Double Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge says his “body is still in tip-top shape” after winning the Melbourne marathon in record time at the age of 41.
The Kenyan crossed the finish line in two hours nine minutes 10 seconds for his 17th career victory over this distance and the first since the Berlin Marathon in 2023.
“I believe my body is still in the best shape, still able to compete with the next generation,” Kipchoge said.
“The older athlete is still competing but I’m happy to run with Generation Z.”
The course took place partly on the Australian Formula 1 track at Albert Park and finished inside the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
“On the course it was really wonderful, I loved seeing people standing, clapping and shouting my name,” added Kipchoge, who slowed down inside the MCG to greet the fans.
“It was actually different: racing on a beautiful course, but also racing on the Formula 1 track and, above all, finishing on a cricket pitch.
“It makes me proud to run with the younger generation and inspire Melbourne’s running community.”
Australian Thomas do Canto finished second in 2:10:35, while his compatriot Reece Edwards was third.
New Zealand’s Camille French won the women’s race in 2:28:25, followed by Australia’s Sinead Diver and Ireland’s Nichola Sheridan.
The Melbourne marathon was the third leg of Kipchoge’s world tour, during which he hopes to complete a marathon on all seven continents, including Antarctica, over two years.
Each marathon will raise funds for the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation, which focuses on education, environmental sustainability and health.
Kipchoge is considered one of the greatest long-distance runners of all time, winning two Olympic gold medals in the marathon, as well as a silver and a bronze in the 5,000m.
His honors also include a world title, 12 World Marathon Major victories and two official world records.
In 2019, he became the first to break the two-hour marathon barrier in special conditions in Vienna, achieving an unofficial time of one hour 59 minutes 40 seconds.
Gn sports
