Sydney Marathon to join elite ranks of world marathon majors alongside London and New York City

The Sydney Marathon is being added to an iconic list of races globally, as it becomes the seventh city to join the Abbott World Marathon Majors series.

The elite circuit includes marathons in Boston, Tokyo, Berlin, Chicago, London and New York City.

Sydney will be the first city in the southern hemisphere to become part of the series after the race in September which saw 25,000 runners participate.

Destination NSW has estimated an extra $73 million will be spent by tourists over the next three years as a result of the announcement, and over the next decade, that could grow to as much as $300 million.

The Sydney Marathon takes in ocean views along the course and finishes on the steps of Sydney Opera House.

It has participants from more than 100 countries, and has raised more than $25 million since it began in 2000 as a legacy of the Sydney Olympics.

‘We’re a running city’

NSW Premier Chris Minns said the event will be significant for the city’s tourism and economy.

“You can just imagine the number of people that see Sydney on television or attend the city as a spectator or a participant who will want to bring their family and friends in the years ahead,” he said in a press conference on Monday.

“This is another example, if we needed it, that Sydney is back.”

The premier thanked event management company Pont3, Destination NSW and the marathon directors for their efforts in getting Sydney included in the Majors series.

Jobs and Tourism Minister John Graham said it was a “remarkable moment for Sydney”.

“And it will be beamed around the world. These pictures will really tell a story of Sydney that locals know and love, but many, many hundreds of thousands of people will discover in the years ahead.

“This is a big part of the tradition of Sydney, we’re a running city.”

Mr Graham said in light of the announcement the government would bring back the famous blue line, which was painted on the Sydney 2000 Olympic Marathon course.

Race director Wayne Larden called the announcement a “monumental achievement” after a three-year vetting process.

President of Athletics Australia Jane Flemming said it was a “transformative moment for Australian Athletics”.

“To have Sydney join this elite group is a testament to the dedication, passion and expertise of everyone involved, but it is an achievement that will inspire countless Australians to take up running,” she said.

Participation in the Sydney Marathon has increased by 400 per cent since 2022, and more than 33,000 runners are expected to greet the starter’s gun in August next year.