Running News Daily

Ali Anderson produced one of the most remarkable performances of the Sydney Marathon on Sunday, becoming one of the rare women to break three hours for the marathon while 32 weeks into pregnancy.

The 29-year-old American from Oklahoma crossed the finish line in 2:59:43, completing the 26.2-mile journey from North Sydney to the Sydney Opera House with just 17 seconds to spare under the three-hour barrier. Her performance came as part of a record field of around 40,000 runners and marked her seventh marathon, as well as her fourth World Marathon Major.

Anderson had entered the Sydney Marathon before discovering she was pregnant. Rather than withdraw, she decided to continue preparing for the race after consulting her doctor, who told her there was no medical reason to stop her normal training, provided she was no longer pursuing a personal-best effort.

The Sydney performance was particularly striking when compared with her previous marathon earlier in the year. At the Boston Marathon in April, Anderson was just 13 weeks pregnant when she clocked a spectacular 2:41:58, establishing her personal best. Nineteen weeks later in Sydney, the physical demands of late pregnancy were naturally reflected in her pace, but she still managed to produce a sub-three-hour performance.

Her Boston average pace was approximately 6:11 per mile, compared with around 6:52 per mile in Sydney — a difference of roughly 41 seconds per mile. Yet despite the slower pace and the additional demands of carrying a pregnancy into the third trimester, Anderson maintained enough control to finish inside three hours.

Speaking after the race, Anderson acknowledged that the hills felt considerably tougher because of her increased weight, but said she felt good throughout the marathon and was careful not to push herself beyond her limits.

“I'm obviously heavier, so the hills were a little bit more intense. But I felt really good, and I wasn't pushing too hard,” she said.

There was also another challenge that required careful planning: bathroom stops. With pregnancy adding an extra logistical consideration to an already demanding marathon, Anderson had to manage her race differently from a conventional marathon preparation and execution.

Her decision to race came after seeking medical advice. Anderson said her doctor reassured her that she could continue running, while making it clear that the objective should not be chasing another personal best.

Her performance also comes against a growing body of evidence suggesting that exercise during pregnancy can be safe for many women when appropriately managed. Research has generally found reassuring outcomes for continued physical activity during pregnancy, although evidence specifically examining competitive marathon racing in late pregnancy remains much more limited. Individual medical circumstances can vary significantly, making professional medical guidance essential.

Anderson also had the option of postponing her Sydney Marathon entry. The event's rules allowed pregnant runners to defer their places to 2027, 2028 or 2029 with a doctor's letter. She chose not to take that route.

The Sydney Marathon was therefore more than another race on Anderson's résumé. It became a test of how she could adapt her ambitions to an extraordinary stage of her life — maintaining her passion for distance running while putting performance goals into perspective.

Her original plans extended beyond Sydney. She had another marathon scheduled for December and had hoped to pursue the 2:37:00 qualifying standard for the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. Her Boston personal best of 2:41:58 currently leaves her 4 minutes and 58 seconds outside that mark.

For now, however, Anderson's achievement in Sydney stands on its own.

A 2:59:43 marathon is impressive under any circumstances. Doing it at 32 weeks pregnant makes Anderson's Sydney Marathon one of the most extraordinary distance-running stories of the year.

At 46, Priscah Cherono showed that age is no barrier to racing with the world’s best.

The Kenyan veteran produced a remarkable performance at the Sydney Marathon, taking the race by the horns from the early stages and, for a remarkable stretch, leading the entire professional women’s field.

Cherono moved into the lead before 5km and by 10km had opened a gap of around 16 seconds on her closest challengers. Rather than settling into the pack, she continued to dictate the pace, remaining at the front until close to the 28km mark.

Then came the most eye-catching moment of her race.

Cherono reached halfway in 67:59, an extraordinary split that works out to roughly 5:11 per mile. It was around 36 seconds faster than her previous standalone half-marathon best, underlining just how aggressively she had approached the opening half of the race.

Her halfway split was also just seven seconds outside the masters world record for the half marathon.

Inevitably, such a demanding opening came at a cost. Cherono struggled to maintain the same rhythm after halfway, covering the second half in approximately 75:50. She eventually slipped down the standings but refused to give up, crossing the finish line in 2:23:49 for sixth place.

And that finish was historic.

Cherono’s time established a new marathon world best for women aged 46 and over, improving on the previous mark of 2:25:07, set by fellow Kenyan Edna Kiplagat last year.

But Cherono’s Sydney story is about far more than one record.

Her athletics journey stretches back three decades. In 1996, at just 16 years old, she won the Kenyan junior 5000m title. That same year, she travelled to Sydney for the World Junior Championships and finished eighth in the 5000m.

Thirty years later, she returned to the same city — this time as a 46-year-old marathoner — and found herself leading a major international marathon against a field filled with younger elite athletes.

That is what makes her performance so remarkable.

Cherono did not simply run a fast marathon for her age. She went to the front, took control of the race, attacked the pace and dared to challenge the clock before eventually paying the price for her ambition.

She may have faded in the closing kilometres, but her boldness produced something far more valuable than a conservative finish: a place in the history books.

From a teenage athlete competing in Sydney in 1996 to a record-breaking masters marathoner dominating the opening half of the Sydney Marathon three decades later, Cherono’s career has come full circle in extraordinary fashion.

The question is simple: if you were 46 and leading a major marathon at halfway on record-setting pace, would you keep pushing for greatness — or back off and protect the finish?

American marathoner Ethan Shuley delivered another impressive performance on the international stage at the 2026 Sydney Marathon, clocking 2:08:34 to finish 13th overall and emerge as the top American in the men's race.

Competing against a deep international field, Shuley faced the demanding 42.195km Sydney course and produced a determined performance from start to finish. His official result placed him 13th among the elite men and confirmed him as the highest-finishing American in the race.

After crossing the finish line, Shuley was candid about the challenge presented by the course, saying: “This is probably the hardest course I’ve done.” His reaction reflected the physical toll of a route known for its rolling terrain and demanding climbs.

Although the race did not produce a new personal best, Shuley once again demonstrated his ability to compete strongly at the highest level. Earlier this year, he made a major breakthrough by running 2:07:14 at the Osaka Marathon, establishing himself among the leading American marathoners.

His 2:08:34 performance in Sydney adds another important result to an already impressive 2026 campaign. Delivering such a strong time on a challenging course against world-class opposition further highlighted both his resilience and growing consistency over the marathon distance.

For Shuley, the result was about more than simply finishing as the top American. It was another statement that his rise in the marathon is continuing. With his breakthrough performances now being followed by consistent results on the global stage, Ethan Shuley is increasingly establishing himself as one of the American marathoners to watch in the years ahead.

Kenya’s Peres Jepchirchir has added another prestigious chapter to her remarkable marathon career, claiming victory at the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS in an impressive 2:18:31.

The reigning world champion and former Olympic champion produced a commanding performance on the streets of Sydney, securing another major victory and further strengthening her reputation as one of the most accomplished marathoners of her generation.

Jepchirchir’s winning time was just nine seconds shy of Sifan Hassan’s Sydney course record of 2:18:22, set at the 2025 edition. Although the record remained intact, the Kenyan once again demonstrated her ability to perform with precision and confidence on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

She won the race with a performance defined by patience, poise and remarkable composure. Rather than being drawn into unnecessary battles in the early stages, Jepchirchir appeared to run with confidence, gradually asserting her authority as the kilometres passed. Her rhythm remained smooth and controlled, her focus unwavering, and when the decisive moments arrived, she had the strength and composure to take command. It was a victory crafted with intelligence, executed with elegance and finished with the unmistakable authority of a true champion.

More significantly, the triumph marks Jepchirchir’s fourth Abbott World Marathon Majors victory. She had previously conquered New York, Boston and London, and her Sydney success now adds another prestigious Major title to an already extraordinary résumé.

Behind the champion, compatriot Irine Cheptai completed an impressive Kenyan one-two, crossing the finish line in 2:22:11. Ethiopia's Shure Demise secured the final place on the podium with a strong run of 2:22:32, as Kenya and Ethiopia once again demonstrated their extraordinary depth in elite women's marathon running.

Ethiopia's Haven Hailu finished fourth in 2:22:56, followed by compatriot Meseret Abebayehu in fifth with 2:23:40. Kenya's Priscah Cherono took sixth place in 2:23:49, narrowly ahead of Uganda's Stella Chesang, who clocked 2:23:51 for seventh.

The race also featured a notable performance from home favourite Ellie Pashley, who battled her way into the top 10. The Australian finished ninth in 2:28:27, giving the home crowd a strong athlete to celebrate in an elite field dominated by East African runners.

2026 Sydney Marathon – Top 10 Women's Results

  1. Peres Jepchirchir (Kenya) – 2:18:31

  2. Irine Cheptai (Kenya) – 2:22:11

  3. Shure Demise (Ethiopia) – 2:22:32

  4. Haven Hailu (Ethiopia) – 2:22:56

  5. Meseret Abebayehu (Ethiopia) – 2:23:40

  6. Priscah Cherono (Kenya) – 2:23:49

  7. Stella Chesang (Uganda) – 2:23:51

  8. Fikrte Wereta (Ethiopia) – 2:25:18

  9. Ellie Pashley (Australia) – 2:28:27

  10. Aberu Ayana (Ethiopia) – 2:28:29

For Jepchirchir, Sydney represents far more than another race victory. It is another demonstration of the consistency, resilience and championship mentality that have defined her career. From Olympic glory to world championship success and now another Major triumph, she continues to strengthen her place among the most accomplished marathoners of her era.

The Sydney Marathon has rapidly established itself as one of the most significant races on the global marathon calendar, and Jepchirchir’s victory adds another memorable chapter to its growing history.

As the champion crossed the finish line beneath Sydney’s iconic skyline, she celebrated another remarkable achievement in a career that continues to evolve with every major challenge.

From Olympic champion to world champion, from New York and Boston to London and now Sydney, Peres Jepchirchir continues to turn the world’s greatest marathons into stages for her brilliance. Sydney has a new champion, and another extraordinary chapter has been added to the story of one of marathon running’s finest competitors. 

Four Abbott World Marathon Majors conquered. One extraordinary legacy still being written.

From Jepchirchir's dominant victory to another fiercely competitive East African showdown and Pashley's determined top-10 finish on home soil, the 2026 Sydney Marathon delivered a memorable showcase of world-class women's distance running. And at the centre of it all stood Peres Jepchirchir—once again wearing the crown.

Addisu Gobena has completed a remarkable transformation from javelin thrower to marathon champion, returning to Sydney one year after finishing runner-up and this time producing a spectacular victory in a new course-record time of 2:04:42.

The 21-year-old Ethiopian delivered a performance to remember at the 2026 Sydney Marathon, breaking away from a fiercely competitive field and crossing the finish line in 2:04:42 to claim the men's title.

In the process, Gobena obliterated the previous course record of 2:06:06, improving it by 1 minute and 24 seconds. The result represents another extraordinary step in the rapid rise of an athlete whose path to marathon success is anything but conventional.

Gobena was still competing as a javelin thrower until 2023 before turning his attention fully towards distance running. What followed has been an astonishing transformation. Within a remarkably short period, the young Ethiopian progressed from the field-event sector to the highest level of road racing, developing into a formidable marathoner.

His breakthrough came at the 2024 Dubai Marathon, where he won on his marathon debut in 2:05:01. He then continued to establish himself among Ethiopia's promising young distance runners, eventually returning to Sydney in 2025, where he finished second behind compatriot Hailemaryam Kiros.

That runner-up finish clearly left unfinished business.

One year later, Gobena returned to the streets of Sydney with a different objective — and this time, he finished the job. His 2:04:42 not only secured the victory but also rewrote the course record in emphatic fashion.

The battle behind him was equally extraordinary.

Fellow Ethiopian Chimdessa Debele Gudeta produced a phenomenal run to finish second in 2:04:46, just four seconds behind Gobena. Behind them, Tebello Ramakongoana of Lesotho delivered another outstanding performance, taking third place in 2:04:57 and setting a new national record. His achievement was particularly remarkable as he finished on the same time as fourth-placed Alphonce Simbu of Tanzania, underlining just how extraordinary the battle for the podium had become.

The depth of the elite field was evident throughout the race, with the top five athletes all breaking 2:05. Ethiopia's Jemal Mekonnen took fifth in 2:04:59, while compatriot Hailemaryam Kiros followed in sixth with 2:05:16.

Kenya's Vincent Ngetich produced a strong performance to finish seventh in 2:05:27, while Ethiopia continued its impressive presence in the leading positions. Kenyan athletes Kennedy Kimutai and Gilbert Kibet also finished inside the top 10.

Australian hopes were led by Andrew Buchanan, who delivered a commendable home performance to finish 16th in 2:10:14.

2026 Sydney Marathon – Top 10 Men's Results

 1. Addisu Gobena (Ethiopia) – 2:04:42 – Event Record

 2. Chimdessa Debele Gudeta (Ethiopia) – 2:04:45

 3. Tebello Ramakongoana (Lesotho) – 2:04:57 – National Record

 4. Alphonce Simbu (Tanzania) – 2:04:57

 5. Jemal Mekonnen (Ethiopia) – 2:04:59

 6. Hailemaryam Kiros (Ethiopia) – 2:05:16

 7. Vincent Ngetich (Kenya) – 2:05:27

 8. Dawit Wolde (Ethiopia) – 2:06:41

 9. Kennedy Kimutai (Kenya) – 2:06:50

 10. Gilbert Kibet (Kenya) – 2:07:13

For Gobena, the significance of the victory goes far beyond a medal and a course record. Just a few years ago, his athletic ambitions were centred on throwing the javelin. Today, he stands at the top of one of the world's major marathon stages, having produced a performance that places his name firmly among the sport's emerging stars.

His Sydney story has also come full circle. Last year, he had to settle for second. This time, he returned stronger, faster and determined to seize the moment.

From the javelin runway to 42.195 kilometres of marathon glory, Addisu Gobena has written one of the most remarkable chapters of his young career — and at only 21, his best may still be ahead of him. 

Sydney witnessed marathon racing of the very highest quality, with records falling, national pride soaring and the podium decided by the narrowest of margins. Gobena ultimately claimed the biggest prize, but the 2026 Sydney Marathon will be remembered for the extraordinary depth and intensity of a race that delivered one of the most thrilling finishes in the event's history.

Twenty-six years ago, a 17-year-old Vivian Cheruiyot arrived in Sydney carrying the dreams of a young Kenyan athlete and the promise of a remarkable future.

Today, she returns to the same Australian city as something far greater — an Olympic champion, four-time world champion, world cross-country champion, London Marathon winner, Laureus Sportswoman of the Year and one of Kenya’s most accomplished distance runners.

At 42, Cheruiyot will line up for the TCS Sydney Marathon on Sunday, August 30, completing an extraordinary full circle in a career that has stretched across more than two decades and transformed her from a teenage Olympian into one of the defining figures of her generation.

When Cheruiyot first competed in Sydney at the 2000 Olympic Games, few could have imagined the heights she would eventually reach. Still only 17, she advanced to the 5000m final and finished 14th — an experience that became the first chapter of an Olympic journey that would eventually span four Games.

The years that followed brought an extraordinary collection of victories.

Cheruiyot became world 5000m champion in 2009, then produced one of the greatest championship performances of her career in Daegu in 2011, winning both the 5000m and 10,000m titles while also claiming World Cross Country gold earlier that year. She added another world 10,000m title in Beijing in 2015, taking her tally to four senior world championships.

But the Olympic gold medal remained the one prize missing from her collection.

That changed dramatically in Rio in 2016.

After winning silver in the 10,000m, Cheruiyot returned to the track for the 5000m final and delivered a masterclass in championship racing. She surged away from Ethiopia’s Almaz Ayana in the closing stages to win Olympic gold in 14:26.17, finally completing the collection of major titles she had chased for so many years.

“I said I want to win,” Cheruiyot recalled after that historic victory. “This was my fourth Olympics and I’ve been dreaming about this since the very start.”

Her brilliance was not confined to the track.

After moving into marathon running, Cheruiyot established herself among the world’s best over 42.195km. She finished fourth in her London Marathon debut in 2017 before returning the following year to produce a stunning victory in 2:18:31 — a performance that placed her fourth on the world all-time list at the time and remains her marathon personal best.

She also finished runner-up in the New York City Marathon in 2018 and second in London in 2019, further demonstrating that her extraordinary competitive instinct had successfully followed her from the track to the roads.

Away from competition, Cheruiyot’s story has also evolved with her life. She became a mother, welcomed her daughter Arielle in 2021 and returned to competitive racing in 2023. In 2024, she claimed third place at the New York City Marathon, followed by fifth at the 2025 London Marathon.

Now Sydney offers her another opportunity to write her name into the city’s sporting history.

“I look back on my career with pride. I was able to win almost everything and have been at the top for a long time,” Cheruiyot said ahead of her return.

She also remembers the extraordinary generation in which she competed — an era that included global icons such as Usain Bolt, Tirunesh Dibaba and Meseret Defar.

“I was running in a great era and had a close-up view of athletes like Usain Bolt setting the world alight,” she reflected.

Yet perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Cheruiyot’s return is not simply the passage of time, but her willingness to keep challenging herself.

She arrives in Sydney having put considerable work into rebuilding her fitness, knowing that the marathon demands something entirely different from the explosive championship races that defined her track career.

“I am very excited to go back to Sydney,” she said. “It has been 26 years since I was there, and a lot has changed in my life since then. I hope to have a good run — I have put in a lot of work to regain fitness and hope my body will stand up to the 42km.”

Twenty-six years ago, Sydney introduced the world to a fearless Kenyan teenager chasing an Olympic dream.

Now, the same city welcomes back a woman who went on to conquer the track, cross country and marathon — and to leave an indelible mark on Kenyan athletics.

From teenage Olympian to Olympic champion. From world champion to marathon winner. From rising talent to mother and enduring icon.

Vivian Cheruiyot has come full circle — and Sydney is once again the stage. 

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — August 30, 2026

Sydney is preparing for a spectacular morning of marathon racing as reigning world champions Peres Jepchirchir of Kenya and Alphonce Simbu of Tanzania headline a world-class elite field at the TCS Sydney Marathon on Sunday, August 30.

The race is set to provide another defining moment for Australian distance running, with more than 40,000 participants expected to take on the streets of Sydney and a remarkable collection of elite athletes competing for victory on one of the world's newest Abbott World Marathon Majors.

Jepchirchir and Simbu will bring an added layer of prestige to the occasion as the reigning women's and men's world marathon champions. Their presence ensures that the spotlight will be firmly fixed on Sydney as some of the world's finest distance runners battle for one of the most coveted titles on the international marathon calendar.

There will also be records in the crosshairs. The men's course record stands at 2:06:06, while the women's benchmark is 2:18:22, meaning the quality of the field has created genuine anticipation that both marks could come under threat.

In the men's race, Simbu arrives with considerable confidence and an ambitious target. The Tanzanian produced one of the most dramatic finishes of the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, holding off Germany's Amanal Petros to claim the world title. With a personal best of 2:02:47, Simbu has the speed, championship experience and belief to challenge the very best, and he has made no secret of his desire to attack Sydney's course record.

However, standing in his way is an elite group led by Ethiopia's Sisay Lemma, whose outstanding 2:01:48 personal best makes him the fastest entrant in the field. A former London and Boston Marathon champion, Lemma brings a wealth of experience at the highest level and will be one of the principal threats to Simbu's ambitions.

Kenya will also have a strong presence, with Timothy Kiplagat and Vincent Ngetich adding further firepower to an already formidable men's lineup.

Perhaps the most intriguing storyline, however, belongs to Ethiopian track star Hagos Gebrhiwet, who is set to make his highly anticipated marathon debut. A former Olympic 5,000m medallist and one of the world's fastest track distance runners, Gebrhiwet has already shown extraordinary endurance over shorter distances, including a 57:41 half-marathon personal best. His transition to the marathon will be closely watched, with fans eager to discover whether his world-class track speed can be converted into success over 42.195 kilometres.

The depth of the men's field is remarkable. No fewer than 25 athletes have broken 2:10, while 19 have already recorded times faster than Sydney's existing course record, setting the stage for a race that could develop into a battle of extraordinary pace and tactics.

The women's contest promises just as much drama, with Jepchirchir leading the way. The Kenyan superstar arrives in Sydney as the reigning world champion and Olympic champion, carrying a 2:14:43 personal best, the fastest among the women entered.

Yet victory will not come easily. Jepchirchir faces a powerful Kenyan challenge from Irine Cheptai, who owns a 2:17:51 personal best and has already established herself as a major force on the international marathon circuit.

Tanzania's Magdalena Shauri, the country's national record holder with a personal best of 2:18:03, will provide another serious threat, while the experienced Vivian Cheruiyot of Kenya adds further championship pedigree to an already impressive women's field.

Ethiopian stars Shure Demise and Haven Hailu, alongside Uganda's Stella Chesang, will also be looking to make their mark as the race unfolds through Sydney's iconic streets.

The setting could hardly be more spectacular. Starting in North Sydney, the marathon takes runners across the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge before heading towards the unforgettable finish at the Sydney Opera House. With the city providing a breathtaking backdrop, the race has all the ingredients for another historic chapter in its rapid rise on the global marathon scene.

For the elite athletes, however, the beauty of Sydney will quickly become secondary once the gun goes off.

The champions will be chasing victory. The record hunters will be chasing history. And for Gebrhiwet, an entirely new chapter of his career will begin.

Two reigning world champions. Multiple sub-2:05 contenders. A world-class women's field. A highly anticipated marathon debut. And course records that could be under serious threat.

Everything is in place for an unforgettable Sunday in Sydney.

Will Alphonce Simbu turn his ambition into a new course record?

 Can Sisay Lemma's 2:01:48 experience carry him to victory?

Will Hagos Gebrhiwet announce himself as a future marathon superstar?

 And can Peres Jepchirchir add the Sydney Marathon crown to her already extraordinary list of achievements?

Sydney is ready.

The champions have arrived. The records are waiting. The stage is set for a spectacular showdown.

The Sydney Marathon was meant to celebrate one of Australia’s most iconic cities. Instead, its 2026 finisher’s medal has unexpectedly brought a little piece of Munich into the spotlight.

The back of the medal features a collection of landmarks designed to represent Sydney and the 42.2-kilometre journey runners will take through the city, including the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. But alongside those unmistakably Australian symbols is a rather surprising addition: Munich’s Allianz Arena.

The stadium was supposed to represent Sydney’s Allianz Stadium in Moore Park. Instead, the medal designers somehow used the distinctive home of Bayern Munich in Germany.

The mistake was spotted shortly after the medal was unveiled and quickly spread across social media before attracting international media attention. With the race now just days away, there is no time to redesign and replace the medals already produced for the event.

Organisers have acknowledged the mistake, describing it as an “unfortunate error” and making clear that the medals will still be presented to runners on race day.

Rather than attempting to hide the blunder, Sydney Marathon has chosen to embrace the unexpected twist, saying the medal is now “a little more unique.” Their response ended on a light-hearted note: “You noticed. We noticed. We’re human.”

And while the incorrect stadium may have created an embarrassing moment for the organisers, it has also given the 2026 medal something no previous Sydney Marathon medal has had — a story of its own.

That story will be carried around the necks of approximately 40,000 runners when the Sydney Marathon takes place on Sunday, August 30.

The timing could hardly be more significant for the race. Sydney is only in its second year as an Abbott World Marathon Major, having joined the prestigious series in 2024 alongside Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York. The event has rapidly established itself as one of the world’s most sought-after marathons, with more than 123,000 runners entering the ballot for the 2026 race, a 56 percent increase from the previous year.

For those 40,000 successful entrants, the medal will ultimately represent something far more important than a design mistake. Behind every medal is months of preparation, early mornings, long training runs, sacrifices and the determination required to cover 42.2 kilometres.

And when the runners finally reach the finish line at the Sydney Opera House, they will receive a medal that was intended to tell the story of Sydney — but accidentally tells a small story about Munich too.

What began as an embarrassing design error may now become one of the most memorable quirks in Sydney Marathon history. Years from now, runners may look back at their 2026 medals not simply as souvenirs of finishing one of the world’s major marathons, but as unusual collector’s pieces from the year Sydney accidentally put Munich on its medal.

A Sydney marathon. A Munich stadium. One unforgettable medal.

On August 30, approximately 35,000 runners will line up at Miller Street in North Sydney for the 2026 TCS Sydney Marathon. Among them will be an athlete who already owns a piece of marathon history: Michael Roeger, the Australian T46 marathon world-record holder and one of the most remarkable endurance athletes of his generation.

At 38, Roeger returns to the marathon with a career shaped by persistence, reinvention and an extraordinary ability to keep moving forward whenever circumstances have threatened to derail him.

Sydney is a fitting stage for the next chapter. The marathon, now part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, takes runners through some of the city's most recognisable landmarks, beginning in North Sydney, crossing the Harbour Bridge and eventually finishing near the Opera House. For Roeger, however, this is about far more than another marathon.

He is returning to the distance in the city where he set the fastest T46 marathon ever recorded.

Roeger grew up in Langhorne Creek, a small South Australian community about 55 kilometres south of Adelaide. Born without the lower half of his right arm, he discovered Para athletics after Paralympian Neil Fuller visited his school when Roeger was 12.

What began as an introduction to sport eventually developed into a career spanning five Paralympic Games, world championships, major medals and multiple world records.

His T46 classification covers athletes with an arm amputation or comparable upper-limb difference. Yet describing Roeger's performances simply through his classification fails to capture the complexity of what he has achieved.

Running is an intricate coordination of the entire body. The arms contribute to balance, rhythm and control, helping the torso manage the rotational forces created by every stride. Over 42.195 kilometres, maintaining efficient movement is an enormous physical and technical challenge.

Roeger's marathon performances therefore represent much more than a number attached to a classification. They are elite endurance performances in their own right.

His transition to the marathon was remarkably rapid. Roeger made his marathon debut at the Melbourne Marathon in October 2018, running 2:23:31. The performance was faster than the existing T46 world record at the time, although it was not ratified as a world record because the race did not have the necessary status.

Six months later, he returned to the distance at the 2019 London Marathon, where the World Para Athletics Marathon Championships were staged within the race.

This time, everything came together.

Roeger won the T46 world title in 2:22:51, lowering the ratified world record and establishing himself as the world's leading marathoner in the classification. Even when cramp began to trouble him during the closing stages, he held on to become a world champion.

The progression continued.

At the 2020 Chevron Houston Marathon, Roeger ran 2:19:33, becoming the first ambulant Para athlete to break the 2:20 barrier and once again lowering his own world record.

But his most significant breakthrough came back in Australia.

On April 25, 2021, Roeger lined up in Sydney for the Athletics Australia Tokyo Qualifying Marathon. He produced the fastest marathon of his career, crossing the finish line in 2:18:53.

That performance remains the T46 marathon world record.

The progression is remarkable. From 2:23:31 in Melbourne to 2:22:51 in London, 2:19:33 in Houston and finally 2:18:53 in Sydney, Roeger repeatedly moved the benchmark forward.

It was almost five minutes of improvement across four marathon performances.

But the record is only one part of the story.

Roeger's career has never followed a smooth upward trajectory. At the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games, aged only 20, he contested the 800m, 1500m and 5000m T46 events, with seventh place in the 1500m his best finish.

Four years later in London, he arrived with genuine medal ambitions. Instead, gastrointestinal bleeding struck on the eve of the T46 800m. He still started the race but was forced to withdraw after one lap.

Rio 2016 finally delivered a Paralympic medal, with Roeger winning bronze in the 1500m. That success helped convince him to move towards the longer distances and eventually make the marathon his primary focus.

Then came another major setback.

Six weeks before the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, Roeger suffered a stress fracture in his lower leg, destroying much of his preparation for the marathon. Despite the injury, he travelled to Tokyo and made the start line.

He finished sixth in 2:34:45, a time far outside the level he had demonstrated before the Games.

For most athletes, such a setback could have marked the end of the road. For Roeger, it became another chapter in a career defined by adaptation.

Before the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, another obstacle emerged when the T46 marathon was removed from the programme. The event in which Roeger had become a world-record holder was no longer available at the Games.

His only remaining distance was the 1500m.

So he adapted once again.

Roeger returned to the track and competed in Paris, ultimately adding another Paralympic medal to his collection with silver in the T46 1500m.

Now the marathon is calling again.

The 2026 TCS Sydney Marathon will provide a very different challenge from the flat courses on which many of the world's fastest marathon times are produced. The route begins in North Sydney, crosses the Sydney Harbour Bridge and winds through the city before finishing at the Opera House.

The course features substantial elevation changes, with approximately 313 metres of climbing across the 42.195 kilometres. It is a course that rewards strength, patience and the ability to maintain efficient form when the legs are already carrying the fatigue of a long marathon.

For Roeger, that challenge will be amplified by the quality of the field around him.

The Australian elite field includes a strong collection of domestic marathoners, while the international men's race features considerable depth, with numerous athletes holding personal bests below 2:10.

Roeger will therefore not be lining up in isolation as a Para athlete. He will be part of a major international marathon field, surrounded by runners pursuing national titles, personal bests and elite honours.

That is also central to the way he has approached his career.

Roeger has long resisted the idea that Para athletes should be viewed as fundamentally separate from their able-bodied counterparts. His philosophy has been simple: once the starting gun goes, the competition is about running.

That attitude has helped him move comfortably between Para athletics and open elite competition, and Sydney 2026 offers another opportunity to do exactly that.

His partnership with coach Dr Philo Saunders has been particularly important throughout his career, helping him develop into a world-class athlete across multiple distances.

Yet perhaps the most impressive part of Roeger's story is not any individual medal or record.

It is the number of times he has had to begin again.

From a small South Australian town to five Paralympic Games. From disappointment in Beijing and London to a medal in Rio. From the track to the marathon. From a devastating injury before Tokyo to a world-record performance. From losing his marathon event before Paris to returning to the 1500m and winning another Paralympic medal.

Every time the route has changed, Roeger has found another way forward.

Now, at 38, he is returning to the marathon once more.

And there could hardly be a more fitting destination than Sydney.

It is the city where he produced his 2:18:53 world record in 2021. Five years later, he will return to the same city carrying the experience of a career that has tested his resilience at almost every turn.

The world record is already in his name.

On August 30, Michael Roeger will have another chance to show the world what remains in the legs of the man who refused to let setbacks define the limits of his career.

The TCS Sydney Marathon is no longer content to be a one-day spectacle reserved for those wearing race bibs. In 2026, the event is extending its reach across the Harbour City, turning marathon week into a citywide celebration that runners, spectators, residents and visitors can all enjoy.

The fourth edition of the marathon’s Run Perks program will run from Tuesday, August 25, through Monday, August 31, surrounding race day on Sunday, August 30, with Medal Monday following on August 31.

The initiative brings restaurants, pubs, cafés and tourism operators into the marathon experience, offering a wide range of special deals designed to encourage people to explore Sydney while supporting local businesses. Offers are listed through the official TCS Sydney Marathon app, with location-aware features helping users discover participating venues closest to them.

What makes Run Perks particularly appealing is that the benefits are not exclusively reserved for competitors. While some individual offers are specifically aimed at marathon participants, many are available to the wider marathon community, meaning you do not necessarily need a race bib or finisher’s medal to take part in the broader race-week experience.

The deals range from straightforward food and drink specials to experiences designed to help visitors discover more of Sydney. Among the offerings are $20 schnitzels at The Glenmore Hotel, a $25 pizza-and-beer deal at The Australian Heritage Hotel, and a $19 lunch special at 4 Doors Down. Other venues are offering coffee deals, discounts on meals, tours and attractions across the city.

There are also race-specific opportunities for those taking part in the marathon. Some businesses are offering post-race incentives for finishers who present their medals or proof of participation, while others are extending discounts to spectators, support crews and the wider marathon community.

The concept reflects a broader shift in how Sydney is embracing its marathon. After making history as the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major, the TCS Sydney Marathon is becoming increasingly intertwined with the identity, tourism and business life of the city itself. The 2026 edition is expected to attract more than 40,000 participants, building on the 32,963 finishers recorded in 2025.

That scale gives Run Perks significance beyond a collection of discounts. Thousands of runners and their families will spend several days in Sydney, while spectators and residents will encounter the event throughout the city. By encouraging people to eat locally, visit attractions and experience different parts of Sydney, the marathon is helping turn the economic and social impact of race week into something that extends well beyond the course.

The timing is also important. Sydney is still establishing itself as one of the world’s major marathon destinations, having entered the Abbott World Marathon Majors in 2025. The 2026 event represents its second year as a Major and comes with ambitions for an even larger field and an even greater international profile.

And that is perhaps the most interesting part of Run Perks: the marathon is becoming less about what happens between the start and finish lines and more about what happens throughout the entire city.

From a coffee before sunrise to a post-race meal, an afternoon exploring The Rocks or an evening enjoying one of Sydney’s many restaurants and pubs, race week is being woven into the everyday rhythm of the city.

The official marathon app remains the best source for the latest participating venues, opening hours, redemption requirements and individual offer conditions, as these vary from business to business.

With more than 40,000 participants expected on August 30, Sydney is preparing for much more than another marathon. It is preparing for a week in which the entire city gets a chance to move, celebrate, explore and benefit from the energy of one of the world’s fastest-growing major marathons.

Sydney Marathon may have a start line and a finish line, but in 2026, its footprint stretches far beyond both.

The TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS is set to deliver one of the most captivating marathon spectacles of the year, with the strongest women's elite field ever assembled on Australian soil preparing to battle for glory.

Headlining the star-studded lineup is reigning World Marathon Champion Peres Jepchirchir Ngeno, whose remarkable personal best of 2:14:43 makes her the fastest athlete in the field. The Kenyan arrives as one of the sport's most accomplished marathoners and will carry the weight of expectation as she leads an exceptionally deep and competitive international field.

Kenya's challenge extends far beyond its world champion. Irine Cheptai (2:17:51), Vivian Cheruiyot (2:18:31), Sharon Chelimo (2:19:33), Joyce Tele (2:19:50), Jackline Cherono (2:21:14) and Priscah Cherono (2:25:17) add tremendous depth, reinforcing the nation's reputation as the dominant force in women's marathon running.

Ethiopia will be equally formidable, boasting an impressive squad led by Ruti Aga (2:18:09), Shure Demise (2:18:34), Haven Hailu (2:19:09), Meseret Abebayehau (2:19:50), Aberu Ayana (2:20:20), Waganesh Mekasha (2:20:26), Azmera Gebru (2:20:48) and Fikrte Wereta (2:21:32). With such remarkable depth, Ethiopia has every opportunity to challenge for victory and dominate the podium.

The international flavor continues with Magdalena Shauri of Tanzania (2:18:03), Uganda's Stella Chesang (2:18:26), American-based Biruktayit Degefa (2:21:34), France's Melody Julien (2:25:01), Morocco's Kaoutar Farkoussi (2:25:12), Japan's Mizuki Nishimura (2:25:54) and Australia's leading hopes Ellie Pashley (2:26:21), Caitlin Scott (Adams) (2:30:26) and Rebecca Lowe (2:30:50).

With multiple women boasting personal bests under 2:20, the race promises relentless pace from the opening kilometres. The combination of proven championship pedigree, world-class experience and emerging talent sets the stage for what could become the fastest and most competitive women's marathon ever contested in Australia.

As the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS continues to cement its status among the world's premier marathons, the 2026 edition is shaping up to be a defining moment in the event's history. Fans can expect a fierce contest where every second will matter and marathon excellence will be on full display.

The 2026 TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS has raised the bar ahead of its biggest edition yet, unveiling the deepest men's elite field ever assembled on Australian soil. With an astonishing 14 athletes holding personal bests under the 2:05 barrier, this year's race is shaping up to be one of the fastest and most competitive marathons of the season.

Leading the star-studded lineup is reigning marathon world champion Alphonce Felix Simbu of Tanzania, whose outstanding personal best of 2:02:47 makes him one of the leading contenders for victory. Simbu arrives in Sydney as one of the sport's most accomplished marathoners and is expected to spearhead an elite battle unlike anything previously seen in Australia.

Also among the favourites is Ethiopian standout Sisay Lemma, the fastest man in the field with a remarkable 2:01:48 personal best. Kenya will be strongly represented by Timothy Kiplagat (2:02:55) and Vincent Ngetich (2:03:13), while Ethiopia brings exceptional depth through athletes including Dawit Wolde, Leul Gebresilase, Seifu Tura, Chalu Deso, Addisu Gobena, Chala Regassa, Belay Tilahun, and Melaku Belachew.

South Africa's Tebello Ramakongoana, Djibouti's Ibrahim Hassan, and Australia's leading marathoners, including Andy Buchanan, headline a truly international field featuring elite athletes from Africa, Oceania, North America, and Asia.

The quality of the field is underlined by an extraordinary statistic—14 men have already broken 2:05 for the marathon, a level of depth never before seen at an Australian marathon. With so many proven performers capable of running world-class times, the race promises relentless pace from the opening kilometres to the finish.

As the Sydney Marathon continues to cement its place among the world's premier road races, the 2026 edition marks another major milestone in its rapid rise. With a world champion, multiple athletes with personal bests close to the 2:02 mark, and unprecedented depth across the field, fans can expect an unforgettable contest on the streets of Sydney.

All eyes will now be on race day to see whether this historic field can deliver equally historic performances in what is poised to become one of the most memorable marathons ever staged in Australia.

The 2025 Sydney Marathon men’s field is stacked with talent rarely seen outside the World Marathon Majors. Thirteen men boast personal bests faster than the course record of 2:06:18, while nineteen have broken 2:07. The depth rivals Tokyo’s strongest lineups of recent years. On the start list are legends and rising stars alike: Eliud Kipchoge, Birhanu Legese, Dawit Wolde, Edward Cheserek, and Vincent Ngetich.

Kipchoge: The Legend at a Crossroads

Nothing new can be said about Eliud Kipchoge’s greatness — his 2:01:09 from Berlin 2022 remains the second-fastest marathon in history, and his body of work defines the modern era. Yet the past two seasons have tested him. Tenth in Tokyo 2024, a DNF at the Paris Olympics, and a weary fade in London 2025 seemed to confirm decline. But in London he fought back, refusing to surrender, and clawed his way to sixth in 2:05:25. For a 40-year-old, that was extraordinary.

Kipchoge is no longer racing under the crushing weight of expectation. Instead, he runs for inspiration — to show what resilience looks like. That makes him dangerous still. And it raises the question: could Sydney be the stage for one final act of brilliance?

The Challengers

Dawit Wolde (Ethiopia) – Fresh off victory in Xiamen 2025 (2:06:06, course record), the Olympian owns a 2:03:48 best. His confidence and consistency mark him as a serious contender.

Birhanu Legese (Ethiopia) – Twice a Tokyo champion (2019, 2020) and a proven 2:02:48 performer in Berlin, he brings the pedigree of a man who has already mastered Major moments.

Edward Cheserek (Kenya/USA) – “King Ches” ruled the NCAA with 17 titles before turning to the marathon. In just his second attempt he ran 2:05:24 in Valencia 2024, slashing nearly six minutes from his debut in New York. Rapid progression makes him the true wildcard.

Vincent Ngetich (Kenya) – At 26, he is the face of the new generation. His 2:03:13 debut in Berlin 2023 was the third-fastest debut in history. Since then, he has collected back-to-back podiums in Tokyo. Of all Sydney entrants, he alone has stood on a Major podium in the past two years. With youth, momentum, and speed, he starts as the man to beat.

Generations Collide

Sydney will be more than a race — it will be a clash of eras. On one side stands Kipchoge, the living legend who has carried the sport for two decades, searching for one last masterpiece. On the other, the hungry new wave led by Ngetich, ready to seize the crown.

On September race day, the streets of Sydney could bear witness to either a farewell triumph… or the dawn of a new reign.

The 2025 Sydney Marathon just got even more exciting.

Already making global headlines with the announcement that world record holder Eliud Kipchoge ?? would headline the event, organizers have now confirmed that Dutch star Sifan Hassan ?? will also line up on Sunday, August 31.

This marks a major development in the race’s bid to join the World Marathon Majors circuit. By bringing together two of the sport’s biggest names, Sydney is positioning itself as one of the must-watch marathons of the year.

Kipchoge, a two-time Olympic marathon gold medalist and widely regarded as the greatest marathoner of all time, will be running on Australian soil for the first time. Meanwhile, Hassan, the reigning London Marathon champion and one of the most versatile distance runners in history—with Olympic medals in the 1500m, 5000m, and 10,000m—is looking to build on her marathon legacy.

Both Kipchoge and Hassan bring massive global attention to any race they enter. Their participation is not only a coup for Sydney but also a sign of the growing competitiveness of international marathon events outside the traditional six majors.

The 2025 edition of the Sydney Marathon promises to be one of the most watched marathons of the year.

Stay tuned for more updates as the elite field continues to build.

Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge has officially confirmed his participation in the 2025 Sydney Marathon, set for August 31. This marks the first time the Kenyan great will compete in Oceania, a significant milestone in his illustrious career.

The Sydney Marathon, which is in contention to become the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major, gains immense prestige with Kipchoge’s inclusion. Organizers expect over 300,000 spectators, making it one of the biggest marathon events in Australia’s history.

Kipchoge’s Legacy and Why Sydney Matters

With 16 victories in 21 official marathons, Kipchoge is widely regarded as the greatest marathoner of all time. His historic achievements include:

• Back-to-back Olympic gold medals in the marathon at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.

• A 10-marathon win streak from 2014 to 2019, a feat unmatched in modern distance running.

• A world-first sub-two-hour marathon, clocking 1:59:40 at the INEOS 1:59 Challengein 2019 (not an official record due to controlled conditions).

• The second-fastest marathon ever recorded, 2:01:09 at the 2022 Berlin Marathon.

With the Sydney Marathon aiming for World Major status, Kipchoge’s participation signals the event’s growing significance in the global running calendar. Race Director Wayne Lardencalled it a dream come true, emphasizing the impact Kipchoge’s presence will have on Australia’s running community.

The Road to Sydney: London Marathon First

Before taking on Sydney, Kipchoge is set to compete in the London Marathon on April 27, 2025. London has been one of his most successful races, and his performance there will be closely watched as he continues to chase new milestones.

A Race That Will Inspire a Nation

Kipchoge’s presence in Sydney is expected to elevate the marathon’s status, attract elite competitors, and inspire thousands of runners. Known for his mantra, “No human is limited,” his participation will shine a global spotlight on Sydney, drawing both elite athletes and everyday runners to the race.

As August 31 approaches, all eyes will be on Sydney to see if the greatest marathoner of all timecan add another historic victory to his legacy.

The Sydney Marathon has been added as the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major, marking it as the first new addition since Tokyo in 2013 and promising to elevate global recognition and participation in Australian marathon running.

The Sydney Marathon has been added to the list of Abbott World Marathon Majors, becoming the first city to join the prestigious lineup since Tokyo 11 years ago.

Sydney started the bid some years back but the organisers of the marathon and the city had to go through certain processes and make changes to join the other six majors. They include the London Marathon, Boston, Chicago, New York, Berlin and Tokyo Marathons.

In Oceania, the Sydney Marathon is the largest race over the 42km distance. The marathon also registered record numbers, 20,272, at this year’s edition of the event. Next year’s event will be held on August 31 and the marathon will be hosted as a World Marathon Major, attracting world-class athletes and gaining enough recognition.

Abbott World Marathon Major CEO Dawna Stone expressed his excitement following the addition of the Sydney Marathon to the list. He disclosed that the relevant stakeholders have been working around the clock and they for sure deserve such recognition.

“I am thrilled that Sydney will become the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major. The team in Sydney has been working towards this day, every day, for more than three years, and to see the improvement in their operations and event experience to the point where we can now call them a major has been deeply impressive,” said Abbott WMM CEO Dawna Stone.

“We cannot wait to see our community embrace this race as a Major and start planning their visits to run the streets of one of the finest cities in the world. Runners, your Sydney star awaits.”

The current six-star medal will remain for those striving to complete the original races but later on, there could be a nine-star medal, with two other marathons looking to become World Marathon Majors races.

“Becoming the seventh Abbott World Marathon is just incredible for the event, the city of Sydney and the State of New South Wales. We could not have achieved the incredible growth and uplift in delivery to make it into the Majors if it wasn’t for the support of the NSW Government and Destination NSW plus our key partners TCS and ASICS,” said Wayne Larden, race director of the Sydney Marathon.

“Our team is rated and has put in so much work to make this happen. It is really special for all of us. This amazing milestone is going to have a profound impact on running in Australia, inspiring the community to become marathoners and do something special for themselves, their families and friends. Community health will benefit alongside a huge increase in fundraising.”

Ethiopia’s Workenesh Edesa and Kenya’s Brimin Misoi made significant improvements on the course records at the TCS Sydney Marathon, winning the World Athletics Platinum Label road race in 2:21:40 and 2:06:17 respectively.

Edesa took almost three minutes off the previous course record in a race where the top four women finished inside Stella Barsosio’s former mark of 2:24:33, set five years ago.

A group of seven women ran together through the first 10km in 33:44, putting them on course record pace from the outset. Just four women – Edesa, Valary Jemeli Aiyabei, Ruti Aga and 2022 world champion Gotytom Gebreslase – remained in the lead pack as the half-way point was reached in 1:11:11.

The quartet ran together for another six or seven kilometres before Edesa and Aga made a break. The Ethiopian duo reached 30km in 1:41:16 with a 16-second lead over Gebreslase. Aga was next to fade, leaving Edesa as the sole leader.

The Ethiopian had a 22-second lead at 35km and was picking up the pace as the race went on. She reached the finish line in 2:21:40, 89 seconds ahead of Aga. Gebreslase completed the Ethiopian sweep in third with 2:24:16.

The men’s race set out at a steady pace with a large lead pack going through 10km in 29:58, inside course record schedule. By the time the half-way point was reached in 1:03:13, just four men remained in the lead group – Misoi, Geoffrey Toroitich, Ezra Tanui and Chalu Deso Gelmisa – while four or five other runners were strung out behind.

By 30km, reached in 1:29:49, Leul Gebresilase had joined the leaders to form a quintent, but they only ran together for a few kilometres before Misoi forged on ahead. The Kenyan got to 35km in 1:44:41, still comfortably inside course record pace, with a 53-second lead over Kirwa. Tanui and Toroitich, meanwhile, dropped out.

He continued to extend his lead through the closing stages and reached the finish line in 2:06:17, taking 46 seconds off the course record set two years ago by compatriot Moses Kibet. Gelmisa was a distant runner-up in 2:08:01, just ahead of Kirwa (2:08:17).

World Marathon Majors will add a seventh race to its elite series if all goes well at the biggest marathon field assembled in Australia to race 42 kilometres across the streets of Sydney on Sunday. 

If the Sydney Marathon meets the WMM requirements for the second year in a row, it will join the ranks of long-staRace director Wayne Larden declared: “We’re prepared, we’re ready. All of our plans look good on paper, I feel we’re ticking all the boxes. So we’ve just got to go out there now and deliver the event as per the plans and I’m sure we’ll meet the criteria.” 

Larden has been the event director since 2005, when there were 2,300 finishers. Since then, he has let the number of runners grow to 25,000, who will compete on a course that has been redesigned. He added: “It’s taken me 18 years to build it to 5,000 and two years to get it to 25,000… So the trajectory has been very steep in the last two years since we became a candidate race, because there’s a lot of excitement about the world majors being in Sydney.” 

With the field so large and the new start location—North Sydney Oval, the site of the 2000 Olympic marathon—the goal may be a little more challenging for Larden and his team, but he is optimistic they can pull it off.

“I’m feeling confident, but it’s a big event and anything can happen. But I think we’re well prepared for it… I will pretty well know on race day how we’ve gone, based on our plans and how we’ve delivered them,” Larden remarked.ndiLondon, Boston, Berlin, and Chicago, becoming the first to do since Tokyo in 2013. 

Ethiopia’s 2022 world champion Gotytom Gebreslase and her compatriot Leul Gebresilase, the 2023 world bronze medalist, feature in the fields for the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS, a World Athletics Platinum Label road race, on Sunday (15).

Gebreslase is a two-time world marathon medalist, having added silver in Budapest to the gold she gained in Oregon, while she won the Berlin Marathon in 2021 and finished third in the New York and Tokyo marathons in 2022.

The 29-year-old ran her PB of 2:18:11 in Oregon and 2:18:18 in Tokyo, and earlier this year she clocked 2:21:19 to finish third in Hamburg.

But Gebreslase is set to face a strong challenge, with four other sub-2:20 runners on the entry list. Her compatriot Tadu Teshome is fastest of them all with the PB of 2:17:36 she set when finishing fourth in Valencia in 2022. In 2023 she raced three marathons, finishing fifth in Chicago, sixth in Shanghai and eighth in London. In June she set a 10km PB of 31:13 in Durban.

Joining them are Ethiopia’s Ruti Aga and Buzunesh Getachew, plus Kenya’s Judith Jeptum Korir, who secured world silver behind Gebreslase in Oregon two years ago.

Aga won the Tokyo Marathon in 2019 and more recently finished second in Dubai in January in a PB-equaling 2:18:09 and first in Daegu in 2:21:07. Getachew set her PB of 2:19:27 when winning in Frankfurt last October, while Korir’s career best is the 2:18:20 she ran in Oregon. She went on to finish fourth in the London Marathon that year in 2:18:43 but did not finish when racing the Boston Marathon earlier this year.

Also entered are Kenya’s Viola Kibiwot, Sharon Chelimo and Beatrice Cheptoo, plus Japan’s Mao Uesugi.

Gebresilase is the fastest in the men’s field, thanks to the PB of 2:04:02 he set in Dubai in 2018. Since then he has become a global medallist, getting bronze in Budapest in 2023, the same year in which he finished fourth in the London Marathon. He ran 1:01:24 for the half marathon in Ras Al Khaimah in February but did not finish on his return to London in April.

In Sydney he faces three other sub-2:05 runners and another seven who have dipped under 2:08. His compatriot Chalu Deso is a strong contender, as he ran 2:04:53 in Valencia in 2020 and more recently won the Tokyo Marathon in March last year in 2:05:22. He raced the Paris Marathon in April, clocking 2:07:39.

Ethiopia’s Haftu Teklu ran 2:04:42 when finishing fifth in Berlin last year, while Kenya’s Brimin Kipkorir Misoi won the Frankfurt Marathon last October in a PB of 2:04:53.

They will line up alongside Ethiopia’s Tafese Delelegn and Tadu Abate, who finished third in Berlin in 2022, plus Kenya’s Laban Korir, Reuben Kerio and Michael Mugo Githae, and Japan’s Hidekazu Hijikata and Tetsuya Yoroizaka.

The 2022 World Marathon silver medalist Judith Korir is set to rekindle her rivalry with the 2022 World Champion Gotytom Gebreslase of Ethiopia at the Sydney Marathon on September 15.

During their last meeting at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, Gebreslase edged out Korir by nine seconds to claim the title in a course-record time of 2:18:11. Israel’s Lonah Chemtai was third in 2:20:18.

Race organizers have touted this year’s lineup as one of the most competitive as athletes eye glory in one of Australia’s most iconic cities.

“The calibre of athletes participating this year is a testament to Sydney’s allure as a world-class marathon destination. We’re excited to witness these extraordinary competitors race through our new course, against the backdrop of our iconic city,” said Sydney Marathon race director, Wayne Larden.

Korir, 28, takes a wealth of experience and success to Sydney, having won the 2022 Paris Marathon (2:19:48), 2021 Abu Dhabi Marathon (2:22:30) and Lugano Half Marathon (1:06:25), 2019 Venice Marathon (2:29:21) and the 2020 Izmir Marathon (2:33:59).

She finished sixth at last year’s London Marathon (2:20:41) and settled for fourth at the 2022 edition (2:18:43).

Gebreslase is a world marathon silver medalist from last year’s championships in Budapest, Hungary, in a time of 2:24:34, behind compatriot Amane Beriso (2:24:23) and ahead of Morocco’s Fatima Ezzahra (2:25:17).

The Ethiopian has victories from the 2021 Berlin Marathon (2:20:09) and the 2021 Bahrain Half Marathon (1:05:36).

At last year’s Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, she finished second in 1:05:51. She has finished third at the Hamburg Marathon (2:21:19), the 2022 Tokyo Marathon (2:18:18), 2022 New York Marathon (2:23:39) and the 2022 Liboa Half Marathon (1:07:11).

Korir will be joined by a formidable group of compatriots including Beatrice Cheptoo, the 2022 Istanbul Marathon champion, Rotterdam Marathon runner-up Viola Kibiwot and Sharon Chelimo, third place finisher at last year’s Frankfurt Marathon.

Two-time Frankfurt Marathon champion Brimin Kipkorir spearheads the Kenyan charge in the men's race.

Kipkorir bagged the 2022 Frankfurt title in 2:06:11 and defended it last year in a personal best of 2:04:53.

The 35-year-old is a two-time Nairobi Standard Chartered Marathon champion — 2017 (2:12:39) and 2019 (2:10:43).

He will be joined by Fukuoka Marathon champion Michael Mugo, 2017 Rotterdam Marathon third-place finisher Laban Korir and three-time Kosice Marathon winner Reuben Kerio.

They will face stiff competition from Ethiopia’s Leul Gebresilase, the 2022 world marathon bronze medalist, Seoul Marathon third-place finisher Haftu Teklu and last year’s Tokyo Marathon champion Deso Gelmisa. 

USA’s Betsy Saina held off a late challenge from Ethiopia’s Rahma Tusa to take the women’s title, while Othmane El Goumri claimed the men’s race win at the Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS, a World Athletics Platinum Label road race, on Sunday (17).

Saina, who finished fifth at the Tokyo Marathon in March, clocked 2:26:47 to win by six seconds ahead of Tusa, while Gladys Chesir claimed third place in 2:28:41.

El Goumri’s winning time was 2:08:20 as he triumphed by 23 seconds ahead of Kenya’s Laban Kipngetich, with Ethiopia’s Getaneh Molla placing third in 2:11:22.

Racing on a hot morning, Saina formed part of a pack that passed 10km in 34:57 and the half way mark in 1:14:23 – with Kenya’s Angela Tanui to the fore at that point.

They reached 30km in 1:46:22, with a number of athletes still in contention.

Then Saina and Tusa started to make a move. As they left their rivals behind, they were together through 35km in 2:02:49, with Tanui back in third in 2:03:35.

Saina was still clearly feeling good and she pushed again to create a gap on Tusa, passing the 40km point in 2:19:30, 16 seconds ahead of the Ethiopian. But Tusa wasn’t content to sit back and watch the title run away, so she made a late charge. While she was able to close the gap to six seconds by the finish, it wasn’t quite enough, and Saina secured the crown, with Tusa taking second place and Chesir coming through for third.

Tanui finished fourth in 2:28:52, while Ethiopia’s Bekelech Borecha was fifth in 2:29:13. Australian record-holder Sinead Diver won the national marathon title in 2:31:27, finishing eighth overall.

In the men’s race, El Goumri made a move ahead of the 30km mark, but he had formidable company in the form of Tanzanian record-holder Gabriel Geay, who set his PB of 2:03:00 in Valencia last year.

After a half way split of 1:03:56, they passed 30km together in 1:30:58 but Geay could not maintain the pace and he dropped to third by 35km – with El Goumri ahead in 1:46:11 and Kipngetich overtaking Geay to pass that point in 1:46:28 to Geay’s 1:46:58.

Geay dropped out from the race after that point, with El Goumri forging ahead to win in 2:08:20 and Kipngetich claiming second place in 2:08:43. Molla, who had reached 35km in 1:47:31, claimed third place in 2:11:22.

He was followed over the finish line by his Ethiopian compatriot Limenih Getachew, who finished fourth in 2:12:34. Kenya’s Moses Kibet, who was defending his title after winning last year in an Australian all-comers' record of 2:07:03, was fifth in 2:13:28, while Oceanian record-holder Brett Robinson won the Australian title in 2:23:05, and like Diver he finished eighth overall.

With more than 17,000 entrants, the event was the largest marathon to ever take place in Australia.

Gabriel Geay, Moses Kibet, Angela Tanui and Judith Korir will be among the athletes in action when the Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS, a World Athletics Elite Platinum Label road race, takes place on Sunday (17).

The field’s experience in global and major marathon racing will make it the fastest marathon pack ever assembled in Australia, with homegrown and international talent battling it out on the event’s new course.

In the women’s field, Kenya’s 2022 World Championships silver medalist and Paris Marathon champion Korir makes her Australian debut. The 27-year-old, who finished sixth in the London Marathon in April, ran her PB of 2:18:20 when finishing runner-up to GotytomGebreslase on the global stage in Oregon last year.

She faces six other sub-2:22 women, including her compatriot Tanui, who ran 2:17:57 to win the Amsterdam Marathon in 2021. She went on to place fourth in the Tokyo Marathon the following year and then secured sixth place in Oregon.

Haven HailuDesse is among the seven Ethiopian athletes in the field and she will look to complete her first marathon since winning in Osaka in 2:21:13 in January. Her PB of 2:20:19 was also set in Amsterdam in 2021.

Eritrea’s NazretWeldu finished fourth and then eighth in the past two World Championships marathons, while SiraneshYirgaDagne has a best of 2:21:08.

Australian marathon record-holder Sinead Diver, who broke the national marathon record last year in Valencia with a time of 2:21:34, will lead the local elite field, making her Sydney Marathon debut.

The field also features USA’s Betsy Saina, a 2:21:40 marathon runner at her best.

Tanzanian record-holder Geay leads the men’s field with his PB of 2:03:00 set in Valencia last year. The 27-year-old went on to finish second in the Boston Marathon in April, clocking 2:06:04 behind winner Evans Chebet (2:05:54), and he placed seventh in the World Championships marathon in Oregon in 2022.

But Kibet has more experience when it comes to racing in Australia as he won last year’s Sydney Marathon, setting an Australian all-comers' record of 2:07:03 to beat his Kenyan compatriot Cosmas Matolo Muteti by just two seconds.

Oceanian record-holder Brett Robinson, who broke his Australian compatriot Rob de Castella’s long-standing area record in Fukuoka last year by running 2:07:31, will lead the domestic contenders.

The field features a total of nine sub-2:06 men, with Geay and Kibet joined by Ethiopia’s Getaneh Molla (2:03:34), Kenya’s Jonathan Korir (2:04:32), Ethiopia’s Abayneh Degu (2:04:53), Kenya’s Abraham Kipkemboi Kiptoo (2:05:04), Morocco’s Othmane El Goumri (2:05:12), Ethiopia’s Amedework Walelegn (2:05:27) and Kenya’s Laban Korir (2:05:41).

The Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS has today announced the fastest and most decorated elite field for the 2023 Sydney Marathon, to be run on Sunday, September 17. The field’s experience in World Championship and World Marathon Majors racing will make it the fastest marathon pack assembled in Australian history, with homegrown and international talent battling it out on the event’s new marathon course. 

Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said the Sydney Marathon was a world-class event with one of the most spectacular marathon courses anywhere in the world. 

“Sydney leads the pack when it comes to venues to host a marathon. No city on earth has a better combination of natural beauty, a famous love of sport and iconic landmarks and it is an honour to host this elite field of international runners who will test themselves here in Sydney. 

“The NSW Government is proud to support the push for Sydney Marathon to become a World Marathon Major. It is a great example of a high-participation community event that brings global attention and tourism benefits for the city and NSW.” 

The 2022 Men’s World Marathon Champion Tamirat Tola (ETH), will headline the men’s field; competing in Australia for the first time with a personal best of 2:03:39. Formidable contender Gabriel Geay (TAN), who placed 2nd at the 2023 Boston Marathon has the fastest personal best of the field at 2:03:00. They will line up alongside Moses Kibet (KEN), Sydney Marathon’s defending champion and the current record holder for the fastest marathon time ever run in Australia. 

Australia’s fastest ever marathoner, Brett Robinson (VIC), who broke Rob de Castella’s long-standing Australian Record in Fukuoka last year with a time of 2:07:31 will lead the homegrown elite field. 

The 2022 World Marathon Championship runner-up and 2022 Paris Marathon Champion, Judith Jeptum Korir (KEN) will make her Australian debut at the Sydney Marathon, with a personal best of 2:18:20. She will be chased by an impressive line-up of competitors who have recorded times under 2:23:00 including Nazret Weldu (ERI), Haven Hailu (ETH) and Angela Tanui (KEN) who has a blistering personal best time of 2:17:57. 

Australian Marathon record holder, Sinead Diver (VIC), who broke the Australian marathon record last year in Valencia with a time of 2:21:34 will lead the local elite field, making her Sydney Marathon debut for the first time in 2023.

“We are thrilled to have assembled such a high calibre field for this year’s Sydney Marathon, as we head into our second year as a Candidate Race for the Abbott World Marathon Majors,” said Wayne Larden, Race Director, Sydney Marathon. “The presence of these exceptional runners is a testament to the event’s status as a world-class marathon for elite athletes, running enthusiasts and recreational runners alike, and we are confident that this year’s event will be nothing short of extraordinary.” 

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. 

 

Kenyan trio of Judith Korir, Angela Tanui and Moses Kibet will be among the elite athletes set to feature in the 2023 Sydney Marathon set for September 17.

Defending champion Kibet, the fastest marathoner on the streets of Sydney, will face competition from Ethiopia's Tamirat Tola and Tanzania's Gabriel Geay who both have personal bests of 2:03.

Eritrea's Nazret Weldu and Haven Hailu of Ethiopia will pose a big threat to Tanui, the 2021 Amsterdam marathon champion as Korir makes her debut in the Australian streets.

A new route will be used in this year's event with the race starting at Bradfield Park in Milsons Point and finish at the Opera House forecourt.

Athletes will pass by some of the most historic landmarks in Australia including the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.

This is the second year the marathon will be vying for the Abbott World Marathon Majors (Abbott WMM).

Over the next 3 years, the Sydney Marathon will be required to meet strict criteria to achieve ‘Majors’ status by 2025.

“We are thrilled to have assembled such a high caliber field for this year’s Marathon, as we head into our second year as a candidate race for the Abbott World Marathon Majors,” race director Wayne Larden said.

“The presence of these exceptional runners is a testament to the event’s status as a world-class marathon for elite athletes, running enthusiasts and recreational runners alike," he added.

Men’s world champion Tamirat Tola of Ethiopia and 2022 Paris Marathon women’s champion Judith Jeptum Korir of Kenya will headline the fields for the Sydney Marathon in September.

Organizers on Tuesday said it will be the fastest and most decorated elite field in the Sydney Marathon’s history.

Tola will compete in Australia for the first time and will be up against defending champion Moses Kibet, who holds the record for the fastest marathon time ever run in Australia.

Sydney is a candidate for the World Marathon Majors, a series of elite events that includes New York, London, Berlin, Boston, Tokyo and Chicago.

The new route for the Sept. 17 Sydney marathon will take in some of the city’s most historic landmarks, including the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.

Tola has a personal best of 2 hours, 3 minutes, 39 seconds. Gabriel Geay of Tanzania, who placed second at the 2023 Boston Marathon, has the fastest personal best of the field at 2:03:00.

Jeptum Korir will also make her Australian debut and has a personal best of 2:18:20. She will be competing against a number of runners who have recorded times under 2:23:00 including Nazret Weldu of Eritrea, Haven Hailu of Ethiopia and Angela Tanui of Kenya.

“We are thrilled to have assembled such a high calibre field for this year’s Sydney Marathon, as we head into our second year as a candidate race for the Abbott World Marathon Majors,” race director Wayne Larden said in a statement. “The presence of these exceptional runners is a testament to the event’s status as a world-class marathon for elite athletes, running enthusiasts and recreational runners alike.”

The marathon route takes in some of the most historic landmarks in Australia’s biggest city, including the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. The race starts at Bradfield Park in Milsons Point and finishes at the Opera House forecourt.

The Sydney Marathon is a participation legacy project from the Sydney 2000 Olympics, when the marathon course started in North Sydney and passed some of the city’s landmarks before finishing at the Olympic Park. The Opera House was also the backdrop for the Olympic triathlon events in 2000.

 

Sydney Marathon officials are in talks to bring the greatest marathon runner in history, Eliud Kipchoge, to the 2024 race and help Sydney secure a prestigious new status as a world “major” marathon.

The Sydney Marathon, which began in 1999, is bidding to formally become one of the world’s leading 42.195km races, alongside legendary events such as the London Marathon and the New York Marathon.

Similar to tennis and golf, the top six marathons in the world – Boston, Berlin, Tokyo, Chicago, London and New York – are known as the “World Marathon Majors”. Each event attracts elite fields, and huge amounts of amateur applicants, every year.

Many marathon enthusiasts set out to collect a six-star medal, earned by running in each of the majors.

In coming years, however, the medal is likely to be upgraded with the organisation taking on three candidates for potential entry into the elite club: Sydney, Cape Town and Chengdu in China.

The Sydney Marathon announced its candidacy in July and the evaluation process runs for three years. It is already regarded as the strongest candidate.

“It’s a big deal for a number of reasons,” Sydney Marathon race director Wayne Larden said. “The main one is just the sheer volume of runners that take part in these events. Every single one of the Abbotts World Marathon Major events is oversubscribed by between 250,000 and 400,000 runners.

“Which means when we become a major, our numbers are going to leap, with people wanting to get that seventh star. We are expecting a huge boost in numbers, a massive increase in economic impact.”

Though recently upgraded on World Athletics’ ranking system to a “platinum” marathon – making it the eighth best in the world – the Sydney event is relatively modest compared to the majors, which have about 50,000 finishers. Sydney usually has about 5000 finishers, although many thousands more compete in the half-marathon and 10km events run simultaneously.

Destination NSW is backing Sydney’s candidacy for major status and the reasons are straightforward, says Larden. With tens of thousands of tourists coming to race each year, studies show cities gets a massive financial boost. The Chicago Marathon generated almost $600 million for the city’s economy this year.

Sydney must meet certain criteria for two years in a row over the next three years before a vote of other race directors can upgrade it to a major. The tourism and grandeur components are well-covered, with the race route including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House as a finish line.

But Sydney will also have to increase its finishers to 15,000 and support the race in bigger numbers like the other major marathons, where there is a culture of people lining the course to cheer on runners, entertainment and a festival atmosphere.

“There are benchmark things, you either have it or you don’t. Is the air clean? Is it a marketable city? Do people want to visit? These are things we have; Sydney is a beautiful place and a global destination,” Larden said.

“More specific things, there are a few key things. We have to triple our number of finishers in the marathon, we have to engage the Sydney community and get them out on the course, like what runners experience in Boston or New York or London. We have to get people out and cheering people on their journey.”

The Sydney Marathon course – which this year saw the fastest time ever run in Australia by Kenya’s Moses Kibet (two hours, seven minutes, two seconds) – will also be altered slightly, replacing the narrow sections of course winding along the edge of wharves at Pyrmont, with more roadway. And it will become a standalone race, with a half-marathon and shorter runs done a day before.

Australian marathon legend Steve Moneghetti, who won the Berlin Marathon in 1990 and is an adviser to the Sydney Marathon, believes the event can be the equal of any in the world.

“I can tell you that in all the world’s top marathons, and I ran a fair few of them, that no one has anything close to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House on the course. They are iconic,” he said.

“You name me any city in the world and if you can name a better start/finish than that, then you’ve got me. That’s the selling point.

“It is really exciting. And I was a bit surprised, I thought, ‘The world marathon majors? Hey the six is the six and that’s that’. When I sort of considered it, I thought, ‘Yeah, why should it be just those six?’ Marathon running is booming around the world and it’s nice to think they are open to adding to it and Sydney is in the running for it.”

Kipchoge is undisputedly the greatest marathon runner ever, and proved as much by breaking the world record in Berlin in September, running 2:01.09.

The 2016 and 2020 Olympic gold medallist became the first man to run a marathon in under two hours in 2019, in an event that didn’t qualify for a record.

Kipchoge, 38, has vowed to collect a six-star medal before he retires, but Sydney hopes to lure the Kenyan to Australia even before it becomes an extra point on the medal, with an appearance in 2024. Kipchoge running in Sydney would give the race a major boost of global credibility, and be a big help in meeting the targets for finisher and crowd numbers, too.

“He would definitely bring Sydneysiders out. He is like Usain Bolt on a track - when Bolt ran, the stands were full,” Larden said.

“We are talking to Kipchoge’s management and have been since we got nominated. He wants to finish the six next year, so our goal is to try and get him to Sydney in 2024, as that big drawcard.”

Moneghetti said having Kipchoge run across the Harbour Bridge in 2024 would be a massive coup: “To say you ran in a race when Kipchoge ran, that’s a selling point. That’d be huge.”

Kenyan Moses Kibet has claimed a historic victory in the Sydney marathon as the top three finishers all bettered the previous fastest time on Australian soil.

Kibet clocked a winning time of two hours, seven minutes and three seconds on Sunday, crossing the line just two seconds ahead of countryman Cosmas Matolo.

Ethiopian Chalu Deso Gelmisa – the victor in the Paris marathon earlier this year – was third in 2:07:08.

The three Africans smashed the Australian all-comers record of 2:07:50 set by Japan’s Yuta Shitara on the Gold Coast in 2019.

Ethiopia’s Tigist Girma Getachew won the women’s marathon in 2:25:10 ahead of compatriot Letebrhan Haylay Gebreslasea and Eritrea’s Nazret Weldu Gebrehiwet.

Jun Hiromichi won the men’s wheelchair marathon in 1:52.47, with Australian Richard Colman second in 1:53:28.

Australian Sinead Diver – who was a creditable 10th in the marathon at last year’s Tokyo Olympics – claimed victory in the women’s half-marathon at the Sydney Running Festival in a course record of 1:13:07.

Diver was also fifth in last month’s Birmingham Commonwealth Games marathon which was won by countrywoman Jess Stenson.

The Sydney marathon is in the first year of a three-year candidacy to join the prestigious World Marathon Majors.

The Blackmores Sydney Marathon has officially been announced as a candidate race for the Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) – the first marathon in Oceania to be nominated.

The announcement marks the commencement of a multi-year evaluation process by AbbottWMM.

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.

“We have always believed that the Blackmores Sydney Marathon has what it takes to be an Abbott World Marathon Major, so becoming one of only three candidate races is a tremendous honor”, said Wayne Larden, Race Director, Sydney Marathon.

“The Sydney Marathon is part of Australia’s largest running festival, the Sydney Running Festival, attracting thousands of participants to run across the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and finish under the sails of the Sydney Opera House each year.

“We can now take a huge leap forward and become one of the most iconic running events in the World and achieving this status would be a tremendous boost for Sydney and Australia.  Australia is a proud sporting nation, and we want to call on all of Australia’s runners from all over the country and runners from overseas to support the Sydney Marathon achieve the criteria to become an Abbott World Marathon Major in Sydney.”

Whilst the Sydney Marathon already meets many of the requirements set by the Abbott World Marathon Majors and continual enhancements will be made to the race over the next three years including significant growth of our marathon finishers.

“We are pulling out all the stops to achieve these goals and greatly appreciate the support of the running community across Australia and Overseas, as well as the support from our partners, sponsors, staff and volunteers who are helping to make this dream a reality.” Larden said.

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.

NSW Minister for Tourism and Sport Stuart Ayres said the candidacy acknowledges the Sydney Marathon as a world-class event with one of the most spectacular marathon courses on the planet.

“No city in the world has a better combination of natural beauty, love of sport and iconic infrastructure for hosting a marathon than Sydney. The Sydney Marathon is recognized as one of the world’s best marathon events, uniting people of all backgrounds to enjoy an unforgettable running experience. The World Marathon Majors candidacy recognizes Sydney as a premier destination to join the great marathon cities of the world, while showcasing Sydney’s natural beauty and desirable lifestyle to a global audience.

“Achieving the status of an Abbott World Marathon Major would cement Sydney’s position as one of the world’s great sporting event cities. It would attract thousands of visitors to the Harbour City and play a key role in the NSW Government’s ambition to make Sydney and NSW the major events capital and premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific,” Mr Ayres said.

A legacy event of the Sydney Olympics, the Sydney Marathon will attract some of the world’s greatest long-distance runners and wheelchair athletes to Sydney throughout the candidacy period. The presence of these elite athletes is expected to draw significant interest in the event, lower current finish times and act as a drawcard for age group runners.

The candidacy also sees Infront, a Wanda Sports Group company, become a stakeholder in the Sydney Marathon. The organization will provide strategic input on both media rights and sponsorship strategy whilst also supporting the event throughout the evaluation phase.

Hans-Peter Zurbruegg, Senior Vice President Personal & Corporate Fitness at Infront, said: “Sydney is an amazing destination and has an iconic marathon with a strong legacy.  Infront is delighted to form part of the efforts to make it an AbbottWMM event in the coming years. The event is already recognized as a success, and we will leverage our expertise, networks, and insights to elevate the event to the next level. We are proud to work in close partnership with the Abbott WMM team, as well as the Sydney team including all stakeholders to make the dream of establishing a WMM event in Sydney, Australia come true.”

CEO Athletics Australia, Peter Bromley added: Athletics Australia is extremely proud to be the owners of Australia’s greatest running festival. A legacy event of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, it has a long and prestigious history. Building on that, this candidacy opportunity will deliver significant growth to the event and showcase the sport of Athletics far more broadly. We look forward to assisting the event achieve the criteria and become an Abbott World Marathon Major.

Dawna Stone, recently appointed Abbott World Marathon Majors CEO said, “The Abbott World Marathon Majors are delighted to welcome the Sydney Marathon into the candidate process from 2022. This presents an exciting opportunity to expand our impact into Oceania and further our mission to create, grow and support opportunities for all to discover the power of the marathon community. We look forward to working closely with the team in Sydney as we start this journey together!”

The marathon is part of the Sydney Running Festival which boasts incredible courses that take in Sydney’s most scenic and iconic landmarks. The Sydney Marathon provides runners with the unique opportunity to run over the spectacular Sydney Harbour Bridge, traffic-free, before crossing the finish line surrounded by the sails of the Sydney Opera House.

In addition to the Sydney Marathon, Cape Town’s Sanlam Marathon and China’s Chengdu Marathon are currently part of the AbbottWMM candidate process. Only three candidate spots are available.

The Blackmores Sydney Running Festival including the Sydney Marathon will take place on Sunday September 18, 2022.  Entries are open at sydneyrunningfestival.com.au.

Felix Kiprotich and Stellah Barsosio have smashed the men's and women's marathon course records at the Sydney Running Festival.

Pre-race favorite Kiprotich took almost a minute and a half off the men's record, becoming the first person to break 2:10 for the Sydney Marathon with a winning time of 2:09:49 as he breasted the tape at the Sydney Opera House forecourt. 

In a quick race in perfect conditions, second placed Michael Kunyuga and Japan's third-place finisher Saturo Sasaki also ran under the previous course record of 2:11:18, set by Gebo Burka in 2014. 

Last year's winner Elijah Kemboi finished fourth in 2:13:55 - 42 seconds faster than his victorious time in 2018. 

The women's record fell by even more, with Barsosio finishing alone in 2:24:33, which was good enough for eighth place overall.

That's an incredible 3:33 faster than the previous record (2:28:06), set by Makda Harun in 2017.

Second placed woman Josephine Chepkoech also run under the previous record, finishing in 2:26:43, while the third placed woman - Tejitu Chalchissa - finished in 2:28:22.

In the half marathon, Ryota Komori won in 1:05:00, beating Thomas Do Canto by 32 seconds.

Belinda Martin won the women's half in 1:14:50, ahead of Rebecca Lowe in 1:17:04 and Karinna Fyfe in 1:18:09.

The IAAF Gold Label road race, centerpiece of the mass participation Sydney Running Festival that has attracted almost 40,000 entrants, is not as fast as some courses, but any road course in Australia’s biggest city boasting one of the world’s iconic harbors, must be a compromise between aesthetics and degree of difficulty.

Nonetheless, organizers are confident the course records – 2:11:18 by Ethiopia’s Gebo Gameda Burka in 2014 and 2:28:04 by Ethiopian-born Australian resident Makda Harun Haji in 2017 – can be substantially improved. They have assembled a field and will provide the pacing to make that happen in this year’s race.

Australian 10,000m record holder Ben St. Lawrence will spearhead the pacers endeavoring to pilot the leading male runners through the first 25km on pace to break the men’s record. Corresponding assistance should see the leading women – including Harun Haji – through half-way on the required pace.

“We want to see the records broken this year,” race director Wayne Larden said on Friday, “and we think we have the depth in both fields for that to happen.”

Felix Kiprotich looks the pick of the men’s field. The 30-year-old Kenyan runner comes with strong current form. He recorded his personal best – 2:05:33 – in winning Korea’s Daegu marathon this April, so he is fast and in a winning mood. He also brings consistency, having four sub-2:07 times on his c.v.

Kiprotich has bettered 2:07 in four of the past five years and ran sub-2:08 in the only year he did not. He is also familiar with the region, his best performances all coming in Asia.

Elijah Kemboi won last year’s Sydney race by over two minutes in 2:13:33. Before last year he had run sub-2:10 for the previous six years. Besides his win in Sydney, he was second in Linz and won in Macao, so his consistency remains at a high level. Another Kenyan, Kiprotich Kirui, has bettered 2:10 each of the past three years including a 2:09:05 for third place in Madrid earlier this year.

Japanese runners have a good recent record in Sydney, despite usually not arriving with the strongest credentials among the elite runners. Satoru Sasaki was third in the always-strong Fukuoka marathon in 2015 in his PB 2:08:56 and finished eighth there last year in 2:11:40. He and younger compatriot Ryo Kuchimachi – 2:13:30 in Tokyo this year – will bear watching.

Kenyan duo Stellah Barsosio and Josephine Chepkoech head the elite athletes in the women’s field.

Each comes with strong recent form. Barsosio was second in this year’s Rotterdam marathon in her fastest career performance of 2:23:36. The 26-year-old was fifth in Paris the previous year and also boasts a half-marathon best of 1:09:31.

Chepkoech, 30, is a little faster than her compatriot over the half distance, with a best of 1:08:53. That dates back to 2013, however, but her 2:25:20 performance in the Barcelona marathon earlier this year suggests she remains a strong contender.

Harun Haji holds the race record set in 2017, the second time in succession she triumped in Sydney. In both victories, she broke away in Centennial Park significantly before the half-way point where the tree cover and bends in the road make it relatively easy to “disappear” from the chasers. She does not have compelling domestic form coming into the race, but it will be interesting to see whether she, or any of her rivals, adopt similar tactics.

Ethiopian pair Hirut Alemayehu and Gebeyanesh Ayele will also be in the hunt. Ayele has a personal best of 2:26:54 from Hengshui just one year ago, while Alemayehu’s best is 2:30:09. Both have half-marathon bests of just over 70 minutes, so need to be respected.

Tejita Daba, Bahrain, and Bornes Kitur, third in Osaka this year and with a 2:24:19 PB from Prague last year, are also more than capable of winning in a very even women’s field.

Kemboi broke a run of three successive wins by Japanese athletes in taking the men’s race while Kibarus produced the third-fastest winning women’s time on the Sydney course, which starts with an up-and-over run over Sydney Harbour Bridge and produces several other tough challenges along the route to the finish at the Opera House. Favouritism is often a heavy burden in a marathon, but Kemboi and Kibarus bore the mantle lightly. Each had seen off their closest rivals by the 35-kilometre point and ran to victory unchallenged over the final stages. With three sub-2:08 marathons to his name among seven sub-2:10 performances, Kemboi looked the class of the men’s field. In the marathon, however, you have to execute your race plan before the race executes you. The just-turned 34-year-old dominated the race from the start in North Sydney to the finish at the Opera House. It had come down to a race of three very shortly after the start as the lead group was whittled down from 10, to six and then to Kemboi, Uganda’s Thomas Ayeko, and Birhanu Addisie of Ethiopia. Addisie never looked too interested in sharing the leading duties, but Kemboi motioned the younger Ayeko, the Commonwealth Games 5000m fourth-place finisher and with a 1:00:26 half marathon to his credit, to the front several times in the first 30 kilometres.

Uganda’s Thomas Ayeko best marathon is only 2:12:04, but he has a 1:00:26 half-marathon and a 27:40.96 10,000m (11th in the 2013 World Championships) to his name and was fourth in the 5000m at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. The elite men at the upcoming Syndey marathon will be chasing the race record of 2:11:18 set by Ethiopia’s Gebo Gameda Burka in winning the 2014 race. The race records are modest by the highest international standards, but any road course in Australia’s biggest city is a compromise between aesthetics and degree of difficulty. If you want pancake-flat, better look somewhere else. There are faster runners, but recent history of the men’s race suggests Japanese duo Norikazu Kato and Takumi Honda should be in the lead pack. Since Burka’s record winning performance, there have been three successive Japanese winners. Hisanori Kitajima won in 2015, followed by Tomohiro Tanigawa a year later and then Shota Hattori last year. Sydney will be just the second marathon for Honda. He made his debut in Nobeoka earlier this year, finishing second in 2:12:18. Several others in the field have faster personal bests, but he looks competitive on 2018 performances. Likewise, Kato’s personal best of 2:12:48 came in this year’s Beppu-Oita race in Japan. Sydney will be his first significant race outside Japan. Kenya’s Elija Kemboi is entitled to race favouritism, however. Kemboi has run 2:11:15 or faster each year from 2011 to 2017 and was second in Linz this year in 2:11:30. He has run three sub-2:08 marathons, with a best of 2:07:34, among his seven sub-2:10 performances. If he is in that sort of form again now, he will be very hard to beat and might be the most likely to try an early breakaway. The other sub-2:10 men in the field are Ethiopia’s Birhanu Addisie, who ran 2:09:27 in finishing second in Rome in 2016, and Kenya’s Cosmas Kimutai, who ran 2:09:25 on debut back in 2010, but nothing of similar quality since.