Eliud Kipchoge breaks course record at 41 in Melbourne Marathon victory

Double Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge claimed his 17th career marathon victory at the Melbourne Marathon, setting a course record at age 41. The Kenyan runner crossed the finish line in two hours nine minutes 10 seconds, ending a three-year winless streak that began after the Berlin Marathon in 2023.

The result marks his 12th World Marathon Major title. Kipchoge stressed that his physical condition remains strong despite his age. "I believe that my body is still peaking - still able to compete with the next generation," he said. The performance keeps him competitive against younger runners and maintains his standing in long-distance racing.

The route followed the Albert Park Formula One track before finishing inside the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Kipchoge slowed his pace near the end to acknowledge the cheering crowds. The layout combined professional motorsport infrastructure with a traditional sporting venue.

Australian Thomas do Canto finished second in 2:10:35, with compatriot Reece Edwards taking third place. New Zealander Camille French won the women's division in 2:28:25, followed by Australians Sinead Diver and Ireland's Nichola Sheridan.

This race serves as the third leg of a two-year global campaign. Kipchoge plans to complete a marathon on every continent, including Antarctica. Each event raises money for the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation, which supports education, environmental sustainability and health initiatives.

The 41-year-old holds two Olympic marathon gold medals, an Olympic silver and bronze in the 5000m, a world title and two official world records. In 2019, he became the first person to break the two-hour marathon barrier under special conditions, recording one hour 59 minutes 40 seconds.