RUNNING: TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS 2025 (AUS)

Sydney, Australia 30 – 31 August 2025

Source: https://www.tcssydneymarathon.com/ and https://www.instagram.com/sydney_marathon/

The TCS Sydney Marathon, presented by ASICS, is a major annual running event in Sydney, Australia, with a rich history rooted in the legacy of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

The Olympic Origin

The event’s history begins with “The Host City Marathon” on April 30, 2000. It was a test event for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and followed the same course as the Olympic marathon. The race has been held every year since, serving as a lasting legacy of the games. The scenic course takes runners through some of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.

Evolution and Growth

Over the years, the Sydney Marathon has grown in prestige and size. It has expanded to include a half marathon, a 10K Bridge Run, and a 3.5K Family Fun Run, making it a comprehensive running festival. In 2014, the race was recognized as an IAAF Silver Label Road Race and was elevated to a Gold Label Road Race in 2015.

The Road to the Abbott World Marathon Majors

A significant milestone in the marathon’s history was its campaign to become one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM). This is an elite series of the world’s most prestigious marathons, which, until recently, included Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City.

The Sydney Marathon underwent a rigorous two-year qualification period, with the goal of becoming the seventh AbbottWMM. Following a successful candidacy period and the 2024 event, it was officially elevated to the ranks of the Abbott World Marathon Majors in November 2024. This makes it the first race from the Southern Hemisphere to join the prestigious series.

Key Records and Highlights

The TCS Sydney Marathon has seen some impressive performances over the years. Notably, in 2024, both the men’s and women’s course records were broken. Brimin Kipkorir of Kenya set a new men’s record with a time of 2:06:18, and Workenesh Edesa of Ethiopia set a new women’s record with a time of 2:21:41.

The event has also attracted some of the world’s most elite runners, with the announcement that marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge will headline the 2025 event, further cementing its place on the global running stage.

Charity and Community

The event is also known for its charitable impact, having raised nearly AUD$30 million for charity since its inception. It attracts runners from over 100 countries, showcasing its global appeal and commitment to a diverse and inclusive running community.

The TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS features a variety of race disciplines, each with its own unique course and start time. The event takes place over a weekend, with the main events held on a Sunday.

Disciplines and Start Times

The event includes the following races:

TCS Sydney Marathon (42.195km): This is the main event and an Abbott World Marathon Major.
- Start Time: The start is staggered. Elite wheelchair athletes begin at 6:15 AM, followed by elite men and women at 6:30 AM. The mass start is divided into groups, with Group 1 starting at 6:31 AM, Group 2 at 7:03 AM, and Group 3 at 7:41 AM.
TCS Sydney Mini Marathon (5km): This is a shorter, fun run that often takes place on a separate day, typically the Saturday before the main event.
- Start Time: 7:30 AM.
TCS Sydney Marathon 10km:
- Start Time: 8:45 AM.

Course and Route

The courses are famous for their scenic routes through Sydney’s most iconic locations.

The TCS Sydney Marathon starts in North Sydney and takes runners across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The course then winds through the city’s streets, including Circular Quay and Centennial Park, before a spectacular finish at the forecourt of the Sydney Opera House.
The TCS Sydney Marathon 10km also starts in North Sydney and crosses the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This race finishes at the Conservatorium of Music.
The TCS Sydney Mini Marathon (5km) starts on Macquarie Street in the Sydney CBD and also finishes at the Sydney Opera House forecourt.

The half marathon distance is no longer part of the official event lineup. The organizers have made a conscious decision to refine the event to provide a better experience for participants in the three featured races

The 2025 TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS is the newest member of the Abbott World Marathon Majors! With an expected 35,000 runners to take on the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major, we are thrilled to be welcoming runners from around the globe to Sydney.

The marathon will start at 6:30am AEST, with the elite men and women starting first, before three seperate start groups follow from 6:31am (Start Group 1), from 7:03am (Start Group 2) and from 7:41am (Start Group 3).

The TCS Sydney Marathon Elite Wheelchair race will also boast the greatest wheelchair field ever assembled in Australia, and starts 15 minutes prior to the TCS Sydney Marathon.