Eliud Kipchoge, 41, Claims Melbourne Marathon Victory and Course Record

Two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge, at 41 years old, has won the Melbourne Marathon in a course record time of two hours, nine minutes, and 10 seconds. This marks his 17th career victory over the marathon distance and his first since the Berlin Marathon in 2023.

"I believe that my body is still peaking - still able to compete with the next generation," Kipchoge said after the race. "The oldest athlete is still competing but I am happy to run with the Gen Zs."

The course featured a section along the Australian Formula One track at Albert Park and concluded inside the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Kipchoge expressed his enjoyment of the course and the crowd's support, noting the unique experience of running on a Formula One track and finishing in a cricket ground.

"It makes me proud to run with the younger generation and inspire the running community in Melbourne," he added.

In the men's race, Australian runner Thomas do Canto finished second, followed by compatriot Reece Edwards in third. The women's race was won by Camille French of New Zealand with a time of 2:28:25, ahead of Australia's Sinead Diver and Nichola Sheridan of Ireland.

This victory in Melbourne is the third event in Kipchoge's world tour, a two-year initiative where he aims to complete marathons on all seven continents, including Antarctica. Funds raised from these marathons are designated for the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation, which supports initiatives in education, environmental sustainability, and health.

Kipchoge is widely regarded as one of the greatest long-distance runners in history. His accolades include two Olympic marathon gold medals, a silver and bronze in the 5000m, a world title, 12 World Marathon Major victories, and two official world records. In 2019, he became the first person to break the two-hour marathon barrier under special conditions, achieving an unofficial time of one hour, 59 minutes, and 40 seconds in Vienna.