ATHLETICS: Kenya's Kipchoge wins first marathon in three years

Kenya's twice Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge won the Melbourne Marathon in a course record of 2 hours, 9 minutes and 10 seconds on Sunday, claiming his 17th win over the distance at age 41.

Kipchoge is attempting to run a marathon on all seven continents over two years, having launched his continental campaign at the Cape Town Marathon in May.

Sunday's win was his first in three years, after he won Berlin in 2023 for a record 11th title at the majors.

"I believe that my body is still peaking – still able to compete with the next generation," Kipchoge told reporters after the race.

"The oldest athlete is still competing but I am happy to run with the Gen Zs. I (increased) the pace after 30 km, to see whether I can run well and beat the (race record). My plan went well."

Australian Thomas Do Canto finished second behind Kipchoge at 2:10:35, while compatriot Reece Edwards was third at 2:14:33.

New Zealand's Camille French won the women's race in 2:28:25, followed by Australian Sinead Diver at 2:28:49 and Nichola Sheridan of Ireland at 2:29:13.

Reporting by Amy Tennery in New York, additional reporting by Aadi Nair; Editing by Jamie Freed/Reuters