Sydney marathon joins elite Abbott World Marathon Majors

Sydney has officially joined the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors, securing its place alongside the iconic marathons of Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York. The announcement was made in New York on Monday, crowning a three-year effort to elevate the Sydney Marathon into the world’s top ranks.

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

Originally held as a test event before the 2000 Olympics, the Sydney Marathon has transformed significantly since 2022, when it became a contender for Major status. Shorter-distance events were removed, the course was redesigned for a faster flow, and the race finish was relocated to the Sydney Opera House, creating an unforgettable backdrop for participants. This September’s event saw a record 25,000 runners, with projections anticipating 37,000 participants by 2027.

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Demand for Major marathon entries is notoriously high; Sydney’s nearest peer, the Tokyo Marathon, receives over 500,000 applications each year. The Abbott World Marathon Majors collectively generate an estimated $1 billion in economic activity, and Sydney’s new status is expected to draw significant international tourism. Destination NSW projects a $73 million boost in visitor spending over three years.

“NSW is an unbeatable hotspot for tourists across the globe, and we look forward to welcoming them next year,” said NSW Premier Chris Minns, noting the scenic appeal of Sydney’s course. “This milestone provides a multi-million dollar boost to the economy and an unforgettable experience for runners.”

Sydney Marathon race director Wayne Larden highlighted the broader impact, from community health to charity fundraising: “This amazing milestone is going to have a profound impact on running in Australia, inspiring the community to become a marathoner and do something special for themselves, their families, and friends.”

The new status also positions Sydney to rival Melbourne’s longstanding event, previously Australia’s largest marathon, as it welcomes the world to its shores for a race on one of the most scenic marathon courses on the globe.