Sifan Hassan and Hailemaryam Kiros Dominate Sydney’s First World Marathon Major

The Sydney Marathon made history Sunday, officially joining the Abbott World Marathon Majors and delivering a debut that was equal parts scenic, brutal, and unforgettable.

In the men’s race, Hailemaryam Kiros Kebedew claimed the win in 2:06:06, the fastest marathon time ever run in Australia, pulling away in the final stretch to hold off Addisu Gobena, who finished second in 2:06:16. Tebello Ramakongoana rounded out the podium in 2:06:47 after a tight battle over the closing kilometers.

Eliud Kipchoge finished in 9th place, with a time of 2:08:31.

The women’s race saw Sifan Hassan take control early and never let go, tkaing the win in 2:18:43. Brigid Kosgei finished second in 2:18:56, and Workenesh Edesa Gurmesa took third in 2:21:57 after holding off late pressure.

With more than 35,000 runners from 156 countries, the 2025 edition marked Sydney’s first appearance on the global marathon stage, and it didn’t disappoint.

The course, starting on the Harbour Bridge and ending at the Opera House, lived up to its billing: beautiful but relentless. Early climbs, a punishing mid-race grind, and a final hill at 41K left many runners humbled and the elite races wide open until the final miles.

The city delivered, too. Spectators packed cheer zones at The Rocks, Taylor Square, and Centennial Park, while millions tuned in around the world to watch a Major unfold in the Southern Hemisphere for the first time.

Sydney’s first chapter as a World Marathon Major is now written, and the bar has been set high.

Men’s Sydney Marathon results

1. Hailemaryam Kiros Kebedew (ETH), 2:06:06
2. Addisu Gobena Aga (ETH), 2:06:16
3. Tebello Ramakongoana (LES), 2:06:47
4. Mustapha Houdadi (MAR), 2:07:17
5. Edward Cheserek (KEN), 2:07:38
6. Masato Arao (JPN), 2:07:42
7. Laban Korir (KEN), 2:08:06
8. Felix Kiptoo Kirwa (KEN), 02:08:18
9. Eliud Kipchoge (KEN), 2:08:31
10. Victor Kipchirchir (KEN), 2:09:08
11. Kento Kikutani (JPN), 2:09:34
12. Brian Shrader (USA), 2:10:29
13. Samuel Fitwi Sibhatu (GER), 2:10:30
14. Haftu Strintzos (AUS), 2:11:27
15. Cornelus Kibet Kiplagat (KEN), 2:12:09
16. Thomas Do Canto (AUS), 2:13:25
17. Brett Robinson (AUS), 2:15:00
18. Fraser Darcy (AUS), 2:17:24
19. Martin Olesen (DEN), 2:18:01
20. Steven Mckenna (AUS), 2:18:26
21. Bjorn Koreman (NED), 2:18:37
22. Cameron Graves (NZL), 2:20:37
23. Hajime Sakai (JPN), 2:20:52
24. Kazuya Namera (JPN), 2:21:02
25. Yuki Kawauchi (JPN), 2:21:08

Women’s Sydney Marathon results

1. Sifan Hassan (NED), 2:18:22
2. Brigid Jeptchirchir Kosgei (KEN), 2:18:56
3. Workenesh Edesa Gurmesa (ETH), 2:22:15
4. Kumeshi Sichala (ETH), 2:22:50
5. Evaline Chirchir (KEN), 2:23:13
6. Ai Hosoda (JPN), 2:23:27
7. Leanne Pompeani (AUS), 2:24:47
8. Jessica Stenson (AUS), 2:28:56
9. Lisa Weightman (AUS), 2:29:34
10. Abigail Nordberg (AUS), 2:35:43
11. Danette Sheehan (AUS), 2:36:56
12. Dominika Stelmach (POL), 2:38:04
13. Riine Ringi (EST), 2:38:45
14. Kate Baker (AUS), 2:42:00
15. Chisa Endo (JPN), 2:42:43
16. Lauren Reid (AUS), 2:43:06
17. Charlotte Wilson (AUS), 2:43:33