SYDNEY MARATHON SET TO MAKE HISTORY

Registrations are open for Australia’s most spectacular athletic event, the Sydney Marathon, returning to Sydney’s stunning shores on Sunday 17 September 2023. 

Thousands of participants of all fitness levels will hit the world’s most picturesque course, to run, walk and wheel across the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge traffic-free on their journey to the spectacular Sydney Opera House.

The previously named, Blackmores Sydney Running Festival, is back bigger and better than ever, with a fresh name, new marathon course, and range of exciting changes to appeal to elite athletes, running enthusiasts and spectators alike.

The Sydney Marathon boasts unforgettable courses, across four distances:

● Sydney Marathon
● Sydney Marathon 21.1km
● Sydney Marathon 10km
● Sydney Marathon Family Fun Run 3.5km

The jewel in the crown of Australia’s largest running festival, the Sydney Marathon is a prestigious event, attracting some of the world’s greatest marathon runners and wheelchair athletes to our shores. 

The presence of these elite athletes is expected to draw significant interest in the event, lower current finish times and continue to act as a drawcard for age group and recreational runners.

In 2022, Sydney Marathon broke the record for the fastest marathon ever run in Australia. This year, the event will introduce a new course that flows better with more roadways and less 180 degree bends creating a more enjoyable marathon experience.

“We heard the calls of our incredible running community and we’re pleased to announce that the Sydney Marathon will unveil a brand-new course in 2023,” 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 thousands of runners from across the globe to make history on our new course.”

A Candidate Race for the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) Sydney Marathon enters its second year of a multi-year evaluation process by AbbottWMM in 2023.

To become a Major, the Sydney Marathon will be required to meet strict criteria over a three-year period and if successful, 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.

NSW Minister for Tourism John Graham said the Sydney Marathon was a world-class event with one of the most spectacular marathon courses on earth.

“No city in the world has a better combination of natural beauty, love of sport and iconic landmarks for a marathon than Sydney.

The NSW government is proud to support this push for Sydney to become a Marathon Major. It could see Sydney taking a leap onto the world marathon stage and could see huge tourism benefit for greater Sydney.

This event is a great example of the high participation events we’d like to make a bigger priority for tourism funding.”

Renowned globally as a bucket list event, Sydney Marathon encourages runners of all fitness levels to step-up and challenge themselves at this year’s event. To support first time and casual marathon runners, the event has extended its official cut off time by one hour, allowing marathon participants 7 hours to cross the finish line.

Set to become the city’s biggest block party, Sydneysiders are invited to line the streets for a free, front-row seat to one of the most exhilarating sporting events in the world. Whether supporting family and friends, enjoying the enhanced on-course entertainment, catching a glimpse of the world’s best, or simply backing your fellow Australians, there’s something for everyone at Sydney Marathon.

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, 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 official charities.

A legacy event of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games the Sydney Marathon has raised more than $25M for Australian charities since its inception. This year, the event has partnered with Cure Cancer, Children’s Cancer Institute and Dementia Australia as the 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.

Register now to secure early bird prices and your place on the start line on Sunday 17 September 2023 at sydneymarathon.com

By Sydney Marathon
Posted: 20/4/2023