Sydney Marathon 2025 Preview: Top Elite Runners, Rising Stars, Records, and Expectations

Announced on November 4, 2024, as the world’s 7th Abbott World Major Marathon, the Sydney Marathon will take place this Sunday, August 31, 2025. With a mini 5 km marathon on Saturday, August 30, the track and field community is lacing up for the climb around Oxford Street and the major push around Centennial Park. So, let us take a quick preview of the event.

Who Are the Elite Runners Competing at the Sydney Marathon 2025?

Eliud Kipchoge is one of the prominent runners in the marathon, widely regarded as the greatest marathoner of all time. He is making his historic debut in Australia and holds a personal best time of 2:01:09. Kipchoge famously broke the two-hour barrier in an unofficial event (INEOS 1:59 Challenge – Vienna, October 2019).

Another notable competitor is Vincent Ngetich, who, at just 26 years old, is ranked No. 9 globally and achieved an impressive debut time of 2:03:13. Birhanu Legese, a two-time Tokyo Marathon champion, also stands out with a personal best of 2:02:48.

Dawit Wolde, the recent winner of the Xiamen Marathon, set a course record with a time of 2:06:06 and has a personal best of 2:03:48. Edward Cheserek, an NCAA legend turned professional, made his marathon debut in New York, finishing with a time of 2:05:24 in Valencia.

Sifan Hassan, a four-time Olympic medalist, is another star participating in the marathon, along with Brigid Kosgei, a former world record holder and the winner of five World Marathon Majors.

Can Anyone Break the Sydney Marathon Course Record in 2025?

As of 2024, the course records in Sydney were carved in elite performances by Brimin Kipkorir of Kenya with a time of 2:06:18 set in 2024.

While on the women’s side, Workenesh Edesa Gurmesa from Ethiopia is leading the race, having had a record of 2:21:41 in the 2024 marathon.

This year, all expectations will be on Eliud Kipchoge. The Kenyan star and second-fastest marathoner in history is locked in for the Sydney course, with the top record in his sights.

The men’s field is exceptionally strong, featuring at least 15 male athletes with personal bests equal to or faster than the current course record, making a record-breaking performance very likely. Eliud Kipchoge leads this talented group, but athletes such as Ngetich, Legese, Wolde, and Cheserek also have the potential to break the existing record.

On the women’s side, Sifan Hassan, with a personal best of 2:13:44, is one of the fastest women ever and a prime candidate to surpass the women’s course record of 2:21:41. She is expected to break the marathon course record in 2025 in the women’s category. And there’s a benefit for one who will do so, as well…

The record-breaking winner of the marathon will win $30,000 in prize money and $10,000 bonus if they can break the previous Australian record.

Rising Stars to Watch at Sydney Marathon 2025

Vincent Ngetich is one of the rising stars to look out for during this marathon. The young Kenyan holds a 2:03:13 PB and has consistent Major finishes.

Samuel Clifford (AUS): Broke the Australian 10 km road record (27:34) and holds the Tasmania half-marathon record (1:01:49), making his debut in a highly anticipated marathon. Haftu Strintzos (AUS): Former NCAA standout stepping onto the world stage in his first Sydney run.

What to Expect From the 2025 Edition of the Sydney Marathon

The 2025 race features unmatched elite depth for an Australian marathon. The 2025 marathon course is a blend of history and culture, as the participants will witness roads that were once used in the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. They can also expect to be cheered on by 50 on-course activations and run through the lands of four First Nations clans.

As Sydney’s first race as an Abbott World Marathon Major, it’s expected to attract global attention, larger crowds, and elevated prestige. Along with that, you can expect 35,000 runners to participate and make the event an extravagant affair.

However, the course around Oxford Street and Centennial Park will be demanding both mentally and physically. So, runners can expect both cultural beauty and a test of their tenacity!