Sydney Marathon Advances To Second Stage Of Abbott WMM 2023

Thursday, November 30, 2023

In a significant stride towards international recognition, the Sydney Marathon, presented by ASICS, has successfully moved to the second stage of the Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) candidacy process. The event, held in September, underwent assessment by a global delegation from AbbottWMM, meeting the criteria for its second-year candidacy.

AbbottWMM CEO Dawna Stone commended the 2023 Sydney Marathon for substantial improvements since the 2022 edition, expressing excitement about the upcoming 2024 assessment. Stone highlighted the event’s dedication to meeting stringent criteria, positioning it to potentially join the illustrious AbbottWMM alongside renowned races like the Tokyo Marathon, Boston Marathon, and others.

The Sydney Marathon is poised to become the first addition to the series since the Tokyo Marathon’s induction in 2013, with the prestigious title expected in 2025 upon meeting strict criteria during its marathon on September 15, 2024.

CEO of Destination New South Wales, Steve Cox, lauded the achievement, emphasizing the event’s world-class status and expressing the New South Wales Government’s enthusiasm. Cox anticipates the 2024 marathon to surpass the record-breaking success of 2023, solidifying Sydney’s place among elite marathons globally.

Sydney Marathon Race Director, Wayne Larden, attributed the 2023 success to the passion and dedication of the running community. With increased registrations compared to the previous year, the event is on track for another record-breaking year in 2024.

Meanwhile, the Abbott World Marathon Majors team is developing a new awards program for runners achieving more than six stars, with plans to be unveiled in the second quarter of 2024. The existing Six Star Finisher program will remain unaffected, maintaining its appeal for runners pursuing this prestigious accolade.

As Sydney Marathon enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the 2024 event, the city gears up for a potential spot among the world’s most distinguished marathons in 2025.