More than 40,000 runners flooded Sydney’s streets this past weekend in what’s being hailed as the city’s most successful marathon to date. With a new course stretching from North Sydney Oval to Centennial Parklands, the event broke records not only in participation but in community engagement and sponsorship.
The 42.2-kilometre route offered a scenic tour of Sydney’s harbour, CBD, and inner suburbs. Roads were closed for over nine hours, allowing elite athletes, first-timers, and charity fundraisers to take part in the race at their own pace. Spectator zones popped up across the city with live music, food trucks, and cultural performances.
Among the elite runners was Kenyan champion Ezra Kipngetich, who won the men's division with a course record of 2:07:21. Australia's own Alisha Gray claimed victory in the women’s division, finishing in 2:28:15 and drawing loud cheers along the final stretch through Hyde Park.
But the most powerful moments came from the amateur ranks. One participant, 68-year-old Sydneysider Margaret D’Souza, completed her 20th consecutive Sydney Marathon after recovering from a hip replacement just eight months earlier. 'Crossing that line meant everything,' she said through tears. 'Every step was worth it.'
This year’s event saw a major focus on inclusivity, with expanded wheelchair divisions, a non-binary category, and multiple accessibility zones. Organisers partnered with advocacy groups to ensure facilities, signage, and hydration points met the needs of all participants.
Health officials were also on hand, given the day’s unusually warm conditions. Dozens of medical tents were set up along the course, with volunteers distributing sunscreen and monitoring runners for signs of heat exhaustion. Paramedics treated over 150 people for minor injuries, but no major incidents were reported.
One of the standout moments came just after the 35km mark, where thousands passed under Sydney Harbour Bridge while Indigenous dancers performed to the beat of clapsticks and didgeridoos. 'It was the most spiritual part of the race for me,' said runner Josh Lin. 'Like running through a welcome to country.'
The marathon also smashed fundraising targets. Over $6.2 million was raised for causes ranging from cancer research to youth homelessness. Team RedRunners, a group of 12 friends from Parramatta, alone raised $55,000 for bushfire recovery projects in the Blue Mountains.
City officials say the economic impact of the event could top $30 million, thanks to thousands of interstate visitors and increased demand for hotels, restaurants, and local transport. Tourism NSW is already lobbying for Sydney to host the World Marathon Majors series by 2030.
‘We’ve proved that Sydney can pull off a marathon that’s not only competitive but culturally rich and community-driven,’ said event director Julie Tran. ‘This isn’t just about running. It’s about what the city becomes for one extraordinary day.’
With participant interest already doubling for next year, organisers are considering expanding the event to include a full weekend of races and fitness expos. If this year is any indication, Sydney’s marathon has firmly found its stride.