Kenyan great Kipchoge wins first marathon in three years

Kenyan marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge secured his first victory in three years on Sunday, triumphing at the Melbourne Marathon with a time of 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 10 seconds. This feat not only marked his return to the winning side after Berlin in 2023, but also marked the conclusion of his ambitious global tour. The 41-year-old, who holds the record for the most marathon victories, initially announced his intention to complete marathons on all seven continents, including Antarctica, within a two-year span in 2025.

The race, which Kipchoge began breaking away from in the final 10 kilometers on a course that included the Australian Formula One track at Albert Park and concluded at Melbourne Cricket Ground, saw the champion express gratitude for the enthusiastic support he received from the crowd. Despite his desire to increase the pace, Kipchoge decided to slow down near the MCG to wave to his fans.

He was eager to reconnect with the younger generation of runners and inspire the local running community. At the finish line, Kipchoge was closely followed by Thomas Do Canto of Australia, who finished in 2:10:35, while Camille French of New Zealand won the women's race in 2:28:25.