SYDNEY – Sydney’s bid to join the World Marathon Majors circuit received a boost on April 30, with the announcement that the 2024 event had reached capacity at 24,000 runners, the largest field for any edition of the endurance classic held in Australia.
The race, which traces its origins back to the 2000 Olympic Games in the city, is in the second year of an appraisal process that would lead to it joining the Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York marathons in the elite global series from 2025.
“This is a momentous year for the Sydney Marathon as we aim to become the next... World Marathon Major,” race director Wayne Larden said in a statement.
“We are committed to delivering a world-class event that Australia is proud of, and we look forward to welcoming a record number of runners and spectators locally, nationally and from around the world to make history.”
The 2023 marathon around the harbour city attracted a record 17,000 runners and more than 100,000 spectators.
The latest edition of the Sydney Marathon will take place on a new course on the morning of Sept 15.
“Sydney’s not a flat city,” added Larden.
“It’s an undulating city. So, to put (the Majors) into these pockets, I’d say we’re more aligned with the New York City Marathon.
“It will be more of a scenic, beautiful experience running through Sydney and over the Harbour Bridge.
“One of my goals is to make the Sydney Marathon one of the funnest World Marathon Majors.”
However, Sydney still has a way to go to match the level of interest in some of the more established races.
London Marathon organisers announced on April 29 they had received 840,318 applications for the ballot to run the 2025 race, breaking the world record of 578,374 set in the 2023 public ballot.
More than 53,000 runners completed the 44th edition of the marathon on April 21, a record for the event.
“This is an absolutely phenomenal total,” event director Hugh Brasher said of the applications.
“Furthermore, the increase in applications from women, up from around 43 per cent last year to 49 per cent this year, is exceptional and takes us close to parity for applications for the first time.
“We want to inspire people of all ages and abilities to get active and these amazing record-breaking figures show how the London Marathon is doing that and how many people want to be part of it.”
REUTERS
