Melbourne:Two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge claimed victory at the Melbourne Marathon, setting a new course record at the age of 41.
According to Ghana Web, the Kenyan runner completed the race in two hours, nine minutes, and 10 seconds, marking his 17th career marathon win and his first since the 2023 Berlin Marathon. Kipchoge expressed confidence in his ability to compete with younger athletes, stating, "My body is still peaking."
The marathon course included a section along the Australian Formula One track at Albert Park and concluded inside the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Kipchoge enjoyed the experience, noting the support from spectators and the unique setting. "It was actually different - running on a beautiful course, but also running on the Formula One track, and above all else, finishing on a cricket ground," he remarked.
Australian Thomas do Canto finished in second place with a time of 21035, while fellow Australian Reece Edwards came in third. In the women's race, New Zealand's Camille French secured victory, followed by Australians Sinead Diver and Nichola Sheridan of Ireland.
The Melbourne Marathon is part of Kipchoge's larger goal to complete marathons on all seven continents, including Antarctica, over two years. This initiative aims to raise funds for the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation, which focuses on education, environmental sustainability, and health. Kipchoge's illustrious career includes multiple Olympic medals, a world title, and setting two official world records. In 2019, he made history by becoming the first person to break the two-hour marathon barrier under special conditions in Vienna.