Two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge has reaffirmed his belief that he can still compete with the world’s best runners after setting a course record at the Melbourne Marathon in Australia at the age of 41.
The Kenyan crossed the finish line in 2:09:10, securing his 17th career marathon victory and his first since winning the Berlin Marathon in 2023.
Speaking after the race, Kipchoge expressed confidence in his physical condition and his ability to remain competitive against younger athletes.
“I believe that my body is still peaking — still able to compete with the next generation,” he said.
“The oldest athlete is still competing, but I am happy to run with the Gen Zs.”
A memorable finish at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The Melbourne Marathon offered a distinctive setting, with runners covering sections of the Albert Park Formula One circuit before finishing inside the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Kipchoge praised the atmosphere, highlighting the encouragement he received from spectators lining the route.
“On the course, it was really wonderful. I enjoyed seeing people standing, cheering and shouting my name,” he said.
The Kenyan slowed down inside the MCG to wave to the crowd as he approached the finish.
He also described the experience of running on the Formula One circuit and completing the race at a major cricket venue as something special.
Kipchoge said he was proud to compete alongside younger athletes and hoped his performance would inspire Melbourne’s running community.
Do Canto Finishes Second As French Wins Women’s Race.
Australia’s Thomas do Canto finished second in the men’s race in 2:10:35, while compatriot Reece Edwards secured third place.
New Zealand’s Camille French won the women’s marathon in 2:28:25.
Australia’s Sinead Diver finished second, with Ireland’s Nichola Sheridan taking third.
Global marathon tour with a charitable mission
The Melbourne race marked the third leg of Kipchoge’s ambitious global marathon tour, through which he aims to complete a marathon on all seven continents, including Antarctica, over two years.
The initiative is designed to raise funds for the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation, which focuses on education, environmental sustainability and health.
The project adds a charitable dimension to the career of an athlete whose achievements have made him one of the defining figures in modern distance running.
A legacy of Olympic gold and historic performances,
Kipchoge won Olympic marathon gold at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, cementing his status among the sport’s greatest athletes.
His honours also include a world championship title, 12 World Marathon Major victories and two official marathon world records.
In October 2019, he became the first person to complete the marathon distance in under two hours, clocking 1:59:40 in Vienna under specially controlled conditions.
The performance was not recognised as an official world record because it was achieved under conditions that did not meet standard competition requirements.
At 41, his Melbourne triumph adds another milestone to a remarkable career and reinforces his determination to continue competing while inspiring the next generation of distance runners.
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Editor: Nkoli Omhoudu
