Run the Harbour: Why the Sydney Marathon Is Now a World Marathon Major Destination
- SportPlus Feature
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
How Sydney’s Scenic Course, Global Appeal, and Record Growth Earned It a Place Among the World’s Greatest Marathons
Sydney has officially staked its claim among the world’s most elite road races. In November 2024, the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS was announced as the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major, joining Boston, London, Tokyo, Berlin, Chicago, and New York. This milestone is not just symbolic—it reflects years of strategic investment, rigorous standards, and a rapidly growing global reputation. Here’s why Sydney now deserves to stand alongside the greatest marathons in the world.
What It Means to Be a World Marathon Major
Before we dive into Sydney’s journey, it helps to understand what being a “Major” entails.
The Abbott World Marathon Majors (AWMM) series has strict evaluation criteria around organisation, safety, elite competition, course quality, logistics, participant experience, among other factors.
These marathons are high-profile global events drawing elite runners, mass participation, media coverage, and significant economic impact.
Majors are oversubscribed—demand for entry exceeds capacity. The prestige is tied to tradition, consistency, and performance.
Sydney's Road to Becoming the 7th Major: Key Reasons
Here are the compelling reasons why Sydney made the cut, and how it cleared the bar.
1.Three-Year Candidacy and Performance Benchmarks
Sydney entered a rigorous candidacy program with Abbott WMM, which involved multiple assessments over several years. It passed the 2023 candidate assessment, meeting many of the improvements required from earlier years.
For example, the 2022 event was elevated to Platinum Label status (by World Athletics), which is one sign of high international quality. 2. Massive Growth in Participation & International Reach The number of registered runners increased by 400% from 2022 to 2024: from ~5,000 in 2022 to 25,000 in 2024. The 2025 ballot saw 79,000 applications for 35,000 spots, from 156 countries—roughly eight times more international entries than the previous year.
3. Iconic Course & City Appeal
The marathon route takes in some of Sydney’s most legendary landmarks, like the finish at the Sydney Opera House and a run across the Harbour Bridge. These scenic, world-recognisable features help it appeal to both elite runners and “destination runners” wanting a spectacular experience.
Sydney is the first Major in the Southern Hemisphere, giving a fresh continent-based representation to the global Majors circuit. 4.Government & Infrastructure Support
Crucial backing from the NSW Government, including agencies like Transport for NSW, NSW Police, NSW Ambulance, and Destination NSW, was required by the Majors criteria.
Investment in logistics, spectator experience, route design (e.g. removing low-speed turns), finish line spectacle, and live spectator sites helped meet the standards.
5. Economic Impact & Tourism Potential
Forecasts estimate that Major status could add AU$300 million to NSW’s visitor economy over a decade. For 2025, with 33,300 entrants predicted, visitor economy spending was projected to hit AU$22.8 million; by 2027, with 37,800 runners, even higher. 6. Sponsorship & Global Partnership
Title sponsorship from TCS (Tata Consultancy Services), along with strong partners like ASICS and others, helped bring resources and branding necessary to compete globally. What Sets Sydney Apart (Compared to Other Majors)
Sydney had to not only meet existing Major standards but also bring something unique to the table:
Southern Hemisphere representation: No other Major had been in the Southern Hemisphere till now. That adds geographic diversity.
Spectator and community engagement enhancements: Live-spectator zones, festival components, entertainment along the course. Sydney leveraged the city’s charm and tourist appeal beyond just running.
Rapid scaling under pressure: The jump in number of participants, the improvements to event logistics, and meeting the Majors standards in a relatively short time is a feat. Many other annual marathons don’t move this quickly.
Conclusion
Sydney’s inclusion as the newest Abbott World Marathon Major isn't just a ceremonial upgrade—it reflects real, substantial improvements and growth: in participation, experience, infrastructure, economic potential, and global appeal.
For runners, fans, and the city alike, this marks a transformative moment. Australia now has a marquee marathon that can stand with the very best, and Sydney will be a bucket-list destination not only for its iconic harbour and skyline but also for the prestige of “running a Major.”
#SydneyMarathon #MadeSydneyAMajor