Kenyan great Kipchoge wins first marathon in three years

MELBOURNE: Two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge claimed his first marathon victory in three years on Sunday, finishing the race in 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 10 seconds at Melbourne. This marked the first time Kipchoge crossed the finish line under the race's record, achieved two seconds prior. The accomplished runner, 41 years old, had not participated in a marathon since Berlin in 2023.

Kipchoge, a trailblazer, recently announced his intention to complete marathons on all seven continents, including Antarctica, over the course of two years. The marathon took place at three locations - South Africa, Brazil, and Melbourne - with the latter serving as a climax to his World Tour aiming to raise funds for causes close to his heart.

Kipchoge, breaking away in the final 10 kilometers on a course that included Australia's Formula One track at Albert Park, before concluding at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, expressed delight in witnessing the enthusiastic support from the crowd. He mentioned feeling proud to run alongside the younger generation and inspire the local running community.

Thomas Do Canto of Australia came in second place with a time of 2 hours, 10 minutes, and 35 seconds, while Camille French of New Zealand claimed victory in the women's race with a time of 2 hours, 28 minutes, and 25 seconds.