Sydney Marathon named as seventh major race in elite circuit

Sydney has been officially named the newest member of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, becoming the seventh city to be included in this prestigious series. Starting in 2025, the Sydney Marathon will be the first major marathon in the Southern Hemisphere, joining the ranks of elite races held in Boston, New York, Chicago, London, Berlin, and Tokyo.

Dawna Stone, CEO of Abbott World Marathon Majors, expressed her excitement about Sydney’s inclusion. She praised the hard work of the race organizers, noting that the team in Sydney has dedicated over three years to achieve this milestone. “The improvements in their operations and event experience have been deeply impressive,” Stone remarked. “We cannot wait to see our community embrace this race as a major and start planning their visits to run the streets of one of the finest cities in the world. Runners, your Sydney star awaits.”

The Sydney Marathon is celebrated for its stunning course, which winds along the Sydney Harbour and passes many of the city’s iconic landmarks. Since its inception as part of the legacy of the 2000 Olympic Games, the marathon has grown significantly, beginning with just 1,200 finishers in its inaugural year. In September, the event reached a record participation level, with 20,272 runners completing the race, which helped it pass the necessary assessments to become an Abbott World Marathon Major.

Jane Flemming, president of Athletics Australia, hailed this achievement as a pivotal moment for the sport in Australia. “This is an extraordinary achievement for Sydney and a transformative moment for Australian athletics,” she stated. “We’re incredibly proud of the journey this race has been on, and we are beyond excited for what this means for the future of the sport in Australia.”

The recognition as a major marathon comes with expectations of increased international interest and participation. Following Sydney’s elevation, the Abbott World Marathon Majors is looking to further expand the series, with both the Cape Town and Shanghai marathons currently undergoing the candidacy process. These marathons could potentially join the elite ranks as early as 2026 and 2027 if they meet the two-year assessment criteria.

The upcoming Sydney Marathon is scheduled for August 31, 2025, with more than 33,000 runners anticipated to take part. According to officials from the New South Wales government, achieving major status is expected to boost tourism, generating an additional 73 million Australian dollars (approximately $48 million) in spending over the next three years. With a population exceeding 5 million, Sydney is one of Australia’s most visited cities, and the marathon is likely to draw even more visitors eager to experience its vibrant atmosphere.

The elevation of the Sydney Marathon to major status not only celebrates the city’s running community but also positions Australia on the global marathon map. With the influx of runners and tourists, local businesses, hotels, and restaurants are poised to benefit significantly from this international event.

As Sydney prepares to welcome thousands of participants and spectators in 2025, the excitement surrounding the marathon continues to build. Runners from around the world are now looking ahead to the opportunity to run through one of the most picturesque cities, with the Sydney Marathon promising a unique and unforgettable experience.

This major milestone highlights the growing popularity of marathon running and the increasing recognition of Sydney as a top destination for such events. As the city gears up for its inaugural appearance in the Abbott World Marathon Majors, the anticipation among local athletes and international participants alike is palpable.

In summary, the Sydney Marathon’s new status as the seventh major race in the Abbott World Marathon Majors marks a significant achievement for the city and Australian athletics. With its stunning backdrop, impressive growth, and strong community support, the marathon is set to become a highlight on the global running calendar, attracting runners and spectators from all corners of the globe.