L
Larry Eder
Guest
Editor’s comments: Eliud Kipchoge, the three-time Olympic marathon champion, announced his World Tour after finishing 17th in 2:14:35 at the 2025 TCS NYC Marathon.
Eliud began his Running World Tour in Cape Town, South Africa, on May 24, 2026, at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, where he ran 2:13:29 to finish 16th.
On his second stop, Eliud Kipchoge ran 2:18:42 to finish 12th on July 12, 2026, in Porto Alegre, Brazil, at the NB42k Porto Alegre Marathon!
The third time was the charm: Eliud Kipchoge won the third stop on his tour, setting a course record of 2:09:08.
The third time was a charm for Eliud Kipchoge, who has not won a marathon since 2023, when he won Berlin in 2:02:42, his fifth win in Berlin!
Eliud Kipchoge wins NIKE Melbourne, photo by
dsm-firmenich Running TeamThe following is a Press release from DSM-Firmenich Running Team
Eliud Kipchoge conquers Melbourne to claim stunning marathon victory in new course record
Marathon icon Eliud Kipchoge completed leg three of his mission to run a marathon on every continent in three years by claiming an emotional victory today at the Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival.
The dsm-firmenich Running Team athlete delivered a dominant performance, clocking a course-record 2:09:08 to clinch his 17th marathon victory in an incomparable career. As part of his groundbreaking global initiative, Eliud’s Running World, the two-time Olympic marathon champion looked relaxed and composed from the outset, even giving the crowd the occasional thumbs-up as they packed the streets of Melbourne to watch the action unfold.
Kipchoge led a three-strong lead group through halfway in 64:18, heading into the second half. Australian Thomas Do Canto cracked first, dropping off the pace around 22km, and the race became a two-way battle between the Kenyan and home athlete James Whelan. Maintaining a relentless tempo, Kipchoge made his winning move a little before 27km. He quickly opened a gap on Whelan and spent the final 15km of the race running in splendid isolation.
Roared on by the enthusiastic supporters, the Kenyan great crossed the finish line to claim another historic victory inside the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), host of the 1956 Olympic Games.
Eliud Kipchoge wins Melbourne, photo by
dsm-firmenich Running Team, photo 3A delighted Kipchoge said:
“Today was such a special day, not only running my third World Tour, but also winning 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 city’s energy, 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.”
More Information
For more information, visit www.eliudsrunningworld.com or follow his social media channels for exclusive behind-the-scenes footage.
Eliud Kipchoge wins Melbourne, photo by
dsm-firmenich Running Team, photo 2