Eliud Kipchoge reveals main attraction ahead of Sydney Marathon debut

Eliud Kipchoge has revealed his excitement for his Sydney Marathon debut. He will be on the start list during the marathon slated for Sunday 31 August.

This will be his first race in Australia and second following his Paris Olympics disappointment. He is not only eager to make his debut in Australia, but also eager to see kangaroos.

“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,” Kipchoge shared.

He went on to reveal that he is eager to engage with Australian fans and inspire a culture of long-distance running.

“I’m excited to see the fans, I’m excited to sell the idea of making the world a running world, to sell the idea of marathoning to Australia as a running nation. I especially want to see kangaroos. I don’t want to come to Australia and miss seeing kangaroos,” he offered.

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Kipchoge’s Sydney appearance follows a challenging 2024 season, where he endured a disappointing 10th-place finish at the Tokyo Marathon. That marked his worst marathon performance.

His attempt to complete a historic Olympic hat-trick in Paris ended prematurely when he dropped out at mile 19.

The Sydney Marathon presents an opportunity for him to reaffirm his dominance.

Before heading to Sydney, Kipchoge will first compete in the London Marathon on 27 April, aiming to return to winning form before making his highly anticipated Australian debut.

His presence at the Sydney Marathon is a landmark moment for Australian athletics.

The event has officially joined the elite Abbott World Marathon Majors, and this year’s edition is expected to draw a record-breaking 35,000 participants, solidifying its place as the nation’s premier marathon.

His legacy includes victories at the London, Berlin, Chicago, and Tokyo Marathons, as well as his historic sub-two-hour marathon (1:59:40) at the INEOS 1:59 Challenge in 2019.

Though the feat was not eligible for official records due to controlled conditions, it cemented his status as the greatest marathoner of all time.

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