Eliud Kipchoge described his Melbourne Marathon victory as a day he will remember forever after setting a course record and soaking up the support on the streets of the Australian city.
The 41-year-old Kenyan clocked 2:09:10 on Sunday to claim his 17th career marathon victory and his first since Berlin in 2023.
He broke away inside the final 10km and acknowledged the cheering spectators as he approached the finish inside the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, lowering the previous course record by two seconds.
But in his reflections afterwards, Kipchoge’s focus extended well beyond the result.
‘Melbourne, what a special day’
Writing on his Instagram page, Kipchoge said: “Melbourne, what a special day. To win in your streets and set a new course record makes me very proud. But what makes this day even more special is everything we experienced together.
“The incredible energy in the streets, the thousands of people cheering us on, running on the F1 track and finishing inside the iconic MCG. It is a feeling that is hard to put into words.”
Australian Thomas do Canto was runner-up in 2:10:35, with compatriot Reece Edwards third in 2:15:57.
For Kipchoge, however, the shared experience was central to a victory which brought another memorable chapter in his remarkable career.
“I have always believed that running has the power to unite people, no matter where we come from,” he continued.
“Today, Melbourne showed me once again that this is bigger than sport and how beautiful it is when we come together. Thank you to every runner, every supporter and everyone who made this day so unforgettable. You have given me memories I will carry with me forever.
“Melbourne, we are one.”
Seven continents, one ambition
Melbourne was the third leg of Kipchoge’s world tour, through which he aims to complete a marathon on all seven continents, including Antarctica, over two years.
As we reported when he announced the project, the adventure combines his continuing competitive ambitions with a mission to inspire runners and support communities around the world.
The tour aims to raise US$1million for the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation, supporting education and environmental causes, with each continent’s event also helping local projects.
His message from Melbourne captured that ambition perfectly: a course record to celebrate, but also thousands of people brought together through running.
