The Sydney Marathon is almost here, and long-distance running in Australia is about to change forever.
For the first time, the event will be held as an official Abbott World Marathon Major, and let me tell you, this is a Big Deal.
It’s a monumental leap that puts Sydney alongside the likes of Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York. Sydney isn’t just hosting a race, it’s making marathon history.
With its new status comes a global spotlight, elite fields and the potential to shatter records on home soil. As race day draws closer, expectations are sky-high for what could be the most competitive and transformative marathon Australia has ever seen.
Before Sydney Harbour shuts down and the streets are taken over by thousands of runners, here’s what to keep an eye on.
Fastest Marathon Ever Run In Australia
The current marathon time records across the country are on notice. It’s not because this year’s course is flatter or quicker than the others (the Sydney Marathon is considered one of the hilliest out of the major races). It’s because of the talent showing up to the starting line.
In fact, some of the fastest runners in the world will be competing. I’m talking about the GOAT, Eliud Kipchoge, AKA the only human to ever run a marathon in under two hours. Olympic icon Sifan Hassan will also be pushing the pace, and doing it alongside what can only be described as the greatest women’s elite field of marathon runners ever seen in Australia.
The fastest and most decorated wheelchair racers from across the globe, including Marcel Hug and Manuela Schar, will be racing too.
It’s safe to say race day is going to be a thrilling showdown of some of the world’s fastest runners pumping it out against the backdrop of the Sydney skyline.
First World Major In The Southern Hemisphere
Sydney will take out the honour of being the first Abbott World Marathon Major below the equator and with that title comes prestige, tourism and global sporting influence. We are now on the annual global racing calendar, baby!
Other major marathons around the world draw in the best athletes, lots of media attention, sponsorships and massive tourism to their respective cities. This year there will be millions of eyes on the race, from the broadcasts in 100+ countries to the fans flocking in from around the globe to witness the event in our harbour city.
Becoming an Abbott World Marathon Major is big business. The city’s about to see a serious tourism payday. We’re talking up to $300 million flowing in over the next decade and all parts of the city are set to cash in. From hotels to hole-in-the-wall cafés, the city is going to get a huge economic boost.
Record Turn Out Participation
35,000 runners are expected to tackle the course this year, smashing last year’s 25,000 turnout. Breaking the participation record cements Sydney’s place as the biggest marathon ever held in the region. Let’s goooo.
This has flown off effects for local runners, by raising the bar for our local legends who once saw majors as a far-off dream, they can now gun for qualifying times on home turf. Basically our local running scene has entered its elite era and it’s inspiring to see.
Just like how the 2000 Olympics sparked sporting participation, the Sydney Marathon will without a doubt encourage young Aussies to take up long-distance running and inspire the next generation to consider running as a serious pursuit.
Most Packed Elite Field Australia Has Ever Seen
Sydney Marathon 2025 is serving up the most stacked elite field Australia’s ever seen. We’re talking Olympic-level talent, world record holders, and absolute weapons of the sport all toeing the same start line. It’s the kind of lineup you’d usually catch at 2am on a livestream from Berlin or Tokyo.
But it’s not just about fast splits or who takes the crown. The sheer number of elite runners racing head-to-head on Aussie soil is a record in itself.
Australia has never hosted this much international running firepower in one place. It’s a full-blown athletic showdown, and it’s happening right in our backyard. Whether you’re a hardcore fan or just marathon-curious, this field is history-making stuff and that’s bloody exciting to witness.
Brands Are Getting Behind It In A Big Way
The brand energy around Sydney Marathon 2025 is next level, and honestly, it’s exactly what the city deserves. As Sydney steps onto the global marathon stage, brands are stepping up with it.
They’re not just throwing logos on bibs. We’re talking legit investment in community events, creative collabs with local run crews, and a serious push to support the culture from the ground up. It’s the kind of activation we usually see in places like New York or London.
The marathon is presented by ASCIS who are leading the charge, alongside brands like Adidas who are linking up with local crew Furies for an electric street race, On is hosting a community focused shakeout run and Lululemon is setting up bespoke recovery hubs.
There’s a genuine sense that this isn’t just a marketing moment, it’s a cultural one. And with over 79,000 applications from 156 countries, 2025 isn’t just the biggest Sydney Marathon ever, it’s the most globally diverse marathon Australia’s ever seen. Sydney has officially gone international, and brands are all in to support it.
Sydney Marathon 2025 is about to go off like nothing we’ve seen before. Records will fall, the streets will be packed, and the global spotlight will be locked on our city.
It’s not just a win for runners, it’s a win for Sydney. Australia is finally playing in the big leagues, and from here on out, the game will never be the same. Buckle up because this is only the beginning.
The post The Sydney Marathon Is About To Change The Future Of Australian Running: Here’s Why appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
