Kipchoge, 41, wins Melbourne Marathon in record time, first marathon victory in three years

Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya won the Melbourne Marathon on Sunday. His time was 2 hours, 9 minutes and 10 seconds, a record for the event. The Guardian called it a race record. Reuters called it a course record.

Kipchoge is 41 and a two-time Olympic champion. Both outlets said it was his first marathon win in three years. The reports do not say where or when his previous win took place.

Race details

According to Reuters, it was Kipchoge's 17th win over the marathon distance. The Guardian reported that he beat the previous race mark by two seconds, on a new course. The reports do not name the previous record holder or say when that mark was set. They also do not include official results or a statement from race organisers.

According to The Guardian, the race was Kipchoge's Melbourne Marathon debut and finished at the MCG. Former Australian professional cyclist Jimmy Whelan ran with him until about 30km. Kipchoge then pulled away. Whelan finished fifth. Australia's Thomas Do Canto was second in 2:10:35.

New Zealand's Camille French won the women's race in 2:28:25, according to The Guardian. Australia's Sinead Diver was second. Australia's Seth O'Donnell and New Zealand's Georgie Gregec won the half-marathon titles.

The Guardian reported that Melbourne is the third leg of Kipchoge's world tour. He plans to run a marathon on each continent, including Antarctica. The reports do not identify the first two legs. The Guardian describes him as a former world record-holder. It said he finished ninth at the 2025 Sydney Marathon.

What each side says

The Guardian said Kipchoge was mobbed by media at the finish. It quoted him as saying: "I believe that my body is still peaking – still able to compete with the next generation. The oldest athlete is still competing but I am happy to run with the gen Zs."

Kipchoge said he raised the pace after 30km to try to beat the record. "My plan went well," The Guardian quoted him as saying. He also praised the crowd: "The crowd is so wonderful – I’ve never seen a crowd like this." He said he will return to Melbourne to watch tennis, Formula One and cricket.

Separate incident near the route

According to The Guardian, a car struck a woman near Flinders Street station earlier on Sunday. The location was about 200 metres from the marathon route. The woman was taken to Royal Melbourne Hospital. Her condition was not known. Citing unspecified reports, The Guardian said the car, which had been seen driving erratically, hit the woman at about 10.45am. According to those reports, nearby police officers drew their weapons, and the car then made a U-turn and drove away. The Guardian does not describe any link to the marathon. The reports do not include an official police account or say whether anyone was arrested.

Analysis

At 41, Kipchoge presented the win as proof he can still compete with younger rivals. He says his body is still peaking. A single win on a new course is limited evidence either way, and the reports do not include official results. His continent-by-continent tour suggests his focus may now be broader than chasing fast times. Future races could show whether Melbourne marks a lasting return to form or a single strong performance. Separately, the reports leave key questions open about the Flinders Street incident. An official police account would be needed to clarify what happened.

Produced by the Vocemundi newsroom with AI assistance.