Kipchoge dominant, inspiring figure at the 2025 Sydney marathon

I have read volumes of running publications on Eliud Kipchoge. I have also seen documentaries, heard podcasts, songs, lectures and watched videos of Kipchoge’s inspiring stories from his long career in running.

However, the feedback I got from a couple of runners I coach online who ran the Sydney Marathon this week, on the 31st of August, was an absolute epitome of how Kipchoge continues to inspire the world.

A couple from Macau saved enough money to register and travel to Australia to run in the iconic 2025 Sydney Marathon. They also trained for almost a year for their goal race, with plans to achieve their personal running goals for this particular marathon, one of which is conquering another of the World Marathon Majors.

After their race, I received a report and a selfie from them concerning the nature of the course and the weather conditions that gave them a little challenge. They said they could only register “acceptable results” given “lots of climbing and warm weather in the second half.”

But that didn’t matter compared to a rare opportunity they got.

“We saw Eliud Kipchoge running on the opposite side of the road as we ran. He looks cool. He will be forever our goat!”

I could feel the excitement even from the texts. The husband followed it with a photo he had taken in the past with a dummy image of Kipchoge.

At the Sydney Marathon, they finally got to see Kipchoge, the G.O.A.T., in real life, running so close to him in the same marathon.

In the men’s elite race that was won by Hailemaryam Kiros of Ethiopia in a new course record of 2:06:06, followed by fellow countryman Addisu Gobena (2:06:16) and Tebello Ramakongoana of Lesotho (2:06:47), Kipchoge finished 9th with a respectable time of 2:08:31.

But even without a win in Sydney, Kipchoge’s credentials are unmatched. He is an eleven-time Abbott World Marathon Majors champion (four wins at London, five at Berlin, one at Chicago and one at Tokyo).

He is a two-time Olympic gold medalist—in Rio (2016) and Tokyo (2021)—and defended his Olympic marathon title with dominant performances .

He is the only human to break the 2-hour marathon barrier, running a phenomenal 1:59:40 in Vienna in 2019 in an unofficial attempt.

His consistency and longevity set him apart. From his marathon debut in 2013 to 2025, he’s remained at the top, winning 16 of his first 21 official marathons, including an unbeaten streak from 2014 to 2019.

Of all the miracles he has performed on the marathon scene, the one on longevity seems to draw him more to the general recreational runners, who feel inspired that age is perhaps just a number, as they say. 

Kipchoge turned 40 last year, which puts him in the masters category with the highest number of marathon participants in the world.

As we stayed up late into the night to watch the highly anticipated Abbott World Marathon Majors race, one marathon fan asked me, “Where did that particular Ethiopian runner who used to challenge Eliud Kipchoge go?” as we watched the 2025 Sydney Marathon in its early stages, I wondered who that would be. Many runners have come and gone, but Kipchoge has remained a constant figure on the major marathon scene.

A few names have often shared the spotlight in the marathon world, particularly those who have challenged the legendary Eliud Kipchoge. Among these athletes, Kenenisa Bekele, an Ethiopian marathoner known for his incredible speed and strategic racing style, previously made headlines by pushing Kipchoge to his limits in multiple high-stakes races. 

However, many marathon enthusiasts have recently wondered about the whereabouts of runners of his calibre and their current standing in the elite running scene. There were times when Kenyan fans would split on supporting one Kenyan marathon runner against Kipchoge in some of the major marathons, but it seems all are now behind the legendary runner and don’t even care anymore what position he takes in a marathon.

Many runners have risen and faded within the marathon ranks over the years, but Kipchoge has remarkably remained a dominant figure. His consistency and unparalleled skill have made him a benchmark against which others are measured. 

The 2025 Sydney Marathon, celebrated for its inaugural inclusion in the World Marathon Majors, featured Kipchoge prominently, solidifying his position as a key player among the other iconic events like the Berlin, Tokyo, London, Chicago, New York, and Boston marathons.

As the Sydney Marathon commenced, anticipation filled the air. Kipchoge did not disappoint. When the starting gun fired, he immediately settled himself comfortably within the leading pack, displaying the composure that has characterized his racing style. His strategy involved staying just behind the pacers, allowing him to conserve energy while maintaining a competitive position. The first five kilometres of the race, which were relatively downhill, set a brisk pace, and Kipchoge’s experience showed as he expertly navigated the undulating terrain ahead.

With a gradual climb leading up to the 15-kilometre mark, the course presented challenges that would typically winnow the elite field. Nonetheless, the elite field revealed an impressive display of talent with nearly 20 runners still tightly grouped as they approached the 20-kilometre mark.

This large leading pack signified not just the thrill of competition but also the spirit of camaraderie among these elite athletes, many of whom have faced each other on countless occasions.

Sifan Hassan, like Kipchoge, inspired in the women’s race

While Kipchoge was drawing attention in the men’s race, the women’s competition was equally compelling, with Sifan Hassan emerging as the star. Hassan, an accomplished athlete with an impressive background in both track and road racing, has rapidly made a name for herself in the marathon scene. Her sheer talent, combined with her fierce determination, deservedly positioned her as a formidable contender for victory in Sydney.

From the outset, the women’s race was dynamic. Unlike in the men’s, there were some surges from the early stages, with some of her main rivals, including Kenya’s former world record holder, Brigid Kosgei, setting a challenging pace that would test her rivals. 

As the race neared its climax, it became clear that Hassan was not just present to compete; she was determined to win, showcasing the exceptional range that has defined her career.

In the closing stages, she didn’t even spare her male pacer as she broke away in a solo run to win the race in a new course record of 2:18:22. Kosgei was a close second in 2:18:56, while Ethiopia’s Workenesh Gumesa was a distant third in 2:22:15.

The 32-year-old Somali-born Dutch runner’s inspiring story is her incredible ability to possess the speed of an 800m Olympic runner and the endurance of an Olympic Marathon runner in the same body in one season. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Hassan was able to win a gold medal in the marathon and still got to medal in both the 1500m and the 10000m events on the track.

The synergy of Kipchoge and Hassan competing at the same marathon highlighted the shifting landscape of distance running. While Kipchoge has carved out a legacy as one of the greatest marathoners in history, the arrival of new stars like Hassan introduces fresh excitement and unpredictability to the sport. As both athletes navigated the course, they exemplified the essence of racing against both the clock and one another, inspiring future generations of runners to chase their dreams.

As spectators cheered and followed the unfolding drama on the course, it was evident that the Sydney Marathon was not just a competition; it was a celebration of athletic prowess and resolve. With Kipchoge and Hassan at the forefront, the event reinforced the classification of marathon running as an elite sport deserving of recognition on the world stage.

In reflecting on the Sydney Marathon, it became clear that it was more than just a race; it was a rich tapestry woven from the performances of elite athletes, the spirit of competition, and the memories shared by fans in attendance and those watching from afar. 

Kipchoge’s continued excellence alongside Hassan’s rise as a star foreshadows a thrilling future for marathon running. As new challengers step into the fray, the legacy of past rivals, including Guye Adola, Bekele and the great Haille Gebrselassie,  will always serve as a foundation upon which many aspire to build their own stories.

With every marathon, as stories are written and records pursued, the sport continues to capture hearts and inspire countless individuals around the globe. Every runner’s journey—whether a reigning champion or an emerging talent—adds to the rich history that defines the world of endurance racing. 

As we look forward to future marathon events, the anticipation of who will rise to challenge the premier figures remains as compelling as ever. Will we ever have another great runner like Eliud Kipchoge?

The Sydney Marathon was indeed honoured to have him on its first edition as a World Marathon Major, joining the other six marathons, which include the Berlin, Tokyo, London, Chicago, New York, and Boston marathons.