Kipchoge breaks Melbourne Marathon course record at 41

Eliud Kipchoge, 41, won the Melbourne Marathon with a time of 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 10 seconds, setting a new course record. This was his 17th career win over the distance and his first since the Berlin Marathon in 2023.

Kipchoge stated that 'my body is still peaking' and that he remains competitive with the next generation of athletes. He expressed pride in running alongside younger runners and inspiring the local running community.

The race route included a section along the Australian Formula One track at Albert Park and concluded inside the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Kipchoge slowed down near the MCG to wave to fans, noting the unique experience of running on a cricket ground.

Thomas do Canto of Australia finished second in 2:10:35, with Reece Edwards of Australia third. In the women's race, Camille French of New Zealand won in 2:28:25, followed by Sinead Diver of Australia and Nichola Sheridan of Ireland.

The Melbourne Marathon was the third leg of Kipchoge's world tour, which aims to complete a marathon on all seven continents, including Antarctica, over two years. Each event raises funds for the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation, which supports education, environmental sustainability, and health.

Kipchoge is regarded as one of the greatest long-distance runners, with two Olympic marathon golds, a silver and bronze in the 5000m, a world title, 12 World Marathon Major victories, and two official world records.