President William Ruto has congratulated Eliud Kipchoge after the Kenyan marathon legend won the Melbourne Marathon in Australia on Sunday, October 11, setting a new course record at the age of 41.
Kipchoge clocked 2:09:10 to win the race, securing his first marathon victory since the Berlin Marathon in September 2023.
In a message shared on social media, Ruto praised the two-time Olympic champion for continuing to compete and represent Kenya on the global stage.
“We celebrate Eliud Kipchoge as one of the greatest marathon runners the world has ever seen,” the President said.
“At 41, he continues to compete and win, flying our flag high on the global stage.”
Ruto described the victory as another major achievement for the athlete, saying his performance would inspire Kenyans and athletes around the world.
“His victory at the Melbourne Marathon in Australia, where he set a new course record of 2:09:10, is another remarkable achievement and an inspiration to all. Hongera, Kipchoge!” he added.
The victory marked a return to the top for Kipchoge, who had not won a marathon since his triumph in Berlin three years ago.
The Kenyan broke away from his challengers in the closing stages of Sunday’s race before crossing the finish line at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
He finished ahead of Australia’s Thomas Do Canto, who clocked 2:10:35, while compatriot Reece Edwards came third in 2:15:57.
Kipchoge’s time of 2:09:10 lowered the previous course record by two seconds.
The Melbourne race was also part of his global marathon tour, through which he aims to run a marathon on all seven continents and encourage more people to take up the sport.
His latest achievement adds to a career that includes two Olympic marathon gold medals and a former world marathon record.
At 41, Kipchoge continues to compete against younger athletes, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most accomplished marathon runners in history.
