Hassan Sets Course Record, Kipchoge Finishes Ninth as Sydney Marathon Joins World Majors with 35,000 Entrants

Sydney, Australia – The TCS Sydney Marathon officially debuted as an Abbott World Marathon Major on August 31, 2025, drawing an impressive field of 35,000 participants and featuring two of the sport's most celebrated athletes, Sifan Hassan and Eliud Kipchoge. The event saw a new course record set in the women's race by Hassan, while Kipchoge secured a top-ten finish amidst tough competition.

Dutch Olympic champion Sifan Hassan, known for her versatility across distances, dominated the women's race, crossing the finish line in a new course record of 2:18:22. This victory marks her third World Marathon Major win, adding Sydney to her triumphs in London and Chicago in 2023, and her recent Olympic marathon gold at the Paris 2024 Games. "I am so happy to run a course record and win," Hassan stated after the race, noting her effort to finish "without drama" for the first time.

Eliud Kipchoge, widely regarded as the greatest marathoner of all time and a two-time Olympic gold medalist, finished ninth in the men's elite race with a time of 2:08:31. The Kenyan legend, who aims to complete all six World Marathon Majors, remained with the lead pack until after the 30-kilometer mark. Despite not reaching the podium, Kipchoge was warmly received by the crowd, expressing his mission to inspire participation: "My mission is to bring all the people together. Let us surpass 55,000 [from 35,000 this year], actually, next year to run here."

The men's race was won by Ethiopia's Hailemaryam Kiros, who also set a new course record of 2:06:06, marking his first World Marathon Major victory. The event's inclusion as the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major signifies a significant milestone for Australian running and the global marathon circuit. The large turnout, as noted by tweet author 'taipan168', highlighted the excitement surrounding the prestigious event: "So good to see Eliud Kipchoge and Sifan Hassan running amongst the 35,000 entrants in the Sydney marathon this morning, what absolute legends!"