Twenty‑one‑year‑old Addisu Gobena clinched his first World Marathon Major with a 2:04:42 finish, shattering the course record. Kenya’s Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir added a fourth major title, crossing the line in 2:18:31 after wins in Boston, New York and London.
- Addisu Gobena secures his first World Marathon Major win
- Peres Jepchirchir adds a fourth major title in Sydney
- Course record broken by roughly 1.5 minutes
In a dramatic finish, 21‑year‑old Ethiopia’s Addisu Gobena surged in the final kilometre to claim victory in 2:04:42, edging compatriot Chimdessa Debele Gudeta by four seconds and erasing last year’s runner‑up finish.
Kenya’s Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir powered through the 42.19 km course in 2:18:31, finishing nearly four minutes ahead of fellow Kenyan Irine Cheptai and Ethiopia’s Shure Demise Ware, marking her fourth World Marathon Major triumph after Boston, New York and London.
Gobena, a former javelin thrower who burst onto the world stage with a win at the 2024 Dubai Marathon, said, "Last year I came second, learned from my mistake and worked hard to break the record today."
Jepchirchir added, "I was prepared but wasn’t sure I would win. The first half was very hilly, but the second half got better – it wasn’t easy."
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the back‑to‑back victories of athletes from Ethiopia and Kenya reinforce the East African dominance in long‑distance running, while the shattered course record highlights the rising competitiveness of the World Marathon Majors.
"Gobena’s win proves that a strategic shift from field events to distance running can produce world‑class results," says elite coach Maria Leon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who broke the Sydney Marathon course record? Addisu Gobena set a new record with a time of 2:04:42.
Which majors has Peres Jepchirchir won before Sydney? She previously claimed victories at the Boston, New York and London marathons.
