Sydney has been chosen as the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major.
The Australian city had to meet certain criteria to join the likes of London, Boston, Chicago, New York, Berlin and Tokyo.
The Sydney Marathon is the largest race over 26.2 miles in Oceania and had a record 20,272 finishers at this year’s edition, allowing it to pass its second consecutive assessment.
That means that next year’s event (August 31) will be a World Marathon Major, the first city to make the cut since Tokyo did back in 2013.
“I am thrilled that Sydney will become the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major,” said Abbott WMM CEO Dawna Stone.
“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.
“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 in place for those striving to complete the original races.
However, in a few years there could be a nine star medal, with two other marathons — Cape Town and Shanghai — candidates to become World Marathon Majors races.
That could happen as early as 2026 and 2027 if they pass checks over a two-year assessment.
“Becoming the seventh Abbott World Marathon is just incredible for the event, the city of Sydney and State of New South Wales,” said Wayne Larden, race director of the Sydney Marathon.
“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. Our team are first rate and have 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.
“We are so excited to deliver the 2025 event as part of the greatest marathon series on the planet!”
Source: AW
