Sydney Marathon Sell-out!
The Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS will make history on Sunday, 15 September with 24,000 registered participants signed-up to set the stage for Australia’s largest ever marathon. As the Sydney Marathon makes its final push to achieve Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) status, today’s sellout announcement solidifies its position as one of the great marathon races in the world.
This incredible milestone surpasses the record set by the Sydney Marathon last year, of 17,000 registered participants. The unprecedented number of registrations highlights the growing popularity and significance of the Sydney Marathon on the global marathon circuit with its unrivaled Harbour backdrop.
Recognised globally as a bucket list event, all eyes will be on Sydney, as it enters its final year of a multi-year evaluation process to become the next Abbott World Marathon Major (AbbottWMM)
To become a Major, the Sydney Marathon has been required to meet strict criteria two consecutive years, after meeting the criteria in 2023 if successful again this year, will join an esteemed group of races – Tokyo Marathon, Boston Marathon, TCS London Marathon, BMW-BERLIN Marathon, Bank of America Chicago Marathon and TCS New York City Marathon – as a new member of the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors in 2025.
“This is a momentous year for the Sydney Marathon, as we aim to become the next Abbott World Marathon Major,” said Wayne Larden, Race Director, Sydney Marathon. “We are committed to delivering a world class event that Australia is proud of, and we look forward to welcoming a record number of runners and spectators locally, nationally and from around the world to make history on our new course whilst contributing tens of millions of dollars to the local economy with the full support of Destination NSW and the NSW Government”
This year, the event has introduced a new course, providing participants with a better overall experience that includes a more streamlined route, the removal of tight sections, less U-turns and an earlier start time.
A new start line at North Sydney Oval will echo the historic start line of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Marathon and is a nod to Sydney Marathon’s history as the only remaining legacy event of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. The revamped route will also provide participants with one of the earliest marathon start times in Australia, kicking off at 6am.
These changes have been made to ensure the success of the Sydney Marathon becoming one of the truly premier marathons of the world. It is a huge drawcard for interstate and overseas visitors, with international registrations up 640 per cent from 2023.
The Sydney Marathon has encouraged runners of all fitness levels to step up and challenge themselves at this year’s event. To support first-time and casual marathon runners, marathon participants have 7 hours to cross the finish line.
Last year, the Sydney Marathon made history becoming the largest Marathon in Australia, plus incredible community engagement with over 100,000 spectators lining the streets of Sydney in support of participants. This year’s event aims to transform the streets of Sydney into a vibrant and electrifying spectacle once again, with spectators invited to cheer on the courageous individuals embarking on their marathon journey.
The community spirit along the marathon route is not just a show of support; it’s the heartbeat that fuels the determination of every runner. Whether supporting family and friends, enjoying the enhanced on-course entertainment, or catching a glimpse of the world’s best; every step is elevated by the thunderous applause and encouragement of the crowd.
Participants and spectators are invited to celebrate at the Sydney Marathon Post Race Recovery Village located in the Royal Botanic Gardens. Participants can enjoy food outlets, live entertainment, and brand activations all set against stunning harbour views.
Participants are encouraged to make a difference when they run, with the Run for Free promotion, which enables runners to claim a rebate on their entry fee when they raise more than $500 for one of the event’s official charities.
The Sydney Marathon has raised more than $25M for Australian charities since its inception. This year, the event has partnered with Cure Cancer, Beyond Blue, Dementia Australia, Children’s Cancer Institute, Heart Foundation and Running for Premature Babies as headline charities, with more than 100 other official charities to be supported by people taking part in the event.
The Sydney Marathon and its candidacy for the Abbott World Marathon Majors series is supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.
For more information please visit: sydneymarathon.com