Addisu Gobena shatters Sydney Marathon record, Jepchirchir takes women’s title

Addisu Gobena claims first World Marathon Major title, knocking almost 90 seconds off previous best time

Ethiopia’s Addisu Gobena shattered the course record to win the Sydney Marathon on Sunday, while Kenyan world champion Peres Jepchirchir put in a commanding performance to claim the women’s title.

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 with little more than half-a-mile to go to power home four seconds clear of compatriot Chimdessa Debele Gudeta in two hours, four minutes and 42 seconds. Lesotho’s Tebello Ramakongoana was third.

The dominant run shattered the course record by almost 90 seconds, 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 today.”