Eliud Kipchoge has continued to defy age after setting a course record at the Melbourne Marathon in Australia at 41, clocking 2:09:10 to claim his 17th career marathon victory.
The two-time Olympic champion secured his first marathon win since the 2023 Berlin Marathon, underlining his determination to compete against younger runners.
Reflecting on his performance, Kipchoge expressed confidence in his ability to remain competitive.
“I believe that my body is still peaking, still able to compete with the next generation,” he said. “The oldest athlete is still competing, but I am happy to run with the Gen Zs.”
The race featured a unique route that included sections of the Australian Formula One circuit at Albert Park before finishing inside the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Kipchoge slowed down inside the stadium to wave at spectators as he approached the finish line, describing the experience as different from other races.
“On the course, it was really wonderful. I enjoyed seeing people standing, cheering and shouting my name. It was actually different, running on a beautiful course, but also running on the Formula One track, and above all else, finishing on a cricket ground,” he said.
“It makes me proud to run with the younger generation and inspire the running community in Melbourne.”
Australian runner Thomas do Canto finished second in 2:10:35, followed by compatriot Reece Edwards in third place.
In the women’s race, New Zealand’s Camille French won in 2:28:25, ahead of Australia’s Sinead Diver and Ireland’s Nichola Sheridan.
Melbourne is the third stop on Kipchoge’s global marathon tour, an initiative aimed at running marathons across all seven continents, including Antarctica, over two years.
The project also supports the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation, which focuses on education, environmental sustainability and health initiatives.