Kenyan long-distance runner Eliud Kipchoge is facing immense pressure as he prepares for the Sydney Marathon on Sunday, an event newly elevated to a World Marathon Major.

• Kipchoge, arguably the greatest men's marathon runner, aims for a major success in his fifth different city and wants to inspire more people to embrace running.
• The 40-year-old will headline the field alongside fellow Kenyan Vincent Ngetich and Ethiopia's Birhanu Legese.
• Kipchoge recently finished sixth at the London Marathon after failing to finish the Paris 2024 Olympics marathon, but remains unfazed by retirement talk.