In a historic addition to the marathon world, the TCS Sydney Marathon has been named the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major (AWMM), placing it among the most prestigious long-distance races globally. This significant achievement not only brings a new race but introduces an entire continent to the elite series, as Sydney joins iconic races in Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York. The first Sydney Marathon to hold this status is set for August 31, 2025, promising an event filled with excitement for participants and spectators alike.
The AWMM series, known for its immense prestige in the marathon community, rewards participants who complete all its races with the highly coveted Six Star Medal. With the addition of Sydney, runners are on the journey toward a potential Nine Star Medal, as Australia joins the global lineup. Future aspirations to expand the series further include Cape Town, South Africa, and Shanghai, China, both currently under consideration to join the series by 2026 and 2027, respectively.
Dawna Stone, CEO of AWMM, expressed her enthusiasm about the series’ newest member, emphasizing the draw of Sydney’s racecourse and scenic cityscapes. “We cannot wait to see our community embrace this race and start planning their visits to run the streets of one of the finest cities in the world,” Stone said. “Runners, your Sydney star awaits.”
For Australian distance runners and marathoners worldwide, Sydney’s addition signifies more than a race—it’s an opportunity for athletes to claim a new star. Completing Sydney will count as one of the prestigious stars on the journey to a Nine Star Medal, an achievement that will soon become the new pinnacle for marathoners worldwide.
Abbott, the title sponsor of the series, also introduced a range of collectible coins and frames to celebrate each race star, allowing runners to commemorate their achievements from one star up to seven. “This milestone is a testament to the endurance, health, and determination of the global running community. Now, with Sydney, there are even more milestones to celebrate,” said Chris Miller, Abbott’s Divisional Vice President of Brand Strategy and Innovation.
Also Read: Kenyan Debutant Vincent Kiprono Triumphs at Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon 2024
With a course set to showcase Sydney’s stunning urban and natural beauty, the 2025 Sydney Marathon is expected to attract thousands of runners and spectators alike. The expansion marks a new chapter for the marathon world, providing runners with more opportunities to pursue their passion, travel globally, and strive for peak health and fitness. As runners lace up for Sydney, they embark on a path to what could be an even larger milestone—a global journey toward completing the AWMM circuit across continents.
