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Marathon\u2019s greatest competitor Eliud Kipchoge has sent a message to the next generation, declaring he\u2019s not done yet.<\/p>\n
The 41-year-old Kenyan revelled in his Melbourne Marathon debut on Sunday, breaking the race record and delighting thousands of fans at the MCG finish.<\/p>\n
Beating the old race mark by two seconds, his two hours nine minutes and 10 seconds over a new course gave Kipchoge his first marathon win in three years.<\/p>\n Jimmy Whelan, a former Australian professional cyclist, was with the two-time Olympic champion and former world record-holder until about 30km. Then Kipchoge went up a gear and dominated to the finish.<\/p>\n Looking as if he has just done a training run, Kipchoge then spent well over half an hour celebrating with fans along the MCG boundary fence.<\/p>\n Kipchoge was mobbed by media at the finish and took the chaos in his stride.<\/p>\n \u201cThe crowd is so wonderful \u2013 I\u2019ve never seen a crowd like this,\u201d he said. \u201cMelbourne is really, really a sporting city.<\/p>\n \u201cI believe that my body is still peaking \u2013 still able to compete with the next generation. The oldest athlete is still competing, but I am happy to run with the Gen Zs.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI [increased] the pace after 30km, to see whether I can run well and beat the [race record]. My plan went well.\u201d<\/p>\n Kipchoge had said repeatedly over the last few days that his Melbourne visit was more than just another race. It is the third leg in his world tour, where he will do a marathon on each continent, including Antarctica.<\/p>\n