Applications for this year’s Sydney Marathon have come in from an extra 55 countries, the NSW Government says. Photo: stock
The Sydney Marathon’s elevation to World Marathon Major status has attracted an eight-fold increase in applications from overseas runners for this year’s event.
The NSW Government says a first-ever ballot for the August 31 marathon attracted more than 79,000 applications for just 35,000 positions.
Applications have come in from 156 countries compared to 101 countries last year; the highest number came from the US followed by Indonesia, UK, Hong Kong and China.
NSW Tourism Minister John Graham says the news comes as “no surprise”.
“The elevation of the Sydney Marathon to major status will pump an extra $73 million into local shops, cafes, hotels and tourism business over the next three years,” he says.
“To see the ballot oversubscribed by more than double confirms that the Sydney Marathon will be a big winner for NSW.”
Sport Minister Steve Kamper says they are “very excited by the incredible response to the ballot” for Sydney’s first year as a World Marathon Major.
TCS Sydney Marathon Race Director and CEO Wayne Larden says the designation is “a massive milestone and the positive impact of this is clear through the huge number of ballot applications”.
“At other World Marathon Majors events, over one million spectators line the course, contributing to an unforgettable atmosphere,” he says.
Many of these overseas runners will be out to collect a seventh star from running all seven world majors while 23% of applicants are applying for their first marathon.
In November 2024, the Sydney Marathon was named the seventh World Marathon Major, joining London, Berlin, Tokyo, Boston, Chicago and New York as host cities.
Only three years ago, in 2022, there were 5306 entrants in the Sydney Marathon; there were 16,872 in 2023 and 24,246 in 2024.
Registrations for the 4.2km and the 10km sub events will open in April.
For details about the event, visit www.tcssydneymarathon.com.
