Eliud Kipchoge wins Melbourne Marathon in course record 2:09:10, first win in three years

Course record in Melbourne

Eliud Kipchoge won the Melbourne Marathon on Sunday in 2 hours, 9 minutes and 10 seconds, a course record that beat the old race mark by two seconds, according to The Guardian. Reuters described it as his 17th win over the distance, at age 41. It was his first marathon victory in three years and his first since Berlin in 2023. Kipchoge, a twice Olympic champion, pulled away over the final 10 kilometres. Jimmy Whelan, a former Australian professional cyclist, stayed with him until about 30 kilometres, after which Kipchoge went up a gear and dominated to the finish. Melbourne was his Melbourne Marathon debut and his second visit to Australia.

Route and finish

The course partly followed the Albert Park circuit used for Formula One and ended inside the Melbourne Cricket Ground. According to The Guardian, Kipchoge slowed inside the stadium and waved to spectators on the half-lap to the finish, and he could have finished a few seconds quicker. The same report says he then spent well over half an hour celebrating with fans along the MCG boundary fence. Media crowded him at the finish. He described the atmosphere in English.

The crowd is so wonderful - I've never seen a crowd like this.

Kipchoge also said he had increased the pace after 30 kilometres to see whether he could run well and beat the race record. He said his plan went well.

Age and the world tour

Asked about his age, Kipchoge said he believed his body was still able to compete with younger runners. He said he was happy to run with the next generation.

I believe that my body is still peaking - still able to compete with the next generation.

The race was the third stop in his world tour, after South Africa and Brazil, according to France 24 and Ouest France. Agence France-Presse reported that he announced in 2025 plans to run marathons on seven continents, including Antarctica, within two years. The tour is aimed at raising funds for causes he supports. Le Soir reported that the mission began five months earlier in Cape Town.

Other finishers

Thomas Do Canto of Australia was second in 2:10:35 and Reece Edwards was third in 2:14:33, according to Le Soir. Jimmy Whelan finished fifth, per The Guardian. In the women's race, New Zealand's Camille French won in 2:28:25, ahead of Australia's Sinead Diver in 2:28:49 and Ireland's Nichola Sheridan in 2:29:13. French's time was the women's winning mark on the same course.

What comes next

Kipchoge said after the race that he plans to return to Melbourne. He named the tennis and the next year's Formula One as reasons.

I will come back to Melbourne to watch the tennis, the Formula One next year, to see people of Melbourne playing cricket. This is the best track ever.

His next marathon stops on the seven-continent plan were not named in the articles.