TCS Sydney Marathon 2025: Sifan Hassan Smashes Course Record in Historic Abbott World Marathon Majors Debut

Dutch Olympic Champion Runs 2:18:22 to Secure Third Major Title in Sydney

Sifan Hassan breaks the Sydney Marathon course record en route to clinching the win. PHOTO: WORLD MARATHON MAJORS

Sydney, 1 September 2025 – Dutch running superstar Sifan Hassan produced a sensational performance at the TCS Sydney Marathon 2025, storming to victory in a course record time of 2:18:22. The triumph marked Sydney’s first-ever staging as part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) series, and Hassan ensured it was a debut to remember with her third Major title.

The 32-year-old Olympic gold medallist added Sydney to her previous wins in London and Chicago, underlining her dominance across the global marathon circuit. Instead of contesting the Athletics World Championships, Hassan opted for this landmark race in Australia — a decision that paid off handsomely as she outpaced an elite field.

Hassan Holds Nerve to Outkick Brigid Kosgei

Hassan’s race strategy was calm and calculated, staying composed throughout before launching her decisive move between the 35km and 40km marks. She powered away from former world record-holder Brigid Kosgei, defeating the Kenyan star by 34 seconds.

Kosgei, who had been Hassan’s closest challenger, settled for second place, while Ethiopia’s Workenesh Edesa, the defending Sydney champion, claimed third.

A Star On and Off the Roads

Hassan has been in sparkling form all week, winning over the Australian public with her charm and humor during media appearances. On race day, she matched her off-track charisma with a display of tactical brilliance, delivering a victory free of the late-race dramas that have characterized some of her earlier marathon wins.

Her 2:18:22 finish not only set a new Sydney Marathon course record, but also cemented her reputation as one of the most versatile and dominant distance runners of her generation.

Hailemaryam Kiros secured his first AWMM victory.  PHOTO: WORLD MARATHON MAJORS

Men’s Race: Ethiopia Dominates with Another Course Record

While Hassan stole the headlines in the women’s race, the men’s marathon produced its own drama. Ethiopian duo Hailemaryam Kiros and Addisu Gobena battled neck and neck until the closing stages.

Kiros surged ahead in the final two kilometers, crossing the line in 2:06:06, another Sydney Marathon course record, to clinch victory. Gobena followed 10 seconds later, while Tebello Ramakongoana of Lesotho rounded out the podium in 2:06:47.

Kipchoge Fades as Next Generation Emerges

Legendary marathoner Eliud Kipchoge, at 40 years old, could not keep pace with the leading pack, ultimately fighting to stay inside the top 10. His performance signaled a potential changing of the guard as younger stars like Kiros and Gobena rose to the occasion.

Sydney’s Place on the Global Marathon Map

The 2025 edition of the TCS Sydney Marathon will go down in history as the city’s first inclusion in the Abbott World Marathon Majors series — joining Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York, and Tokyo. With course records in both men’s and women’s races, Sydney’s debut cemented its place as a world-class destination for elite marathon running. #SydneyMarathon #WorldMarathonMajors