The greatest marathoner of all time, Eliud Kipchoge, is heading Down Under! The Kenyan running legend has announced he will race the 2025 Sydney Marathon in August—the event’s first year as an official World Marathon Major. This is a huge moment for Australian running, bringing the undisputed king of the marathon to our shores for the very first time.
But before he takes on Sydney, Kipchoge has some unfinished business—he’ll first line up at the London Marathon in April, where he’ll chase a record-extending fifth title.
For those who aren’t familiar with Kipchoge, here’s why this is such a big deal.
The Making of a Legend
Born in Kenya’s Rift Valley in 1984, Kipchoge’s running journey started in the most humble way—running three kilometers to school every day. He met his longtime coach, Patrick Sang, as a teenager, and by 18, he had already beaten some of the world’s biggest names in distance running.
Kipchoge made his mark on the track, winning gold in the 5000m at the 2003 World Championships and securing Olympic medals in 2004 and 2008. But in 2012, he shifted his focus to the roads—and the rest is history.
The Greatest Marathoner of All-Time
Since making his marathon debut in 2013, Kipchoge has been virtually unbeatable, winning 16 of his 21 major marathons. His dominance includes:
- Four London Marathon wins (2015, 2016, 2018, 2019)
- Five Berlin Marathon wins (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2023)
- Olympic gold in both Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020
And then there’s the record-breaking stuff…
Breaking the Impossible: The Sub-2 Hour Marathon
In 2019, Kipchoge did something no human had ever done before—he ran a marathon in under two hours. Clocking 1:59:40 in Vienna as part of the INEOS 1:59 Challenge, he shattered the barriers of what was thought possible in endurance running.
While the time wasn’t eligible as an official record (due to a rotating pool of pacers and an artificially controlled environment), it cemented Kipchoge as a living legend. His official world records? 2:01:39 at the Berlin Marathon in 2018 and then 2:01:09, again set at the 2022 Berlin Marathon, which remained the world record until bettered by the late Kelvin Kiptum with 2:00:35 in Chicago in 2003.
“No human is limited.” That’s Kipchoge’s mantra, and he continues to prove it every time he races.
Kipchoge’s Next Move: London, Then Sydney
After failing to finish at the Paris Olympics last year, Kipchoge’s next stop is London in April, where he’s aiming to win the race for the fifth time. But the real headline for Aussie runners is his first-ever race in Australia at the Sydney Marathon in September.
With Sydney joining the exclusive World Marathon Majors club, Kipchoge’s presence elevates the race to an elite global level. If you’re running Sydney this year, you’re sharing the course with the GOAT—an experience that won’t happen again anytime soon.
Why This is Huge for Running in Australia
Having Kipchoge race in Sydney is like having Usain Bolt line up in a domestic race – a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see a generational talent. The Sydney Marathon organisers are hoping streets will be packed as part of their strategy to have the city fully embrace the event.
Without doubt Kipchoge’s presence also cements the Sydney Marathon being on the global map.
“He showed signs of decline in 2024, but Kipchoge remains the marathon GOAT,” tweeted Jonathan Gault, writer for US website letsrun.com.
“Huge get for Sydney, whom I’ve told have been pushing to sign him for some time. Lends an air of legitimacy in its first year as a major.”
For Australian runners, this isn’t just about just seeing a world-class athlete in action. It’s about inspiration. Kipchoge has redefined what’s possible in distance running, and his presence in Sydney will push everyone—from elites to weekend warriors—to dream bigger.
Final Word: Get Ready, Sydney!
The GOAT is coming. If you’re running Sydney this year, you’re stepping onto the start line with history in the making. If you’re not running? This is one race you’ll want to be at—because watching Kipchoge run is something special.
Sydney, get ready. Eliud Kipchoge is on his way.
