Sydney burst onto the global marathon scene this Sunday, marking its debut as a ‘Major’ event. This prestigious status brought together some of the world’s finest athletes, and they certainly delivered. Ethiopia’s Hailemaryam Kiros and the Netherlands’ Sifan Hassan claimed victory in their respective races, each setting new course records in the process.
Sydney’s inclusion in the exclusive Abbott World Marathon Majors circuit instantly elevated its profile. It now stands alongside legendary races like New York, Boston, Chicago, London, Tokyo, and Berlin. This recognition ensures a significantly stronger field of elite runners, all eager to compete on a new stage. The increase in top-tier talent was clear at the starting line.
In the men’s competition, Hailemaryam Kiros Kebedew of Ethiopia dominated the course. He finished with an impressive time of 2 hours, 6 minutes, and 6 seconds. This performance not only secured his win but also established a new benchmark for the event. His countryman, Addisu Gobena Aga, crossed the finish line just 10 seconds later to take second place. Tebello Ramakongoana from Lesotho earned a well-deserved third.
The women’s race saw an equally remarkable showing from Olympic champion Sifan Hassan. The Dutch runner powered through to win in 2 hours, 18 minutes, and 22 seconds, also setting a new race record. Hassan comfortably outpaced her closest challengers, Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei and Ethiopia’s Workenesh Edesa. Notably, Hassan shaved over three minutes off the previous course record, which had previously belonged to Edesa with a time of 2:21:41.
