Eliud Kipchoge, the undisputed GOAT of marathon running, is headed to Australia.
The Kenyan legend will toe the line at the 2025 Sydney Marathon on August 31, marking the event’s first year as an official Abbott World Marathon Major. For Kipchoge, it’s not just another race—it’s a chance to break new ground in his storied career.
Why This is a Big Deal
The Sydney Marathon’s inclusion in the World Marathon Majors puts it in elite company with Boston, New York, Chicago, London, Berlin, and Tokyo. And what better way to kick things off than with the most decorated marathoner of all time?
Kipchoge’s participation not only cements the race’s credibility but also amplifies its international appeal. His presence is expected to draw increased viewership, attract a larger elite field, and bring thousands of additional participants to the streets of Sydney.
In a press release, Sydney Marathon race director Wayne Larden said, “Having [Kipchoge] race the TCS Sydney Marathon in its first year as an Abbott World Marathon Major is a dream come true. His presence will elevate the event to new heights, bringing an unprecedented level of excitement, prestige, and global attention.”
Spreading the Running Gospel
At 40 years old, Kipchoge is still on a mission to share his love for running with the world. “I’ve been to many places to share my vision of making this world a running world. As I’ve never been to Australia before, I want to help make Australia a running nation,” he said.
And if there’s anyone who can do it, it’s him.
His marathon resume is untouchable—16 victories in 21 races, two Olympic gold medals, and the distinction of being the only human to have ever run 26.2 miles in under two hours (1:59:40 in the unofficial INEOS 1:59 Challenge).
His official personal best of 2:01:09 is the second-fastest marathon time in history.
Bouncing Back After a Rough 2024
Even the greats have their off days.
Kipchoge’s 2024 season didn’t go as planned—he finished 10th at the Tokyo Marathon in 2:06:50, his worst-ever marathon placing, and later dropped out of the Paris Olympic marathon, his first-ever DNF.
But champions don’t dwell on setbacks. He’s already planning his comeback, with London in April and then Sydney in August. Sydney will be another opportunity to show the world that he’s still got plenty left in the tank.
A New Challenge Down Under
Sydney isn’t known as a record-breaking course, but that doesn’t mean Kipchoge won’t be aiming high. The course is net downhill, but it’s far from easy—it features rolling hills and an elevation gain of 1,040 feet (317 meters), making it tougher than the pancake-flat Berlin Marathon, where he set two world records.
Despite Eliud Kipchoge’s reputation as arguably the greatest marathon runner of all time, he has occasionally faced difficulties on tougher, more hilly courses. This became particularly clear at events like the Paris Olympics and the Boston Marathon.
At the Paris Olympics, which featured a challenging and technical route, Kipchoge surprisingly missed the podium…and even finishing, claiming his first-ever DNF. His usually smooth and efficient running style appeared disrupted by the constant elevation changes, making it difficult for him to find his usual rhythm.
Similarly, Kipchoge experienced unexpected setbacks during his much-anticipated Boston Marathon debut, a race known for its demanding terrain. Finishing sixth—far below his own high standards—was one of the first signs that he finds hilly conditions particularly challenging.
These instances suggest a clear trend: while Kipchoge is nearly unbeatable on flatter, quicker marathon routes, he tends to face more obstacles on courses featuring significant elevation and unpredictable conditions.
Sydney’s Running Boom
With its new World Major status, Sydney has already seen a huge surge in interest.
In 2024, around 25,000 runners participated. But for 2025, nearly 80,000 people entered the lottery, with around 35,000 expected to actually race. That’s a massive jump, and Kipchoge’s name is undoubtedly a big part of the buzz.
There’s no doubt that August 31 is going to be a historic day for Australian running. Whether Kipchoge wins, breaks a record, or simply soaks in the experience, one thing is for sure—when he runs, the world watches.
