Kipchoge Ends Three-Year Marathon Drought with Melbourne Victory

Eliud Kipchoge returned to the top of the marathon podium on Sunday, winning the Melbourne race in Australia in 2:09:10.

The result gave the 41-year-old Kenyan his first marathon victory in three years, following his previous win in Berlin in 2023. His time was also two seconds inside the race record.

Kipchoge separated from the leading group inside the final 10 kilometres and held his advantage through the finish at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The course included sections of the Australian Formula One track at Albert Park before concluding inside the stadium.

Melbourne marks third tour stop

The race was the third stop in Kipchoge’s World Tour campaign, following earlier events in South Africa and Brazil. In 2025, he announced plans to run marathons on all seven continents, including Antarctica, over a two-year period. The campaign is intended to raise funds for causes he supports.

After the race, Kipchoge said he had enjoyed the atmosphere and the course. “On the course, it was really wonderful; I enjoyed seeing people standing, cheering, and shouting my name,” he said.

He also highlighted the unusual route, saying it was different because it combined a Formula One circuit with a finish at a cricket ground.

Kipchoge said he believed his body remained capable of competing with younger athletes. He described his approach as increasing the pace after 30 kilometres to test whether he could run strongly and challenge the race record.

Australian runners complete men’s podium

Australia’s Thomas Do Canto finished second in 2:10:35, while compatriot Reece Edwards took third in 2:14:33.

New Zealand’s Camille French won the women’s race in 2:28:25. Australia’s Sinead Diver was second in 2:28:49, followed by Ireland’s Nichola Sheridan in 2:29:13.