Eliud Kipchoge wins Melbourne Marathon in record time

Record Win

Eliud Kipchoge won the Melbourne Marathon on Sunday in a record time of two hours nine minutes and 10 seconds. The 41-year-old Kenyan broke the old race mark by two seconds on a new course to secure his first marathon win in three years. Former Australian professional cyclist Jimmy Whelan stayed with the dual Olympic champion and former world record-holder until about the 30-kilometre mark. Kipchoge then increased his pace to pull away, though he could have finished even faster while waving to fans during the final half-lap inside the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Podium And Other Results

Australia's Thomas Do Canto finished as runner-up with a time of two hours 10 minutes and 35 seconds, while fellow Australian Reece Edwards came third in 2,15:57 and Jimmy Whelan placed fifth. In the women's division, New Zealand runner Camille French took first place in two hours 28 minutes and 25 seconds. Australia's Sinead Diver finished second, 23 seconds behind the winner, with Irish runner Nichola Sheridan taking third. In the half-marathon events, Seth O'Donnell of Australia and Georgie Gregec of New Zealand claimed the men's and women's titles respectively.

World Tour And Reactions

Kipchoge spent over half an hour celebrating with fans along the MCG boundary fence after the race. He noted that his body is still peaking and expressed joy about competing against younger runners, stating he is happy to run with the generation Z athletes. The event marks his second visit to Australia, following a ninth-place finish in the 2025 Sydney Marathon. His Melbourne appearance forms part of an ongoing world tour where he plans to run a marathon on all seven continents, including Antarctica.

Context

Elite marathon runners often plan global tours to race in diverse locations outside of standard championship events, combining elite competition with community engagement. The Melbourne Marathon is one of Australia's premier long-distance running events, drawing top international athletes alongside thousands of local participants. Finishing inside the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground connects modern endurance racing with the city's deep sporting heritage, which includes hosting events like the 1956 Olympic Games.