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Eliud Kipchoge set for Melbourne Marathon in global running tour
10th September, 2026 12:03 PM
Kenyan marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge is set to return to Australia in October 2026 when he takes part in the Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival as part of his ambitious global running tour.
Kipchoge, widely regarded as one of the greatest marathon runners in history, will line up for the Melbourne Marathon on Sunday, October 11, 2026, joining thousands of runners on a course that will finish inside the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
The appearance will mark the third stop of his Eliud’s Running World, a seven-marathon project designed to take the legendary Kenyan across all seven continents while using running to bring communities together.
Kipchoge said his previous experience in Australia left a lasting impression, and he is looking forward to returning to the country.
“Running brings people together across all borders. I am excited to return to Australia and experience the energy of the Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival. The Australian running community is booming and the passion I experienced here before will stay with me for a lifetime. I saw that Australia is a real outdoor country with a big love for sports. That is why I can’t wait to come back, experience a new part of this great country and run together with the people of Melbourne and all of Oceania.”
His participation comes at a significant moment for the Melbourne Marathon Festival, which is undergoing its biggest transformation since moving to the MCG two decades ago.
Organisers have redesigned the marathon route to make it faster and flatter, with up to 20 per cent less elevation and 30 per cent fewer turns. The 2026 festival is also expected to attract about 66,000 participants across its various events.
For the 20,000 athletes expected to compete in the marathon, Kipchoge’s presence adds an extra layer of excitement, with participants set to tackle the same route and cross the same finish line at the MCG as the legendary Kenyan.
The Melbourne Marathon and half marathon have already sold out, although places remain available in other events, including the 10km, 5km, 3km and Bupa Healthy Cities Mini Marathon.
Cape Town outing
Kipchoge began his much-anticipated global marathon campaign in Africa on Sunday, May 24, 2026, by competing in the Cape Town Marathon, where he crossed the finish line in 2:13:29.
The legendary long-distance runner was taking part in his first marathon race in over half a year and also made history by running his first officially recognised marathon on African soil. The result saw the former Olympic champion settle for 16th position.
