In brief
The recognition promises to boost participation and honors the city’s advancements in marathon organization.
The running world celebrated a significant milestone as the Sydney Marathon was officially designated as the seventh World Major Marathon, a title previously held only by New York, Boston, Chicago, London, Berlin, and Tokyo. This announcement coincided with the completion of the New York City Marathon, where thousands of runners crossed the finish line. Sydney's elevation comes after a thorough three-year review process that acknowledged the race’s operational improvements and an impressive turnout of over 20,000 finishers during its 2024 event held in September.Dawn Stone, the chief executive of Abbott World Marathon Majors, expressed her admiration for Sydney’s marathon team, acknowledging their commitment over the past three years leading to this prestigious designation. Sydney is the first marathon to be recognized since Tokyo's inclusion in 2013, further solidifying the city’s position in the global running community.The inclusion of Sydney into the elite ranks creates a new 'Seven Star' program for marathoners who complete all seven world majors, enhancing the allure for competitive runners worldwide. The Australian city has experienced a surge in marathon participation, with entries increasing from a mere 5,000 in 2022 to a remarkable 25,000 in 2024. As expectations rise, officials anticipate around 33,000 runners for the upcoming race scheduled for August 31, 2025. The success of the Sydney Marathon not only reflects its organizational standards but also emphasizes Australia’s growing role in global sports events, promoting a vibrant running culture and community engagement.
