Sydney Marathon Joins the World Marathon Majors: A Milestone for Australian Athletics

Athletics Australia is proudly celebrating an historic moment for the sport, with the news today that Sydney Marathon has officially joined the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors, elevating it to the pinnacle of global marathons.

The achievement positions Sydney among an exclusive group of races, alongside the world’s largest and most renowned marathons including the Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York City Marathons.

A Abbott World Marathon Major is the gold standard in marathon running, attracting the world’s greatest distance runners and wheelchair racers. The races draw global attention to the sport, elevating both elite competition and the experience for thousands of running enthusiasts, with Sydney now standing on the international stage, further cementing its place as world-class sporting Sydney.

“This is an extraordinary achievement for Sydney and a transformative moment for Australian athletics,” Athletics Australia President Jane Flemming said.

“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.”

Starting as a legacy of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, the Sydney Marathon has seen incredible growth over the past two decades. From just 1,200 finishers in its first year, the race attracted 25,000 participants in 2024, reflecting its rising appeal and international significance.

Owned by Athletics Australia and managed by Pont3, the Sydney Marathon has undergone a rigorous multi-year assessment process, emerging as the only marathon to pass the criteria required to join the Abbott World Marathon Majors set.

“This milestone represents a new chapter for Australian athletics as the sport evolves to embrace recreational runners and inspire the athlete inside of everyone,” Athletics Australia CEO Simon Hollingsworth said.

“The Sydney Marathon becoming the seventh World Marathon Major will no doubt bring unparalleled global attention to the sport, open up significant opportunities and motivate more Australians to enjoy the physical and social benefits that athletics has to offer. It’s an exciting time for our sport and we look forward to the legacy that this will build.”

Athletics Australia would like to extend its gratitude to Pont3 for their exceptional work in growing the event, as well as to the NSW Government, whose support through Destination NSW has been crucial in securing Sydney’s status as a major global marathon destination.

By Sascha Ryner, Athletics Australia
Posted: 4/11/2024