The Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS will make history on Sunday, 17 September with over 10,000 registered participants already signed-up to set the stage for Australia's largest ever marathon. With four months remaining until registrations close, numbers are expected to increase, cementing the event as one of the great marathon races in the world.
This incredible milestone surpasses the previous record of 8,108 registered participants, set by the Melbourne Marathon in 2019. The unprecedented number of registrations highlights the growing popularity and significance of the Sydney Marathon on the global marathon circuit.
No stranger to breaking records, Sydney Marathon recorded the fastest marathon ever run in Australia in 2022, with Moses Kibet (Kenya) crossing the finish line in a time of 02:07:03. This year, the event will introduce a new course that flows better with more roadways and less 180 degree bends creating a more enjoyable marathon experience.
In addition to the new course, event organisers have implemented major changes to the 2023 event, appealing to elite athletes, first-time marathon runners and spectators alike. The event has extended its official cut off time by one hour, allowing marathon participants seven hours to cross the finish line. Enhanced on-course entertainment will encourage Sydneysiders to line the streets in support of their fellow Australians as they tackle one of the most exhilarating sporting events in the world.
"We're thrilled by the tremendous response to Sydney Marathon to date, and we want to encourage runners and aspiring runners to consider stepping up to the challenge at this year's event," said Wayne Larden, Race Director, Sydney Marathon. "Achieving the record of Australia's largest marathon is a testament to the passion and dedication of runners from all over the world, coming to Sydney to support our bid to become the next Abbott World Marathon Major."
A Candidate Race for the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) Sydney Marathon enters its second year of a multi-year evaluation process by AbbottWMM in 2023.
"We are pleased to see one of our candidate races making such positive strides in registrations," said Dawna Stone, CEO, Abbott World Marathon Majors. "The AbbottWMM assessment team looks forward to evaluating the 2023 event in September."
To become a Major, the Sydney Marathon will be required to meet strict criteria over a three-year period and if successful, will join an esteemed group of races - Tokyo Marathon, Boston Marathon, TCS London Marathon, BMW-BERLIN Marathon, Bank of America Chicago Marathon and TCS New York City Marathon - as a new member of the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors in 2025.
Commencing in 2001 as a legacy event of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, Sydney Marathon has steadily grown in popularity and stature amongst the global running community. The inaugural marathon saw 1,296 marathon runners cross the finish line, and has since evolved into a significant Australian sporting spectacle that attracts thousands of participants to run, walk and wheel across the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, traffic-free.
The Sydney Marathon and its candidacy for the Abbott World Marathon Majors series is supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.
Register now to secure early bird prices and your place on the start line on Sunday 17 September 2023 at sydneymarathon.com
