Kenyan marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge won his first marathon in three years, finishing ahead of the field in Melbourne, Australia. The two-time Olympic champion completed the course in 2 hours 9 minutes 10 seconds, two seconds faster than the race record.
It was Kipchoge's first marathon victory since Berlin 2023 and part of a "World Tour" campaign to raise funds for causes he supports.
The 41-year-old former world record holder announced in 2025 a plan to complete a marathon on all seven continents, including Antarctica, within two years. Melbourne was the third stop after South Africa and Brazil.
Kipchoge broke away from the pack over the final 10km on a route that ran in part along the Formula 1 circuit at Albert Park, before finishing inside the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
"On the course, everything was amazing; I love seeing people standing and cheering and calling my name," Kipchoge said, looking fresh at the finish. He said he could have run faster but slowed at the MCG to wave to fans.
"It was really a different experience — running on a beautiful course, running on a Formula 1 track, and above all finishing in a cricket stadium," he added.
"I believe my body is still at its peak — I can still compete with the next generation. The oldest athlete is still competing, but I'm happy to run with you Gen Z. I sped up after 30km to see if I could run well and break the course record. My plan worked out well."
In the men's race, Australia's Thomas Do Canto finished second in 2:10:35, with compatriot Reece Edwards third in 2:14:33.
In the women's race, New Zealand's Camille French won in 2:28:25, followed by Australia's Sinead Diver in 2:28:49 and Ireland's Nichola Sheridan in 2:29:13.
