Sydney is about to step into the big leagues. Tonight at 9.30pm Irish time but really tomorrow Sunday August 31st at 6.30am in Australia, the city will stage its first edition as an official member of the World Marathon Majors, joining the famous six of Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, New York, and Tokyo. Around 35,000 runners will set off across the Harbour Bridge at sunrise, with a pair of household names leading the charge: Eliud Kipchoge and Sifan Hassan.
The Course
Sydney’s route offers a postcard view of the city, but don’t expect it to be gentle. Runners begin in North Sydney, take in the Harbour Bridge, loop through Darling Harbour and Barangaroo, and then head out past Hyde Park and Moore Park. After turning near the 25 km point, the course weaves back towards Centennial Park and the Sydney Cricket Ground before making its way to the harbour once more.
The sting in the tail comes at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, a sharp rise that could punish tired legs, before a welcome downhill run towards the finish line beside the Opera House. With a net elevation loss overall but plenty of climbs along the way, it’s regarded as the toughest course on the majors circuit.
Men’s Race Preview
Eliud Kipchoge, 40, is the headline act. The Kenyan legend endured a rare disappointment at the Paris Olympics in 2024 and finished sixth in London earlier this year, but he remains determined to add another chapter to his remarkable career. He will face stiff competition from his compatriot Vincent Ngetich, who ran 2:03:13 in Berlin on debut and has looked strong in recent seasons. Ethiopia’s Dawit Wolde, winner in Xiamen earlier this year, also has the credentials to challenge.
A fascinating subplot is the presence of Edward Cheserek. Best known in the US collegiate system as a 17-time NCAA champion, he recently clocked 2:05:24 in Valencia and now faces his biggest test yet. With a field that also includes sub-2:04 men like Birhanu Legese and Bernard Koech, the pace at the front could be ferocious.
Men’s Elite Field
Eliud Kipchoge (KEN), Birhanu Legese (ETH), Vincent Ngetich (KEN), Dawit Wolde (ETH), Bernard Koech (KEN), Hailemaryam Kiros (ETH), Kenneth Kipkemoi (KEN), Cornelius Kibet Kiplagat (KEN), Samuel Fitwi (GER), Addisu Gobena (ETH), Afewerki Berhane (ERI), Mulugeta Asefa (ETH), Laban Korir (KEN), Victor Kipchirchir (KEN), Edward Cheserek (KEN), Felix Kirwa (KEN), Jemal Yimer (ETH), Tebello Ramakongoana (LES), Enock Kinyamal (KEN), Eyob Faniel (ITA), Kento Kikutani (JPN), Yuki Kawauchi (JPN), Brett Robinson (AUS), Masato Arao (JPN), Kosei Machida (JPN), Mustapha Houdadi (MAR), Shadrack Kimining (KEN), Liam Adams (AUS), Brian Shrader (USA).
Women’s Race Preview
The women’s start list is every bit as deep. Olympic marathon champion Sifan Hassan is looking to make history again, this time by taking victory in Sydney. She’ll have to fend off Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei, a former world record-holder who has an extraordinary record of podium finishes in majors.
Last year’s winner, Workenesh Edesa, returns after setting an Australian all-comers record of 2:21:41, while fellow Ethiopians Ashete Bekere and Meseret Belete both own personal bests under 2:19. The domestic crowd will be watching Jessica Stenson, Lisa Weightman, and Leanne Pompeani to see if Australia can break into the top ten.
Women’s Elite Field
Sifan Hassan (NED), Brigid Kosgei (KEN), Workenesh Edesa (ETH), Ashete Bekere (ETH), Meseret Belete (ETH), Tiruye Mesfin (ETH), Sichala Kumeshi (ETH), Buze Diriba (ETH), Gladys Chesir (KEN), Ai Hosoda (JPN), Evaline Chirchir (KEN), Pascalia Chepkosgei (KEN), Anchialem Haymanot (ETH), Jessica Stenson (AUS), Lisa Weightman (AUS), Leanne Pompeani (AUS).
Why it Matters
For the first time, the World Marathon Majors are crossing into the southern hemisphere. Sydney’s addition gives the series new geography, a notoriously tough course, and a finish that ranks among the most iconic in sport. With Kipchoge nearing the twilight of his career and Hassan at the height of hers, the 2025 edition could deliver one of the defining moments of the marathon era.
When and Where to Tune in
The action begins bright and early in Australia, with the elite wheelchair athletes rolling away at 6.15 a.m. local time. Fifteen minutes later, the elite men and women set off at 6.30 a.m. (that’s 9.30 p.m. on Saturday evening for those watching in Ireland and the UK).
Irish and UK viewers can follow the race on TNT Sports 4, with coverage starting at 9 p.m. on Saturday night. A live stream will also be available via discovery+.