This Sunday, all eyes in the distance running world will shift from the track to the streets of Australia as the Sydney Marathon 2025 hosts its first-ever elite edition under the Abbott World Marathon Majors (WMM) banner.
Marking the fourth stop on this year’s Majors circuit, Sydney joins the prestigious group of Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York, bringing its own unique course, history, and backdrop into marathon running’s biggest stage.
Nearly 35,000 participants expected to line for the historic race. This will be the fourth stop of the World Marathon Majors.
Kipchoge’s Quest: A Sixth Star and Redemption
Few names in global sport resonate like Eliud Kipchoge. The two-time Olympic marathon champion and former world record holder headlines the men’s field in what will be his first race on Australian soil.
At 40, Kipchoge is no longer untouchable- but he’s still very much in the mix. His sixth-place finish at April’s London Marathon (2:05:25) and a rare DNF at the Paris 2024 Olympics suggest he has something to prove. Now, he’s chasing not just a win, but his sixth WMM star, bringing him one step closer to completing the full series.
Expect Kipchoge to target the course record of 2:21:41 (set by Workenesh Edesa in 2024)- and possibly much more.
He won’t be alone. Vincent Ngetich, who followed Kipchoge across the line in Berlin 2023, and Birhanu Legese, the ninth-fastest man in history, bring heat to the men’s competition. Edward Cheserek, the 17-time NCAA champion, and Dawit Wolde, fresh off a win in Xiamen, round out a field that combines proven legends with fast-rising stars.
Women’s Race: Olympic Firepower Takes the Stage
If the men’s lineup is stacked, the women’s field is a firestorm.
Sifan Hassan, fresh off her Olympic marathon victory in Paris and third place in London this spring, is chasing another Major title- and redemption. She’ll face a stern challenge from Brigid Kosgei, the former world record holder and Tokyo Olympic silver medallist, who is making her Sydney debut.
Defending champion Workenesh Edesa returns with momentum, and Ethiopia’s Meseret Belete (2023 Amsterdam winner) and Ashete Bekere (2019 Berlin champion) bring depth and international flair.
Australia’s Jessica Stenson, a national hero after her Commonwealth Games gold, leads the home front and will be greeted by massive local support.
Sydney Marathon 2025 Course Detail
Runners will launch from North Sydney’s Miller Street, the highest elevation point and historic starting line of the Sydney 2000 Olympic marathon. From there, the race descends toward a dramatic climb over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, before winding through the vibrant streets of Pyrmont, Barangaroo, and Hyde Park.
At 15K, the course tilts up Oxford Street, a demanding hill that rewards runners with a downhill reprieve. The mid-section is fast and flat along Anzac Parade, perfect for pacing, but the mental test comes with a 180-degree turn heading back toward the city.
The final stretch weaves through Centennial Park, past the SCG and Allianz Stadium, before unleashing runners down Macquarie Street, through the Royal Botanic Gardens, and into what’s being hailed as one of the sport’s most stunning finishes: the Sydney Opera House, glittering on the harbour.
Also Read: Sydney Marathon Becomes Seventh World Major In Elite Race
Sydney Marathon 2025 Schedule
(All times in AEST -UTC +10h)
- 06:15 – Elite wheelchair men’s
- 06:30 – Elite men and women’s race
- 06:31 – Mass start Group 1
- 07:03 –Mass start Group 2
- 07:41 –Mass start Group 3
Sydney Marathon 2025: Where to watch
| Region / Country | Broadcast Partner(s) |
| Australia | 7mate, 7plus Sport, TCS Sydney Marathon YouTube |
| Europe (Most) | Eurosport |
| Belgium | DAZN Europe |
| United States | FloSports, CBS, Fight Network, FOX TV, MASN, MSG, NBC Sports National Digital, Game+ |
| Canada | Same as USA |
| Sub-Saharan Africa | SuperSport |
| Japan | Fuji TV |
| India & Subcontinent | Eurosport |
| China (PRC) | Shanghai TV |
| New Zealand | SKY NZ |
| Brazil | Xsports |
