Ethiopia’s Gobena, Kenya’s Olympic champion Jepchirchir win Sydney Marathon

Ethiopia's Addisu Gobena and Kenya's world-class runner Peres Jepchirchir claimed victory at the Sydney Marathon, marking a triumphant return for both athletes. Gobena, 21, secured his first win in a World Marathon Major, overcoming a second-place finish at last year's event. Jepchirchir, already a multiple champion having previously won in Boston, New York and London, added another title to her growing list of achievements. Gobena's performance was particularly notable, as he finished in a time of 2:04:42, edging out his compatriot Chimdessa Debele Gudeta by four seconds. The Ethiopian runner, who transitioned from javelin throwing to long-distance running, expressed satisfaction with his result. He credited his success to learning from past mistakes and improving his training regimen. “I was not sure if I would win when I arrived here,” he said. “But I feel proud and happy.” Jepchirchir, meanwhile, demonstrated her dominance in the women's race, finishing in 2:18:31. She crossed the finish line in front of the iconic Sydney Opera House, maintaining a comfortable lead over fellow Kenyan Irine Cheptai and Ethiopian Shure Demise Ware. Despite the challenging terrain, Jepchirchir remained focused and resilient. “The first half was tough, but the second part was better,” she noted. “It wasn’t easy, but I managed to push through.” The men's race saw a competitive battle unfold, with the field gradually narrowing as the race progressed. By the halfway point, the leading pack had been reduced to 15 runners, including Gobena, world champion Alphonce Simbu and last year's winner Hailemaryam Kiros. Several attempts at breakaways failed, with the field eventually consolidating into a smaller group. As the race approached its final stretch, Gobena and Gudeta launched a decisive attack, with Gobena ultimately securing the win. In the women's race, Kenya's Priscah Cherono initially led the charge, creating a significant gap early on. However, the chasing pack, which included Jepchirchir and Cheptai, closed in steadily. By the 30-kilometer mark, the two Kenyan runners had taken control, with Jepchirchir pushing forward with determination. Her effort fell just short of breaking the course record, which was previously held by Olympic champion Sifan Hassan. The Sydney Marathon attracted a record number of participants, with around 40,000 runners competing over the scenic 42.19-kilometer route. The course passed through North Sydney, crossed the Harbour Bridge and concluded at the forecourt of the Sydney Opera House. This year marked the race's elevation to the status of a World Marathon Major, placing it alongside prestigious events such as London, Tokyo, Boston, Berlin, Chicago and New York. In addition to the main marathon, the event featured the men's and women's wheelchair races, with American Daniel Romanchuk claiming victory in the men's category and Swiss athlete Manuela Schar, a three-time Paralympic gold medalist, winning the women's race. The Sydney Marathon continues to grow in stature, drawing top-tier athletes and spectators from around the globe. With its inclusion in the World Marathon Major series, the event has become a key fixture in the global athletics calendar, offering a platform for elite competitors to showcase their skills against some of the best in the sport.