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The Sydney Marathon Just Got A Serious World Marathon Major Bump In Interest

With over double the applications than ballot spots available, the event is sure to bring the heat

The Sydney Marathon is no longer just another race.

This year, it officially joined the big leagues as the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major, standing alongside legendary races in New York, Boston, London, Berlin, Tokyo, and Chicago. And the world responded in a big way.

In its first-ever ballot system, the 2025 Sydney Marathon saw 79,000 applications for just 35,000 spotsโ€”more than double the available entries. Runners from 156 countries threw their hats (and running shoes) in the ring, an eight-fold increase in international interest compared to last year. Leading the charge? Runners from the U.S., followed by Indonesia, the U.K., Hong Kong, and China.

Sydney has grown precipitously just a few short years. The marathon began as a test event for the 2000 Olympic races, and continued annually as a mass recreational race with an elite component.

For years, it was seen as a smaller global event, attracting just a couple thousands finishers. But Sydney has rode the wave of the most recent running boom. In 2023, it had a record 17,000 entrants. Last year, that number ballooned to 25,000.

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One of the biggest draws for international runners is the chance to snag that coveted seventh starโ€”the ultimate badge of honor for anyone who completes all seven World Marathon Majors. But not everyone vying for a bib is a seasoned pro. A whopping 23% of applicants are first-time marathoners, meaning Sydney will be the starting line of their marathon running journey (talk about setting the bar high!).

Another one of the biggest selling points of the Sydney Marathon? The course is straight-up stunning. Imagine this: you start at Milsons Point, run across the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, weave through the city, and finish with an epic sprint to the Sydney Opera House. Not many marathons can offer a postcard-worthy view at pretty much every turn.

And now that Sydney is an official World Marathon Major with 35,000 runners, expect massive crowds and electric energy along the route. If races like New York and London are anything to go by, we could see over a million spectators lining the streets, bringing an atmosphere unlike anything Sydney has ever seen.

But runners should keep in mind that Sydney is probably not the race where you’re going to set a PR. The course is hilly, including the ups and downs of the iconic Habour Bridge, and is known to be tough. It’s also not record-eligible, as it is point-to-point, so don’t anticipate seeing any world records set in Sydney.

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Good News for Sydney’s Economy

The Sydney Marathonโ€™s new major status isnโ€™t just exciting for runnersโ€”itโ€™s a huge win for Sydney and New South Wales. The race is expected to pump $73 million into the local economy over the next three years, as runners and their cheer squads flood into the city, booking hotels, eating their way through Sydneyโ€™s best brunch spots, and exploring beyond the city limits.

Missed Out? Thereโ€™s Still Hope

If you didnโ€™t land a spot in the initial ballot, donโ€™t hang up your running shoes just yet. You can still secure an entry through the 2025 TCS Sydney Marathon Official Charity Partner Program or book a package via the Official Domestic and International Travel Program. Plus, if 26.2 miles sounds like a bit too much, you can still join the fun with the 4.2-kilometer “mini marathon” and 10K eventsโ€”registrations open in April.

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Sydneyโ€™s Moment on the Global Running Stage

For years, Sydney has been an underdog in the global marathon scene, but now itโ€™s playing in the big leagues. Race Director and CEO Wayne Larden summed it up best: “Hosting a World Marathon Major will be a great moment for Sydney’s global reputation. Images of world-class athletes running over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and across the finish line at the Sydney Opera House will be beamed around the world, reminding the entire planet that our city is an incredible place to visit.”Increased participation and visitation to our city will have a huge impact on both the event itself and businesses in Sydney and NSW.”

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Jessy Carveth

Senior News Editor

Jessy has been active her whole life, competing in cross-country, track running, and soccer throughout her undergrad. She pivoted to road cycling after completing her Bachelor of Kinesiology with Nutrition from Acadia University. Jessy is currently a professional road cyclist living and training in Spain.

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