Two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge has declared that his body is still reaching peak performance after winning the Melbourne Marathon in a course-record time at the age of 41.
The Kenyan distance-running legend crossed the finish line in two hours, nine minutes and 10 seconds, securing his 17th career victory over the marathon distance and his first since triumphing at the Berlin Marathon in 2023.
Despite his age, Kipchoge believes he remains capable of competing against younger athletes and inspiring the next generation of runners.
“I believe that my body is still peaking – still able to compete with the next generation,” Kipchoge said.
“The oldest athlete is still competing, but I am happy to run with the Gen Zs.”
The race offered a unique experience, with parts of the course running along the Albert Park circuit used for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix before finishing inside the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Kipchoge praised the atmosphere created by spectators lining the route, revealing that their support made the occasion particularly memorable. He even slowed down inside the stadium to wave to fans as he approached the finish line.
“On the course, it was really wonderful; I enjoyed seeing people standing, cheering, and shouting my name,” he added.
“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.
“It makes me proud to run with the younger generation and inspire the running community in Melbourne.”
Australian runner Thomas do Canto finished second in 2:10:35, while compatriot Reece Edwards secured third place.
In the women’s race, New Zealand’s Camille French claimed victory in 2:28:25, finishing ahead of Australia’s Sinead Diver and Ireland’s Nichola Sheridan.
The Melbourne Marathon also marked the third stop on Kipchoge’s ambitious global running tour, through which he aims to complete a marathon on all seven continents, including Antarctica, over a two-year period.
Beyond the sporting challenge, each race is designed to raise 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 won two Olympic marathon gold medals and also secured silver and bronze medals in the 5,000 metres.
His remarkable career includes a world championship title, 12 World Marathon Major victories and two official marathon world records.
In 2019, he made history in Vienna, Austria, by becoming the first person to run a marathon in under two hours, clocking an unofficial time of 1:59:40 under specially arranged conditions.
His latest triumph in Melbourne further reinforces his remarkable longevity and determination to compete at the highest level, even as he continues to challenge the limits of age in elite distance running.
