Tributes are pouring in for the legendary Eliud Kipchoge after the 41-year-old rewrote history yet again, shattering the Melbourne Marathon course record in the early hours of Sunday.
President William Ruto led the global applause for the greatest of all time, who clocked a blistering 2:09:10 — shaving two seconds off the previous record set by fellow Kenyan Timothy Kiplagat Ronoh in 2022.
For Ruto, the triumph carried a personal resonance: seven years ago, he was at Prater Park in Vienna as Deputy President to witness Kipchoge make history by breaking the mythical two-hour barrier in the carefully choreographed “INEOS 1:59 Challenge.”
“We celebrate Eliud Kipchoge as one of the greatest marathon runners the world has ever seen,” the President said. “At 41, he continues to compete and win, flying our flag high on the global stage. His victory at the Melbourne Marathon in Australia, where he set a new course record of 2:09:10, is another remarkable achievement and an inspiration to all. Hongera, Kipchoge!”
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya congratulated the double Olympic marathon champion for his “extraordinary resilience, discipline and determination.”
“Congratulations to Kenya’s legendary marathon icon, Eliud Kipchoge, on his remarkable victory at the 2026 Nike Melbourne Marathon in Melbourne, Australia, clocking an impressive 2:09:10 to secure his third World Tour triumph. Once again, Kipchoge has demonstrated the extraordinary resilience, discipline and determination that have defined his illustrious career and inspired generations of athletes across the globe,” Mvurya said.
“Kenya celebrates his outstanding achievement and the pride he continues to bring to our nation. Congratulations, Eliud! You remain an inspiration to Kenya and the world.”
State Department of Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi said Kipchoge had cemented Kenya’s place as the “home of world champions and cradle of marathon greats.”
“This legend staged a phenomenal show during the Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival to win in a course-record of 2:09:10. Every day; everywhere, this Marathon Titan keeps redefining the boundaries of running possibilities. Indeed, No human is limited. His win continues to affirm Kenya’s position as home of world champions and the cradle of marathon greats. Congratulations Eliud!,” PS Mwangi said.
Members of Kenya’s Parliament were also full of praise for the legend, led by Chesumei MP Paul Biego Polo. “Your discipline, resilience and relentless pursuit of excellence continue to inspire generations to believe in their potential, embrace greatness, and strive to make the impossible possible,” Polo said.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, an avid sports fan, also celebrated the inspirational Kipchoge: “Congratulations to Eliud Kipchoge on winning the Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival in a new course record of 2:09:10. Your extraordinary achievements continue to inspire generations. Kenya is proud of you!”
The Melbourne Marathon was the third stop of Kipchoge’s global tour in which he has committed to running a marathon on each of the continents. He has so far run in Africa at the Cape Town Marathon where he finished 16th in 2:13:29; South America (Porto Alegre, 12th in 2:18:42) and now Oceania (Melbourne, winner in 2:09:10).
“Melbourne, what a special day. To win in your streets and set a new course record makes me very proud. But what makes this day even more special is everything we experienced together,” Kipchoge said after Sunday’s win.
“The incredible energy in the streets, the thousands of people cheering us on, running on the F1 track and finishing inside the iconic MCG. It is a feeling that is hard to put into words. I have always believed that running has the power to unite people, no matter where we come from.
“Today, Melbourne showed me once again that this is bigger than sport and how beautiful it is when we come together. Thank you to every runner, every supporter and everyone who made this day so unforgettable. You have given me memories I will carry with me forever. Melbourne, we are one.”
Meanwhile, Kenya’s Head of Public Service Felix Koskei and Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot also joined in the celebrations.
“At 41 years, Eliud Kipchoge is still setting the pace! Congratulations to our legendary champion on winning the Nike Melbourne Marathon in 2:09:10, setting a new course record. Behind this victory are years of discipline, sacrifice and the courage to keep going. He reminds us that greatness is built every day, long before the finish line. Kenya celebrates you, Eliud. You keep giving us reasons to stand tall,” Koskei said.
Cheruiyot added: “Congratulations The living legend Eliud Kipchoge on making history by setting a new course record at the Melbourne Marathon in Australia. His consistency, discipline, tenacity, and the character to bounce back and keep going are the true hallmarks of a real champion. We are privileged, lucky, and truly blessed to be alive to witness the remarkable exploits of Sir Eliud. Take a bow, GOAT!”
Beijing 2008 steeplechase gold medalist Brimin Kipruto was among scores of athletes who celegrated Kipchoge. “A legend of inspiration a role model, mentor and a teacher. Big congratulations and continue inspiring the young generation of the running world,” Kipruto, who also won the world steeplechase title in Osaka in 2007, said.
(All Photos: dsm-firmenich Running Team)
