SYDNEY — Ethiopia’s Addisu Gobena and Kenyan world champion Peres Jepchirchir surged to commanding wins Sunday in the men’s and women’s races respectively at the Sydney Marathon.
Victory was the first in a World Marathon Major for 21-year-old Gobena, who came second last year, while Jepchirchir added to her previous triumphs in Boston, New York and London.
Gobena made his move in the last kilometre to power home four seconds clear of compatriot Chimdessa Debele Gudeta in 2hrs 04min 42sec. Lesotho’s Tebello Ramakongoana came third.
The dominant run shattered the course record by almost one-and-half minutes, with last year’s winner Hailemaryam Kiros dropping from the pace in the dying stages.
“I am very happy,” said Gobena, who was a javelin thrower before transitioning to long-distance running, gaining international attention by winning the 2024 Dubai Marathon.
“Last year I came second, I learnt from my mistake, and I went back home and I worked on my mistake to perform and break the record,” Gobena added according to AFP.
The unstoppable Jepchirchir was in a league of her own, crossing the finish line in front of the Sydney Opera House in 2:18:31, nearly four minutes ahead of fellow Kenyan Irine Cheptai and Ethiopia’s Shure Demise Ware.
“I was prepared, but I was not sure when I came here if I would win, so I’m so glad and I’m so happy,” said Jepchirchir.
“It was so hilly. First half (of the race) was so tough, but the second was better at least. But it was not easy.”
