Eliud Kipchoge will compete in the Sydney Marathon in August, marking his first race in Oceania. This event, designated as a World Marathon Major, is expected to gain significant prestige due to his involvement. After a difficult 2024 season, Kipchoge aims to reclaim his dominance in marathoning while expressing enthusiasm for experiencing Australia and its wildlife.
Eliud Kipchoge, renowned as one of the greatest runners in history, has announced his participation in the Sydney Marathon in August, significantly enhancing the event’s profile. The two-time Olympic marathon champion expressed his enthusiasm for competing in the inaugural year that the Sydney marathon has attained recognition as a World Marathon Major. This will mark Kipchoge’s debut race in Oceania, an occurrence celebrated by race organizers as a “dream come true.”
Kipchoge aims to reaffirm his dominance in the marathon after a challenging 2024 season, which saw him finish 10th in Tokyo and subsequently withdraw from the Paris Olympics. He remarked, “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.”
His impressive record includes 16 wins from 21 official marathons, highlighted by a historic 10 consecutive victories between 2014 and 2019. Prior to the Sydney Marathon, he will attempt to return to form at the London Marathon taking place on April 27. Kipchoge holds the second-fastest marathon time ever, at 2:01:09 in Berlin 2022, and notably completed a sub-two-hour marathon in a controlled setting at 1:59:40 in Vienna.
Wayne Larden, the director of the Sydney Marathon, stated that Kipchoge’s involvement will elevate the event, infusing it with excitement and global prestige. Kipchoge’s ongoing mission promotes marathon running worldwide, as he emphasizes his desire to showcase marathoning in Australia. He expressed, “I’m excited to see the fans, I’m excited to sell the idea of making the world a running world, to sell the idea of marathoning to Australia as a running nation.”
Additionally, Kipchoge shared his personal aspiration, stating, “I especially want to see kangaroos. I don’t want to come to Australia and miss seeing kangaroos.”
Eliud Kipchoge’s participation in the Sydney Marathon promises to enhance the event’s status as a World Marathon Major, bringing international attention and excitement. Following a challenging season, Kipchoge is eager to showcase his skills and reconnect with fans in Australia. His unique objectives highlight both his athletic ambitions and personal desires, further solidifying his legacy as an extraordinary ambassador for the sport of marathon running.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
