Eliud Kipchoge continues writing golden pages in the history of athletics. The legendary Kenyan runner, regarded as one of the greatest marathoners of all time, prevailed this Sunday at the Melbourne Marathon (Australia) with a time of 2:09:10, setting a new course record and adding his 17th victory in the 42.195 kilometers.
At 41 years old, the double Olympic marathon champion has shown he still possesses the strength to compete at the highest level. His triumph in Melbourne also marks the third stage of his ambitious project Eliud’s Running World, an initiative that aims to run a marathon on every continent over a period of three years.
The athlete from the dsm-firmenich Running Team delivered a display of experience, control and endurance through the streets of the Australian city. From the early kilometers he appeared calm and confident, even offering gestures of gratitude, giving a thumbs-up to the thousands of fans who lined the course.
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Kipchoge Breaks Away Before Kilometer 27
The race began with a leading group of three at the front, consisting of Kipchoge and the Australians Thomas Do Canto and James Whelan. The trio passed the halfway point in 1:04:18, a pace that hinted at a second half that would be particularly demanding.
The first to lose contact was Do Canto, who ceded around kilometer 22. The victory then narrowed to a head-to-head between Kipchoge and Whelan, who tried to resist the pace set by the Kenyan.
Nevertheless, shortly before kilometer 27, Kipchoge decided to unleash his decisive attack. With a forceful progression, he quickly opened a gap over his rival and faced the final 15 kilometers alone, with no one capable of threatening his triumph.
The closing image was especially moving. Amid the cheers of thousands of spectators, Kipchoge crossed the finish line at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the iconic stadium that hosted the 1956 Olympic Games.
“Today Has Been Much More Than Sport”
visibly overcome with emotion after his victory, Kipchoge underscored the significance of a day that allowed him to advance his world tour and to connect with a new generation of runners.
“I am proud to run alongside the younger generations and to inspire the Melbourne running community.”
“Today has been much more than sport. It has been the energy of the city, the enormous support along the route, running with so many other runners and a spectacular finish at the MCG. There are no words to describe that feeling. Thank you, Melbourne,” the Kenyan athlete added.
With this victory, Kipchoge continues to expand an extraordinary résumé and proves that, beyond the records and Olympic titles, his passion for the marathon remains intact.
