MELBOURNE — Kenya’s two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge won the Melbourne Marathon in a course-record time of two hours, nine minutes and 10 seconds on Sunday, securing his 17th victory over the distance at the age of 41.
Kipchoge is attempting to run a marathon on all seven continents over two years. He began the challenge at the Cape Town Marathon in May.
The Melbourne victory was his first marathon win in three years, since he claimed a record 11th major title at the Berlin Marathon in 2023.
“I believe that my body is still peaking — still able to compete with the next generation,” Kipchoge told reporters after the race.
“The oldest athlete is still competing but I am happy to run with the Gen Zs. I increased the pace after 30 km, to see whether I can run well and beat the race record. My plan went well,” he added.
Australian Thomas Do Canto finished second in 2:10:35, while compatriot Reece Edwards took third in 2:14:33.
New Zealand’s Camille French won the women’s race in 2:28:25. Australia’s Sinead Diver finished second in 2:28:49, followed by Ireland’s Nichola Sheridan in 2:29:13.
Kipchoge’s course-record performance added another victory to his marathon career as he continued his bid to compete across all seven continents.
