New World Marathon Major!

The TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS has officially joined the ranks of the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM), making it the 7th marathon in the world to receive the honour and the first AbbottWMM in the Southern Hemisphere.  Following a record-breaking year in 2024 as Australia’s largest marathon, the event is set to return on August 31, 2025, with expectations to surpass its previous participant numbers as it continues to grow in scale and significance on the world stage. 

Announced at the TCS New York City Marathon, the TCS Sydney Marathon has earned its place among the world’s most prestigious marathon events, joining the ranks of the Abbott World Marathon Majors alongside the Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America, TCS London Marathon, Bank of America Chicago Marathon, BMW Berlin Marathon, Tokyo Marathon, and TCS New York City Marathon. 

New South Wales Premier, Chris Minns, said“We’re thrilled Australia’s only global city, Sydney, is now a member of the world majors club, following the great marathon cities of Boston, Chicago, New York, Berlin, Tokyo and London.

“Achieving major marathon status is a huge honour and we are proud to be a funding and strategic partner of the Sydney Marathon.

“NSW is an unbeatable hotspot for tourists across the globe and we look forward to welcoming them next year, providing a multi million dollar boost to the economy and an unforgettable experience for the runners on one of the most scenic marathon courses in the world.”

The historic milestone follows a rigorous three-year candidacy period in which the marathon exceeded the AbbottWMM’s 104-point assessment criteria. The announcement comes just weeks after the 2024 TCS Sydney Marathon, which saw a record-breaking 25,000 registered participants mark Australia’s largest ever marathon.

“After years of hard work and dedication, Sydney has earned its place on the world stage as an Abbott World Marathon Major,” said Wayne Larden, Race Director, TCS Sydney Marathon.  “This is a monumental achievement, not just for the event but for our dedicated partners and the NSW Government who have tirelessly supported our bid for the past three years.”

Elevating Sydney to the prestigious rank of the seventh AbbottWMM represents a groundbreaking milestone for the global running community. 

Thousands of dedicated marathoners are expected to flock to Sydney, eager to continue their AbbottWMM journey and reach a new global milestone as some of the first to achieve the Sydney star. 

Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said: “They are the bucket list events that runners from across the world want to tick off. Now Sydney Marathon joins them at the starting line.

“Sydneysiders get behind a sporting event like no other city and we know more and more people will embrace the marathon whether that is aspiring to complete it or getting out to support those who do.

“Sydney Marathon 2025 will draw more visitors, but the NSW Government is just as excited by the economic boost this will provide over the long run as the status of the event grows.

“I congratulate Sydney Marathon organisers and those who worked on its candidacy, backed by Destination NSW. This is a remarkable achievement.”

Today’s announcement marks a legacy that will endure, not only through the event itself but by inspiring increased participation across Australia’s running community

“This is an extraordinary achievement for Sydney and a transformative moment for Australian athletics,”  said Jane Flemming OAM, President, Athletics Australia.  “The Abbott World Marathon Majors represents the very best in marathon running, and to have Sydney join this elite group is a testament to the dedication, passion and expertise of everyone involved, but it is an achievement that will inspire countless Australians to take up running. 

“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 TCS Sydney Marathon’s rise to global prominence is a testament to the invaluable support of partners including Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a sponsor of multiple Abbott World Marathon Majors. TCS has been instrumental in elevating Sydney’s final push to major status, bringing its wealth of experience, knowledge, and innovation to make this historic milestone possible

Vikram Singh, TCS Country Head of Australia & New Zealand, said, “We are proud to have played a role in the TCS Sydney Marathon’s elevation to world major status, establishing the race as the first Abbott World Major in the southern hemisphere. 

“This recognition parallels TCS’ growth story in Australia, one of its fastest growing markets. Through our running partnerships we have been able to showcase how technology and the spirit of community can redefine the marathon experience for runners, spectators, and cities alike. 

“TCS now partners with 5 of the 7 AWMM races, reflecting TCS’ commitment to driving transformation within our communities and supporting the ecosystems we are part of. We look forward to partnering on a global scale with this iconic race.” 

As a long-standing supporter of the TCS Sydney Marathon, ASICS has been integral in shaping the event’s journey to AbbottWMM status. Today’s announcement reflects ASICS’s commitment to the growth and success of running in Australia and globally

Mark Brunton, Managing Director, ASICS Oceania said: “To see the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS become an Abbott World Marathon Major after such a long journey is hugely rewarding and one which ASICS is incredibly proud to be a part of.

“ASICS believes a sound body brings a sound mind and events like the TCS Sydney Marathon are crucial to fostering a love of movement, community, and connection not only amongst Aussies, but the global running community, too. 

“Now an Abbott World Marathon Major, we’re incredibly excited to continue our partnership with the TCS Sydney Marathon, further growing this global movement of running; one which celebrates more than just personal bests, but connections, confidence and community built through the simple act of movement, all on one of the world’s best marathon race courses!”

As Sydney joins the ranks of the world’s most prestigious marathons, the event will continue to expand and elevate the experience for participants and spectators alike.  With plans for an even more enhanced running experience on course, and a growing international presence, Sydney’s vibrant culture will be showcased on the world stage. 

To register interest and to stay up to date with ticket information for the TCS Sydney Marathon 2025 runners are encouraged to register their details. For more information please visit: www.tcssydneymarathon.com  

The TCS Sydney Marathon is supported by the NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. The event is owned by Athletics Australia and managed by Pont3.