Sydney Marathon Medal Error Sparks Laughter as Wrong Stadium Appears


Organisers of the Sydney Marathon laughed off a printing mistake that left participants with medals etched in the shape of Munich’s Allianz Arena instead of the local Allianz Stadium.



Sydney Marathon medal showing incorrect stadium
The medal, expected to feature Sydney’s Allianz Stadium, actually shows Munich’s Allianz Arena.


After the official social‑media account released the medal design, a sharp‑eyed viewer noticed the wrong stadium silhouette. The double‑sided medal also commemorates iconic Sydney landmarks like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.


Speaking to reporters, a spokesperson for the marathon said, "A little too much international flavour has found its way onto the back of the finishers medal…an unfortunate error." They added that runners would still receive the flawed medal, framing it as a unique keepsake and a talking point for the event.


German fans reacted on Instagram, joking that the mistake was “not on our bingo card”. The event was still praised for record participation and fundraising, with about 40,000 finishers expected on August 30.


The medal’s reverse side features a gold and indigo pattern designed by First Nations artist Ambrose Killian. $Killian confirmed that he was not involved in the design of the incorrect stadium side.


Despite the error, the Sydney Marathon organisers concluded that the incident has added levity to a well‑run race, saying they’re “not going to run from it”.