Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge has hailed the unity and energy of Melbourne residents after winning the Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival in Australia.
The 41-year-old Kenyan clocked 2:09:08 to claim victory and set a new course record, adding another milestone to his illustrious career as he continues his global running tour.
In a heartfelt message after the race, Kipchoge said the victory was made more memorable by the enthusiastic reception from spectators, the experience of running on the Formula One track and finishing inside the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
“Melbourne, what a special day. To win in your streets and set a new course record makes me very proud. But what makes this day even more special is everything we experienced together,” Kipchoge said.
He praised the thousands of supporters who lined the streets to cheer on the runners, saying the atmosphere made the event about more than competition.
“The incredible energy in the streets, the thousands of people cheering us on, running on the F1 track and finishing inside the iconic MCG. It is a feeling that is hard to put into words,” he said.
Kipchoge, a five-time Olympic medallist and one of the most celebrated figures in long-distance running, said the Melbourne experience had reinforced his belief that running could bring people together regardless of their backgrounds.
“I have always believed that running has the power to unite people, no matter where we come from. Today, Melbourne showed me once again that this is bigger than sport and how beautiful it is when we come together,” he said.
The marathoner thanked the participants, spectators and organisers who contributed to the event, saying their support had made the occasion unforgettable.
“Thank you to every runner, every supporter and everyone who made this day so unforgettable. You have given me memories I will carry with me forever,” he said.
He concluded his message with a tribute to the spirit of togetherness he experienced in the Australian city.
“Melbourne, we are one.”
The victory marked the third stop on Kipchoge’s Eliud World Tour, a five-race initiative through which he hopes to inspire people around the world to embrace running and promote the sport beyond elite competition.
Through the tour, the Kenyan great is seeking to use his experience and achievements to encourage individuals and communities to take up running, highlighting its potential to promote unity, wellbeing and shared experiences.
His Melbourne triumph adds to a career that has established him as one of the greatest marathon runners in history.
Kipchoge won Olympic marathon gold medals at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro and 2020 Tokyo Games and held the men's marathon world record from 2018 until 2022.
At 41, his latest victory demonstrates his continued commitment to competing at the highest level while using his platform to inspire a wider running community.
