In brief
In a landmark announcement, the Sydney Marathon has officially become the seventh world major marathon, recognized alongside New York, Boston, Chicago, London, Berlin, and Tokyo after a thorough evaluation process.
Participants during the 2024 Sydney Marathon in Sydney, Australia, in September crossed a stunning finish line at the Sydney Opera House, marking a significant celebration for the event's organizers. Just as runners were reveling in their achievement during the New York City Marathon, a new horizon opened for marathon enthusiasts with Sydney’s elevation.The prestigious recognition, celebrated on November 4, 2024, came after a compelling three-year review. This acknowledgment signifies not just the technical prowess of Sydney Marathon’s operations but also its soaring popularity, having exceeded 20,000 finishers in the recent September edition.Dawn Stone, chief executive of Abbott World Marathon Majors, commented on the transformation of the Sydney event. "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," she stated.Sydney joins the marathon circuit's elite club for the first time since Tokyo was added in 2013, expanding the potential for an exciting “Seven Star” program for international athletes. The original group of five marathons includes New York, Boston, Chicago, London, and Berlin.Following a staggering jump in participation—from just 5,000 runners in 2022 to 25,000 in 2024—organizers expect that the upcoming Sydney Marathon scheduled for August 31, 2025, will draw an impressive 33,000 runners.Further expansion appears likely, with Cape Town and Shanghai under consideration for future Major status. Sydney’s recognition as a world major marathon contributes to the growing competitive running landscape, making it an alluring destination for running aficionados globally.
