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

Gobena claims first victory after finishing second last year, as Jepchirchir adds to Boston, New York and London wins.Ethiopia’s Addisu Gobena and Kenyan world champion Peres Jepchirchir surged to commanding Sydney Marathon wins in the men’s and women’s races.It was the first victory in a World Marathon Major for 21-year-old Gobena, who came second last year, while Jepchirchir, in Australia on Sunday, added to her previous triumphs in Boston, New York and London.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4‘We’re human’: Sydney Marathon organisers not running away from medal errorlist 2 of 4Dos Santos and Russell set world records in ‘crazy’ Zurich Diamond Leaguelist 3 of 4Kenya’s world record holder Sawe withdraws from Berlin Marathonlist 4 of 4Usain Bolt’s 100m record broken at World Humanoid Robot Gamesend of listGobena made his move in the last kilometre to power home four seconds clear of compatriot Chimdessa Debele Gudeta in 2:04:42. Lesotho’s Tebello Ramakongoana came third.The dominant run shattered the course record by almost one and a 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 today.”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.”In the men’s race, the leading pack had thinned to 15 by the halfway mark, with Gobena, world champion Alphonce Simbu and Kiros among them.