The 2025 TCS Sydney Marathon Presented by ASICS is set to witness history as two of the greatest names in distance running, Eliud Kipchoge and Sifan Hassan, prepare to make their debuts in the iconic race on Sunday, August 31. This year’s edition carries extra significance as it marks the first time the Sydney Marathon joins the Abbott World Marathon Majors calendar, elevating its global status.
The men’s and women’s elite fields are among the strongest ever assembled in the event’s history. In the women’s race, six athletes arrive with personal bests under 2:19, while the men’s line-up boasts nine runners who have broken the 2:05 barrier.
For Kipchoge, this race represents more than just another marathon. The Kenyan legend, widely regarded as the greatest marathoner of all time, will be competing in Oceania for the first time. With an unparalleled record of 16 victories from 22 marathons, including 11 World Marathon Majors titles and two Olympic gold medals, his presence adds weight to the event. Despite a sixth-place finish in London earlier this year in 2:05:25, Kipchoge still holds the second-fastest official marathon time ever recorded at 2:01:09. His consistency and dominance continue to inspire athletes and fans alike.
Kipchoge will face familiar rivals, including compatriot Vincent Ngetich. Ngetich rose to prominence after clocking 2:03:13 at the 2023 Berlin Marathon, finishing just behind Kipchoge. With successive podium finishes in Tokyo in 2024 and 2025, he poses one of the greatest threats. The men’s field also features Ethiopian stars Birhanu Legese and Dawit Wolde, both of whom have sub-2:04 credentials.
On the women’s side, all eyes will be on Dutch superstar Sifan Hassan as she takes on Sydney for the first time. Hassan has already made waves in the marathon world, winning three of her first five attempts, including the Paris 2024 Olympic gold. Her versatility on the track and road makes her one of the most formidable competitors in modern distance running.
She will be joined by Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei, the former marathon world record-holder with a personal best of 2:14:04 and five World Marathon Majors titles. Defending champion Workenesh Edesa also returns to Sydney, aiming to protect her crown against the strongest line-up the race has ever seen.
With two of the sport’s biggest icons set to debut and a field stacked with world-class athletes, the Sydney Marathon promises to deliver an unforgettable spectacle.
