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Two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge says “his body is still peaking” after winning the Melbourne Marathon in a course record time at the age of 41.<\/b><\/p>\n
The Kenyan crossed the line in two hours nine minutes 10 seconds for his 17th career win over the distance and first since the Berlin Marathon in 2023.<\/p>\n
“I believe that my body is still peaking – still able to compete with the next generation,” Kipchoge said.<\/p>\n
“The oldest athlete is still competing but I am happy to run with the Gen Zs.”<\/p>\n
The course was partly raced along the Australian Formula One track at Albert Park and finished inside the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).<\/p>\n
“On the course, it was really wonderful, I enjoyed seeing people standing, cheering, and shouting my name,” added Kipchoge, who slowed down inside the MCG to wave to the fans.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“It makes me proud to run with the younger generation and inspire the running community in Melbourne.”<\/p>\n
Australian Thomas do Canto was runner-up in 2:10:35, with compatriot Reece Edwards third.<\/p>\n
New Zealand’s Camille French won the women’s race in 2:28:25, followed by Australian Sinead Diver and Nichola Sheridan of Ireland.<\/p>\n
The Melbourne Marathon was the third leg on Kipchoge’s world tour, on which he hopes to complete a marathon on all seven continents, including Antarctica, over two years.<\/p>\n
Each marathon will raise funds for the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation, which focuses on education, environmental sustainability and health.<\/p>\n
Kipchoge is considered one of the greatest long-distance runners of all time, winning two Olympic marathon golds, plus a silver and bronze over 5000m.<\/p>\n
His honours also include a world title, 12 World Marathon Major victories and two official world records.<\/p>\n