Eliud Kipchoge finishes ninth at the 2025 Sydney Marathon
On a sunny Australian morning, Eliud Kipchoge crossed the finish line of the Sydney Marathon in ninth place, clocking 2:08:31. While he missed out on the podium this time, his presence was felt throughout the race. This was the 23rd marathon of the 40-year-old Kenyan’s remarkable career, which began in 2013. The race was won by Hailemaryam Kiros of Ethiopia, with Addisu Gobena and Tebello Ramakongoana rounding out the podium. As always, Kipchoge showed true sportsmanship, greeting his rivals at the finish with a smile and grace.
Race recap – how the Sydney Marathon unfolded
The early stages of the marathon saw a large pack of favorites at the front. Kipchoge settled in the second row, tucked behind the pacemakers. The group hit halfway in 1:03:45, setting the stage for a potential 2:07 finish. However, after passing 30K, Laban Korir, Kipchoge’s NN Running Team teammate, upped the tempo. The field thinned out, and Kipchoge lost touch with the leaders, trailing by 12 seconds at the 35K mark. Despite this, he maintained a steady pace and avoided any major setbacks, ultimately crossing the finish line inside the top ten.
Kipchoge’s tough year and questions for the future
It’s worth noting that the past months have been very challenging for Kipchoge. In 2024, he dropped out of the Olympic Marathon in Paris due to a hip injury and only managed tenth place in Tokyo. However, in April 2025, he delivered a solid performance in London (2:05:25), proving he still has the drive to compete against the world’s best. Sydney was another opportunity to test himself, and although he didn’t return to the podium, his determination and passion for the sport remain unmistakable.
Kipchoge’s legacy – inspiration for runners worldwide
Regardless of recent results, Eliud Kipchoge’s legacy is secure. He remains the only person to have run a sub-two-hour marathon (in non-record-eligible conditions), is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, and has 11 World Marathon Major titles to his name. His official personal best stands at 2:01:09 – a time that was once the world record. Beyond his achievements, Kipchoge is known for promoting running, inspiring countless people with his calm approach, philosophy, and dedication.
What’s next for the legend – will Kipchoge surprise us again?
Many fans now wonder how much longer Kipchoge will be a fixture on the major marathon circuit. He often emphasizes that running means more to him than racing – it’s a mission to encourage healthy lifestyles and inspire new generations. Following his ninth place in Sydney, the big question is: will we see Kipchoge back at the front, or is he passing the torch to the next generation? Whatever happens, he remains an ambassador for the sport.
Summary
At the Sydney Marathon, Eliud Kipchoge demonstrated experience, resilience, and sportsmanship. Finishing ninth in a world-class field, after significant physical and sporting challenges, is still a remarkable accomplishment. As we consider Kipchoge’s future, the question remains – will there be more great runs from him, or is this the dawn of a new chapter in marathon history? One thing’s certain: his legend continues to inspire runners around the world.
📸 Abbott World Marathon Majors
