Sydney Marathon, in the big league ...

A mashup of the City to Surf and Mardi Gras...

31 August 2025 became a historic day for the Sydney Marathon as it officially joins the Abbott World Marathon Majors as the seventh member of the prestigious global series. The men`s race was won by Ethiopia`s Hailemaryam Kiros in a new course record of 2:06:06, while Dutch star Sifan Hassan won the women`s event, also in a record-breaking time of 2:18:22. Two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge finished ninth. I didn't do very well capturing the major place-getters in my images!

The Sydney Marathon was established as a legacy of the 2000 Summer Olympics, with its inaugural event in April 2000 following a similar course as the Olympic marathon. The course is renowned for its scenic beauty, taking runners on a point-to-point journey that starts in North Sydney, crosses the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, and winds through the city`s key landmarks, including The Rocks and Circular Quay, before a dramatic finish in front of the Sydney Opera House. The actual Olympic Marathon finished in the stadium, of cource. It's considered one of the most picturesque marathon courses in the world.

The Sydney Marathon`s journey to becoming a `Major` was a three-year process, beginning with its candidacy in 2022. It had to meet a strict set of criteria, including a significant increase in participant numbers and delivering a world-class event experience. Following successful evaluations, the announcement was made in November 2024 that the Sydney Marathon would officially join the ranks of the world`s most elite marathons in 2025, alongside Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York. This elevation is expected to bring a major boost to tourism and running culture in Australia.

The day lived up to the hype. It was a glorious sunny winter`s day in the Emerald City, chilly early in the morning for the start, but with cloudless skies and virtually no wind, just perfect. I would say the harsh sunlight made photography difficult, as you`ll see in the images. I positioned myself strategically at Taylors Square, the heart of Sydney`s gay-friendly neighbourhoods, and that was a good choice. I had good views down Oxford Street at the 10km mark, and the same along Flinders Street as the competitors were heading for the finish of the Sydney Opera House. With something like 30,000 competitors, the race resembled Sydney`s iconic annual fun-run, the City to Surf. With the Gay Pride podium at Taylors Square, not to mention the loud gay anthems being played over huge speakers (my ears are still ringing), and the four or so very camp drag queens hamming it up, the race was evocative of Mardi Gras. A lot of fun was being had by all, crowds lined the course, the organisers had provided a grand-stand and had handed out cow-bells, and there was a lot of noise. Please enjoy the photographs!

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Great effort displayed by Schip in the Men`s Wheelchair. [5191]

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This competitor in the Women`s Wheelchair passing through Taylors Square. [5198]

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The leading group in the Men`s Marathon at the 10km mark. [5215]

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Ms Mesfin, the first lady I saw coming at the 10km mark. [5226]

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Humorous signage held by spectators art Taylors Square. [5254]

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This drag queen joined the runners at the top of Oxford Street. [5265]

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This drag queen performed brilliantly throughout the Marathon, but could hardly be heard over the loud music. [5289]

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This drag queen beautified the podium at Taylors Square. [5298]

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Nakam, a study in concentration, heading for finish. [5303]

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These competitors inspired us all at the Sydney Marathon. [5326]

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Even these ibis were moved by the occasion at the Sydney Marathon. [5337]

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Oxford Street and Flinders Street were lined with enthusiastic spectators. [5338]

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Not only did she keep the MC chatter going, this Drag Queen high-fived runners as they passed. [5349]

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Smiling with pain or effort, Ms. Willi turns her wheelchair into Oxford Street for the run home. [5350]

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Addisu Gobena Aga finished 2nd out of 20,824. [5358]

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Eliud Kipchoge (favourite?) finished 10th, and Masato Arao 7th. [5364]

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Victor Kipchirchir finished 11th out of 21,271. [5366]

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Fraser Darcy (AUS) finished 19th out of 21,413. [5383]

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Brigid Kosgei (left) finished 2nd of 5,810 women. [5387]

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Workenesh Edesa Gurmesa finished 3rd of 5,934 women. Not sure that David Wanjohi finished, but he did get to 40km. [5388]

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Amongst the leading women, Deressa arrives as Taylors Square on the way to the Sydney Opera House. [5391]