Double Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge declared that his body is still peaking after securing victory at the Melbourne Marathon with a new course record at the age of 41.
The Kenyan athlete crossed the finish line in two hours, nine minutes, and 10 seconds, marking his 17th career victory over the distance and his first win since the Berlin Marathon in 2023.
Kipchoge expressed confidence in his athletic longevity, stating that he believes his body remains capable of competing alongside the next generation. He noted that while he is an older competitor, he is glad to run alongside younger athletes.
The race route partially traversed the Australian Formula One track at Albert Park before concluding inside the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Kipchoge praised the atmosphere, noting the enthusiasm of the crowds cheering his name and explaining that he slowed down inside the stadium to wave to supporters.
In the men's competition, Australian Thomas do Canto finished as runner-up with a time of two hours, 10 minutes, and 35 seconds, while his compatriot Reece Edwards placed third. Meanwhile, New Zealand's Camille French secured victory in the women's race in two hours, 28 minutes, and 25 seconds, followed by Australian Sinead Diver and Ireland's Nichola Sheridan.
The Melbourne Marathon serves as the third leg of Kipchoge's world tour, during which he aims to complete marathons across all seven continents, including Antarctica, over a two-year span. Each event on the tour raises funds for the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation, which supports initiatives in education, environmental sustainability, and health.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest long-distance runners in history, Kipchoge has earned two Olympic marathon gold medals, alongside an Olympic silver and bronze in the 5,000 meters. His decorated career also includes a world title, 12 World Marathon Major victories, and two official world records. In 2019, he became the first person to complete a marathon in under two hours under special conditions in Vienna, finishing with an unofficial time of one hour, 59 minutes, and 40 seconds.