Eliud Kipchoge to Make Historic Sydney Marathon Debut

Eliud Kipchoge will run in the Sydney Marathon this August, marking a significant event as it becomes a World Marathon Major. This is his first appearance in Oceania, following a challenging previous year. Kipchoge expressed excitement about the opportunity and aims to promote marathon running globally. Race organizers believe his participation will greatly elevate the event’s profile.

Eliud Kipchoge, widely regarded as one of the greatest runners in history, has announced his participation in the Sydney Marathon scheduled for August. At 40 years old, Kipchoge is a two-time Olympic marathon champion (2016 and 2020) and holds the record for the fastest unofficial marathon. His involvement is particularly significant as the Sydney Marathon is designated as a World Marathon Major for the first time this year, heightening the event’s profile significantly.

This marks Kipchoge’s debut in Oceania, much to the excitement of race organizers who regard his entry as a monumental achievement. Following a challenging year in which he finished 10th in Tokyo and dropped out at mile 19 during the Paris Olympics, Kipchoge aims to reclaim his position as the marathon’s leading competitor.

In a statement, Kipchoge expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “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 remarkable career boasts 16 victories out of 21 official marathons, including a streak of 10 consecutive wins from 2014 to 2019. He intends to return to competitive form at the London Marathon on April 27 before heading to Sydney.

Kipchoge is the second-fastest marathoner in history, having clocked a time of 2:01:09 in Berlin in 2022, and he famously recorded a sub-two-hour marathon of 1:59:40 in a specially arranged event. Sydney race director Wayne Larden recognized Kipchoge’s participation as impactful, stating, “His presence will elevate the event to new heights, bringing an unprecedented level of excitement, prestige and global attention.”

Kipchoge is committed to promoting marathon running to a wider audience and conveying his passion for the sport. He expressed his eagerness to engage with fans and advocate for marathoning within Australia. He humorously added another wish during his time in Australia, saying, “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 represents a significant milestone for the event, marking its debut as a World Marathon Major. His track record and dedication to promoting marathoning globally underscore the importance of his presence. Additionally, his enthusiasm for the sport and engagement with Australian culture, as demonstrated by his desire to see kangaroos, adds a personal touch to this historic appearance.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com