitude for the energy of the city and the support from runners and spectators alike. He described the experience as unforgettable and thanked Melbourne for its hospitality.