The Sydney Marathon 2025 marked a historic milestone as it debuted as part of the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors on Sunday, August 31. With an estimated 35,000 participants crossing the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and other scenic landmarks, the event delivered record-breaking performances by elite athletes while setting the stage for its global recognition.
Hassan and Kiros Break Records in Stunning Wins
In the women’s race, Dutch athlete Sifan Hassan claimed victory in a record-breaking time of 2:18:22. Hassan, who is also the reigning Olympic champion, shattered the previous course record of 2:21:40 set by Ethiopia’s Workenesh Edesa. “The last five kilometers, I’m dead,” Hassan admitted in a post-race interview, reflecting on the grueling final stretch. Despite her exhaustion, Hassan pulled ahead of Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei, who finished just 34 seconds behind, with Edesa taking third place at 2:22:05. Hassan’s win marked her third Abbott World Marathon Majors victory and solidified her reputation as one of the sport’s most versatile athletes.
On the men’s side, Ethiopia’s Hailemaryam Kiros set a new Australian marathon record with a time of 2:06:06. The 28-year-old narrowly edged out his compatriot Addisu Gobena, who finished 10 seconds behind, while Lesotho’s Tebello Ramakongoana secured third place. Kiros’ achievement eclipsed the previous record of 2:06:18 set by Kenya’s Brimin Kipkorir in 2024. Speaking to The Guardian, Kiros expressed his pride in contributing to Ethiopia’s rich marathon legacy.
Eliud Kipchoge: A Legend’s Tough Day
All eyes were on Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge, widely regarded as the greatest marathoner of all time, as he took on the challenging Sydney course. However, the 40-year-old struggled to maintain his usual pace and fell out of the lead pack around the 30-kilometer mark. Kipchoge finished ninth with a time of 2:08:31. In a post-race statement to Athletics Weekly, Kipchoge emphasized the importance of participation over victory: “I’m happy to go across the finish line. I have nothing to prove. My mission is to inspire more people to join this beautiful event.”
Kipchoge also called for increased participation in future editions of the Sydney Marathon, envisioning a rise from this year’s 35,000 runners to 55,000 or more. His comments highlight the event’s potential to grow into one of the world’s premier running spectacles.
Wheelchair Athletes Dominate with Record Times
The wheelchair division also saw remarkable performances, with Switzerland’s Marcel Hug and the USA’s Susannah Scaroni setting new course records. Hug, a seven-time Paralympic gold medalist, clocked an astonishing 1:27:15, breaking the previous record of 1:36:38 set by Australia’s Kurt Fearnley in 2011. Scaroni delivered an equally dominant performance in the women’s race, finishing in 1:45:52 and surpassing the record of 1:54:10 set by Australia’s Madison De Rozario in 2024.
De Rozario, who had won the Sydney Marathon in 2023 and 2024, did not compete this year, paving the way for Scaroni’s commanding victory. The wheelchair races underscored the inclusivity and competitive spirit of the event, further enhancing its global appeal.
Australian Runners Make a Strong Showing
Local athletes also delivered commendable performances. Leanne Pompeani was the top Australian finisher in the women’s race, placing seventh with a time of 2:24:47. She was followed by Olympians Jess Stenson and Lisa Weightman, who finished eighth and ninth, respectively. In the men’s category, Haftu Strintzos led the Australian contingent, securing 14th place with a time of 2:11:27.
The event highlighted the depth of talent in Australia’s running community and provided a platform for local athletes to compete alongside some of the best marathoners in the world.
The 2025 Sydney Marathon not only delivered thrilling races and record-breaking performances but also established itself as a cornerstone event in the global marathon calendar. With its inclusion in the Abbott World Marathon Majors, the future looks bright for this iconic race.