Kipchoge wins Melbourne Marathon with race record

Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge won the Melbourne Marathon on October 11 in 2 hours, 9 minutes and 10 seconds. The two-time Olympic champion improved the previous race record by two seconds.

Kipchoge accelerated after the 30-kilometre mark to pull clear of his rivals. Australia's Thomas Do Canto finished second in 2:10:35. Former professional cyclist Jimmy Whelan, who stayed alongside the Kenyan for much of the race, placed fifth.

The result was Kipchoge's first marathon victory in three years and came on his Melbourne Marathon debut. The race finished inside the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where he spent time greeting supporters after completing the course.

New Zealand's Camille French won the women's marathon in 2:28:25, ahead of Australia's Sinead Diver in 2:28:49. Kipchoge's Melbourne visit forms part of his project to run marathons on every continent.