Running News Daily

MELBOURNE, Australia — Kenyan marathon great Eliud Kipchoge added another memorable chapter to his illustrious career on Sunday, October 11, 2026, winning the Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival in a course-record time of 2:09:10

The victory further underlined the 41-year-old's enduring class and competitive spirit as he continues his ambitious global project, Eliud’s Running World, a three-year journey aimed at completing a marathon on every continent.

Kipchoge's performance delivered another milestone in a career defined by extraordinary consistency, historic achievements and an unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of distance running. His Melbourne triumph marked the 17th marathon victory of his career, adding another prestigious result to a remarkable record on the roads.

Kipchoge's Melbourne triumph was particularly significant as it marked his return to the top of the marathon podium three years after his previous marathon victory in Berlin in 2023. At 41, the Kenyan legend demonstrated that experience, discipline and an enduring passion for running can continue to produce exceptional performances at the highest level. His course-record time of 2:09:10 was a powerful reminder of his remarkable longevity in a sport that demands extraordinary physical and mental strength.

Australia's Thomas Do Canto finished second in 2:10:35, while compatriot Reece Edwards took third in 2:14:33, completing an all-Australian finish behind the Kenyan champion. For Kipchoge, the victory represented more than another achievement in his decorated career; it was another opportunity to inspire runners of all ages and reinforce his belief in the unifying power of the sport. His Melbourne success added fresh momentum to his global running tour and reaffirmed his status as one of the most influential marathon runners in history.

The Kenyan star broke away from his rivals in the closing stages of the 42.195-kilometre race before crossing the finish line inside the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). His official finishing time of 2:09:10 set a new course record, improving the previous mark of 2:09:12 established by Timothy Ronoh in 2022.  

Melbourne represented the third stop on Kipchoge's ambitious Eliud's Running World journey. The project began with the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in South Africa in May, followed by the NB42K Porto Alegre Marathon in Brazil in July. His latest appearance took the initiative to Oceania, bringing one of the greatest figures in distance-running history to Melbourne's passionate running community.

Kipchoge's Melbourne appearance was about much more than chasing another victory. The Kenyan legend embraced the city's running culture, sharing the course with runners of different abilities and inspiring the next generation through his presence. His course-record performance provided a fitting highlight to a day that celebrated the power of running to bring people together, with enthusiastic spectators lining the route and the spectacular finish at the Melbourne Cricket Ground adding to the occasion.

Reflecting on the experience, Kipchoge expressed his pride in winning a new race record while continuing his global mission to inspire runners and communities around the world. He also praised the tremendous support he received throughout the race, describing the atmosphere in Melbourne as an unforgettable experience that went beyond the competition itself.

“Today was such a special day, not only running my third World Tour, but also winning in a new race record. It makes me proud to run with the younger generation and inspire the running community in Melbourne. Today was about more than sport. It was about the energy of the city, the huge support along the race route, running alongside so many other runners, and a stunning finish at the MCG. No words can describe that feeling. Thank you, Melbourne.”

The two-time Olympic marathon champion has built a legacy through his remarkable achievements, including becoming the first man to complete a marathon in under two hours during the INEOS 1:59 Challenge in 2019, although that performance was not eligible for an official world record.

At 41, Kipchoge continues to demonstrate his love for the sport, using his global journey to promote running as a force for unity, inspiration and positive change across communities and continents.

His Melbourne victory was therefore more than another addition to his impressive collection of marathon wins. It was a statement of continued competitiveness and a celebration of a career that has helped shape modern marathon running.

With four continental stops remaining on his seven-continent mission, Kipchoge's journey is far from over. His latest triumph in Australia has provided another compelling chapter in the story of a champion whose influence extends well beyond the finish line.

 

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA — The countdown is almost over. On Sunday, October 11, Eliud Kipchoge will return to marathon racing in Australia as the legendary Kenyan takes the next step in his extraordinary seven-continent world tour.

The two-time Olympic marathon champion will headline the 2026 Nike Melbourne Marathon, marking the third stop of his global journey after opening the project in Cape Town in May before travelling to Porto Alegre, Brazil, in July. Melbourne now becomes the next chapter in a remarkable mission designed to take one of the greatest marathoners in history across all seven continents.

And for Kipchoge, the Melbourne visit carries a message that reaches beyond the marathon itself.

Reflecting on the history of the Olympic city, Kipchoge drew inspiration from an extraordinary moment in 1956, when a 17-year-old boy named Ian (John Wing) encouraged Melbourne to come together and walk during the Olympic Games.

“In 1956, a 17-year-old kid called Ian (John Wing) told Melbourne to walk together during the Olympic Games. Seventy years down the line, I am going to tell the people of Melbourne, let us run together,” Kipchoge said.

The message perfectly captures the spirit behind his latest global adventure — using running not simply as competition, but as a way of bringing people together, inspiring communities and connecting different parts of the world through the sport he has devoted his life to.

And Melbourne has prepared for the occasion.

The 2026 Nike Melbourne Marathon has undergone one of the most significant course transformations in its history. Organisers have created a faster and flatter route, reducing elevation gain by up to 20 per cent and cutting the number of turns by around 30 per cent. The demanding climb between Birdwood Avenue and Domain Road has also been removed, while the race will once again culminate with the iconic finish inside the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

For Kipchoge, however, this journey is about far more than chasing another fast marathon time.

At 41, the Kenyan legend is at a different stage of his career. The days of relentlessly pursuing world records may be behind him, but his ambition remains unmistakable. This time, the challenge is to take his message of running, unity and inspiration to every corner of the world while sharing the road with runners and communities across seven continents.

The Melbourne appearance also carries a special significance. Kipchoge has never previously raced the Nike Melbourne Marathon, and his arrival has added another layer of excitement to an event already entering a new era. More than 60,000 participants are expected across the festival, while the marathon itself has a capacity of 20,000 runners.

The race will begin at 6:15 a.m. local time on Sunday, with runners setting off from Batman Avenue before making their way through some of Melbourne's most recognisable landmarks. The finish inside the MCG promises to provide a spectacular backdrop for what could become one of the most memorable moments of Kipchoge's global tour.

Kipchoge arrives in Melbourne with a formidable legacy that few athletes in any sport can match. He is a two-time Olympic champion, a former marathon world-record holder and the first man to run a marathon under two hours in a controlled, non-record-eligible event.

Yet his latest challenge is not about adding another number to an already extraordinary list of achievements.

It is about the journey.

From Africa to South America and now Oceania, Kipchoge's seven-continent adventure is allowing fans around the world to see the marathon icon in places where he has never raced before. Each race represents another opportunity to connect with runners, inspire younger generations and celebrate the power of the sport that has defined his life.

And in Melbourne, his message is simple: let us run together.

On Sunday morning, the streets will fill with thousands of runners, spectators will line the course, and one of the most celebrated athletes in the history of distance running will once again stand on a marathon start line.

Seventy years after a teenager encouraged Melbourne to walk together during the 1956 Olympic Games, Kipchoge will return to the city with a new invitation — to run together.

Eliud Kipchoge is coming to Melbourne, and the world will be watching.

Genevieve Gregson has scored her first marathon win, two months after running in the event at the Paris Olympics..

The Queenslander won the Melbourne Marathon on Sunday in two hours, 28 minutes and 13 seconds, beating local Sarah Klein by nearly three minutes. Kate Mason, also from Melbourne, completed the women's podium in 2:34:08.

Genevieve's husband Ryan Gregson finished second in the men's race behind Jack Rayner, who clocked 2:11:49 after winning the Melbourne half-marathon for the past three years.

Gregson finished in 2:13:31 to take another step in his transition from middle-distance events, while New Zealander Christopher Dryden posted 2:18:10 for third.

It was the first time the two winners have run the full distance in Melbourne.

Paris was Genevieve's third marathon and she clocked 2:29:56 for 24th place at the Games, after running on the track at the previous three Olympics.

The 46th Melbourne Marathon festival attracted 42,000 runners, with Bendigo's Andy Buchanan winning the men's half-marathon in 1:01:42 after he also ran in the marathon at the Paris Games.

Leanne Pompeani from Canberra took out the women's race, posting 1:09:01 in an exciting finish.

Adelaide's Jess Stenson, one of Gregson's Paris Olympics marathon teammates, was only two seconds behind Pompeani in second.

Only eight seconds separated first from third, with Paris Olympics 5000m runner and fellow Adelaide entrant Izzi Batt-Doyle completing the podium.

Timothy Rono and Beatrice Cheptoo bagged the men's and women's titles at the Nike Melbourne Marathon in Australia on Sunday.

Rono clocked 2:09:12, smashing Dominic Ondoro's course record by one minute and 30 seconds set in 2013.

Compatriot Cornelius Kibet came second in 2:10:24 as Australia's Reece Edwards rounded the podium places in 2:14:41.

An ecstatic Rono was delighted with the victory in warm conditions in Australia's second-largest city.

"It was a good race. The conditions were good, a bit cloudy but not too hot and not too cold. I had prepared for it from the start and I kept going until the end," added Rono.

Rono broke away with six kilometers to go after being pushed close by Kibet.

"I timed my race quite well. I know Kibet. I knew I have a stronger kick  and that allowed me to increase the pace in the final few kilometers," said Rono. 

Following the win, Rono has set his eyes on the bigger city marathons like Boston, New York, London come next year.

“I'm looking at participating in the big ones next year, God willing. I want to test myself against the best and I am relishing the challenge,” he added.

For the win Rono bagged a cool Sh3 million.

In the women's category, Cheptoo ran a superb race in a time of 2:27:58 on her debut on Australian soil .

Australia's Izzi Batt Doyle finished second in 2:28:10 with Maru Ejigu of Ethiopia third in 2:28:54

For the win Cheptoo bagged Sh2 million.

Australia's Jack Raynor won the men's half marathon in 1:02:16 while the women's category went to Jess Stenson in a time of 1:12:22.

Festival Director Marcus Gale, commented: “Congratulations to the winners and everyone who got involved in the 2022 Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival."

"Whether you were tackling the 42.195km for the first or 44th time, soaking up the city’s sights on the 3km track or cheering from the MCG grandstand, it was incredible to see the Australian running community out in full force and an honour to deliver another successful event for the city."

Sinead Diver, a 41-year-old mother of two clocked a 2:25:19 marathon this morning.  This is the second fastest marathon ever by an Irish-born female athlete. The Irish native and Australian international Sinead Diver posted a fantastic 2:25:19 to set a new course record at the Medibank Melbourne Marathon on Sunday (October 14). Diver emigrated to Australia in 2002, and on Sunday she showed that when it comes to the marathon running, age is only a number after taking over six minutes off her personal best. The 41 year-old, who has two young sons, is now the second fastest Irish-born female, and her winning time is also the quickest by an Australian female athlete on Australian soil.