Kipchoge set to make debut in Australian City Marathon four months after London test

Two-time Olympic Marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge is set to headline the Sydney Marathon on August 31, marking his first-ever race in Oceania.

The Kenyan great, widely regarded as the ‘Greatest Marathoner of All Time, will make his Sydney debut just four months after competing in the London Marathon on April 27.

Sydney was recently elevated to the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors circuit, joining Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York. Kipchoge is the most successful athlete in the series with 13 victories.

Expressing his excitement, Kipchoge said Sydney would offer him a fresh challenge.

“I am so excited. This is not only my first time racing the Sydney Marathon, but also my first time running in Oceania,” Kipchoge said. Apart from being a new challenge, Kipchoge reckons that the race offers a unique cultural experience.

“Running is my way to explore the spirit of a place. My feet connect with the ground, the pulse beneath my feet. I am heading to Sydney to feel the heartbeat of this ancient land and connect with its people.”

“It’s a powerful new experience like this that makes me feel alive. I can’t wait to run in Sydney,” he added.

Kipchoge will run in Sydney right after his appearance at the London Marathon set for April 27. At 40, Kipchoge continues to dominate the global marathon scene.

He will arrive in Sydney after yet another test in London, a course where he has already claimed four titles. His maiden triumph came in 2015, where he cut the tape in 2:04:42 to lead an all Kenyan podium finish with Wilson Kipsang (2:04:47) and Dennis Kimetto (2:05:50) completing the podium.

He followed it up with a title defence in 2016, finishing in 2:03:05 to beat compatriot Stanley Biwott (2:03:51) and Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia (2:06:36).

His other triumphs came in 2018 (2:04:17) and 2019 (2:02:37). Beyond London, Kipchoge boasts an unrivalled five Berlin Marathon victories, becoming only the first person in history to secure such a feat.

His first title in Berlin was in 2015, where he stormed to a 2:04:00 finish with Eliud Kiptanui (2:05:21) and Ethiopia’s Feyisa Lilesa (2:06:57) second and third.

In 2017, he claimed his second title clocking 2:03:32 before going on to set a then World record of 2:01:39 in the 2018 edition.

During the 2022 edition, Kipchoge shuttered his own World record to clock 2:01:09 with Mark Korir (2:05:58) and Ethiopia’s Tadu Abate (2:06:28) completing the podium.

He defended his crown the following year, finishing in 2:02:42 with Vincent Kipkemoi (2:03:13) and Tadese Takele of Ethiopia (2:03:24) second and third.

His trophy cabinet further includes triumphs in Chicago 2014 (2:04:11), Tokyo 2021 (2:02:40) and a runners-up finish in Berlin 2013 (2:04:05).

Kipchoge’s legacy is further cemented by his two Olympic gold medals—from Rio 2016 (2:08:44) and Tokyo 2020 (2:08:38)—making him only the third man in history to win back-to-back Olympic marathon titles.