The Ethiopian Addisu Gobena, finishing in 2:04:42, and the Kenyan Peres Jepchirchir, clocking 2:18:31, were crowned the winners of the Sydney Marathon on Sunday, one of the eight majors, which attracted around 40,000 runners from 140 countries.
The men’s race was decided in an exhilarating finish with only three seconds separating the winner Addisu Gobena — who until 2023 was a javelin thrower — and his compatriot Chimdessa Debele, who recorded 2:04:45. Lesotho’s Tebello Ramakongoana completed the podium in 2:04:57.
This is Gobena’s second marathon win, at 21 years old, after triumphing in Dubai (United Arab Emirates) in 2024. In Sydney he improved the meet’s previous best mark of 2:06:06, held by Ethiopian Hailemaryam Kiros, with a time of 2:04:42.
JEPCHIRCHIR, THE FAVORITE AND THE VICTORY
In the women’s category, the winner was Olympic and World champion Peres Jepchirchir, who dominated the race from start to finish and finished almost four minutes ahead of the second-placed athlete, her fellow Kenyan Irene Chepet Cheptei (2:22:11).
Third place went to Ethiopian Shure Demise with 2:22:34. For Jepchirchir this is her fourth major victory after previously winning in New York (2021), Boston (2022) and London (2024).
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Dylan Holloway
I’ve always been fascinated by the stories hidden behind a stopwatch, a finish line or a record-breaking performance. At Athletics News, I cover athletes, competitions and the moments shaping track and field, with a particular interest in the people and journeys behind the results.