Eliud Kipchoge, two-time Olympic marathon champion, will make his Sydney Marathon debut in August, marking a significant moment for the event as it becomes a World Marathon Major. Following a challenging 2024, he aims to showcase his continued mastery of marathon running. Kipchoge’s participation is expected to elevate the race’s profile globally.
Kenyan athlete Eliud Kipchoge, recognized as one of the greatest runners of all time, has announced his intention to participate in the Sydney Marathon this August. This marks a significant moment for the event, as it is the first year the Sydney Marathon has been designated as a World Marathon Major, further enhancing its prominence. Kipchoge, a two-time Olympic marathon champion and the only individual to unofficially run under two hours in a marathon, expressed enthusiasm about this new challenge.
This upcoming marathon will be Kipchoge’s debut in Oceania, a milestone described by race organizers as a “dream come true”. After encountering setbacks in 2024, including a tenth-place finish in Tokyo and a dropout at mile 19 during the Paris Olympics, Kipchoge is eager to demonstrate that he remains the dominant force in marathon running.
In his own words, Kipchoge stated, “I’m so excited. This is not only my first time running the TCS Sydney Marathon, but also my first time running in Oceania. Running in Australia is a great opportunity for me.” Overall, Kipchoge has a remarkable record of 16 victories in 21 official marathons, including an impressive ten consecutive wins from 2014 to 2019.
Prior to the Sydney Marathon, he plans to compete in the London Marathon on April 27, aiming to regain his winning form after his last performance in Paris. His official best marathon time stands at 2:01:09, recorded in Berlin in 2022, alongside his notable 1:59:40 time clocked in a specialized race.
Wayne Larden, the race director of the Sydney Marathon, remarked, “His presence will elevate the event to new heights, bringing an unprecedented level of excitement, prestige and global attention.” Kipchoge’s ultimate goal is to spread the allure of marathon running to a global audience, particularly in Australia, where he believes marathoning can thrive.
He expressed a personal aspiration for his trip to Australia, adding, “I especially want to see kangaroos. I don’t want to come to Australia and miss seeing kangaroos.”
In conclusion, Eliud Kipchoge’s participation in the Sydney Marathon represents a pivotal moment for both the athlete and the event. As the inaugural World Marathon Major in Sydney, his presence is set to attract significant attention and enhance the race’s global prestige. Kipchoge, eager to affirm his status as the leading marathoner, aims to inspire a running culture in Australia while fulfilling a personal dream of encountering kangaroos. The excitement surrounding this marathon reflects Kipchoge’s continuing influence in the world of athletics.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
