Eliud Kipchoge wins first marathon in three years with record-breaking Melbourne run

Eliud Kipchoge, the 41-year-old Kenyan marathon runner, made a triumphant return to the track after a three-year hiatus with a record-breaking performance in Melbourne. Kipchoge, who previously won the Berlin marathon in September 2023, set a new course record with a time of 2:09:10, finishing the race two seconds faster than the previous best. The celebration began immediately after his victory as Kipchoge was greeted by a throng of cheering fans and media at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

The previous record, set by his compatriot Timothy Kiplagat Ronoh in 2022, was eclipsed by the veteran athlete, who took the lead with just over 10 kilometers to go. Kipchoge's strategy involved accelerating after the 30km mark to test his limits and secure the record. His belief in his peak physical condition allowed him to compete with the younger generation. Kipchoge expressed his appreciation for Melbourne's vibrant sporting culture and his satisfaction in running alongside the younger athletes.

Eliud Kipchoge's world tour is an ambitious project where he is running a marathon on every continent. Melbourne marked the third stop on his global marathon tour. In the women's race, New Zealand's Camille French emerged as the winner with a time of 2:28:25.