Sunday, 13 October 2019:

Inspired by the historic feat of compatriot Eliud Kipchoge the day before, Kenyans Isaac Birir and Naomi Maiyo have won the Melbourne Marathon.

Birir beat fellow Kenyan William Chebon to win the race for the second time in three years.

Mayo is the first international to win the women's race since 2011, also the last time Kenyans took out the two titles.

Birir started out at race-record pace in ideal conditions, but faded and finished in two hours 16 minutes 31 seconds.

"I think I was a bit excited after last night - I've known of him (Kipchoge) for a long time and he's a distant relative of my mum's," said Birir, who is based in Perth and awaiting permanent residency.

Chebon clocked 2:17:53 and Reece Edwards was the first Australian in third place with 2:19:00.

Maiyo, who won in 2:35:34, also has a connection to Kipchoge.

"I was training with Kipchoge's group in Kaptagat and he wished me good luck. I was watching him last night- I knew he'd break two hours," she said.

Australian Nera Jareb beat compatriot Marnie Ponton for second place.

Jareb's 2:36:42 was a personal best by nearly a minute and Ponton took third with 2:37:21.

The marathon festival attracted more than 37,000 entrants, with the event also including a half marathon, 10km and 5km runs.

AAP