The Sydney Marathon's elevation to World Marathon Major status has led to a surge in demand from international runners, with its first ever ballot attracting more than 79,000 applications for a coveted 35,000 positions on the starting line on August 31.
The ballot attracted an eight-fold increase in the number of international applications compared to 2024, coming from 156 countries around the world, up from 101 countries last year. US marathon runners recorded the highest number of international applications, followed by Indonesia, the UK, Hong Kong and China.
Many of these well-travelled international runners will be aiming to collect their seventh star from running all seven world majors, while 23% of applicants are applying for their first ever marathon.
With support from the NSW Government over a three-year candidacy, the TCS Sydney Marathon was announced in November as the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major, joining London, Berlin, Toyko, Boston, Chicago and New York. Data from the ballot entries confirms that major status has now made NSW a global hotspot for marathon runners and their supporters.
It's estimated the TCS Sydney Marathon will generate $73 million in NSW visitor expenditure across the next three years, with a significant number of participants and their supporters set to seize the opportunity to explore Sydney and regional NSW during their stay in Australia.
In October 2024 the Minns Labor Government released its review of the Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 and increased its growth target to $91 billion of annual visitor expenditure by 2035. Supporting major international sporting events like the TCS Sydney Marathon, the UFC and the 2027 Men's Rugby Union World Cup is a key part of the Government's plan to reach the new ambitious growth targets, generate new jobs and increase spending across the state.
The journey to major status is an incredible growth story for the Sydney Marathon. Only three years ago in 2022 there were 5,306 entrants, 16,872 in 2023 and 24,246 in 2024. The successful entrants for 2025 were notified last week, and those who missed out still have the chance to join through the 2025 TCS Sydney Marathon Official Charity Partner Program or by booking through the Official Domestic and International Travel Program. Registrations for the 4.2km and the 10km sub events will also open in April.
The TCS Sydney Marathon is supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. For further information on the event, go to www.tcssydneymarathon.com.
Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said:
"It's no surprise runners from around the world are busting to get to Sydney and run the most beautiful marathon course in the world.
"The elevation of the Sydney Marathon to major status will pump an extra $73 million into local shops, cafes, hotels and tourism business over the next three years.
"To see the ballot oversubscribed by more than double confirms that the Sydney Marathon will be a big winner for NSW. Supporting mass participation events like the marathon is part of our strategy to grow the NSW visitor economy and create jobs across NSW.
"Hosting a World Marathon Major will be a great moment for Sydney's global reputation. Images of world-class athletes running over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and across the finish line at the Sydney Opera House will be beamed around the world, reminding the entire planet that our city is an incredible place to visit."
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:
"We're very excited by the incredible response to the ballot for Sydney's first year as a World Marathon Major. It confirms Sydney's position among the great cities of the world as a destination for major sporting events.
"After crossing the finish line, runners and their supporters will have the chance to immerse themselves in all of the experiences NSW has to offer, with the economic benefits flowing through Sydney and regional NSW year after year.
"Whether it's enjoying our rich culinary scene, seeing a show or taking a road trip through regional NSW, we know that these visitors will be running back for more."
TCS Sydney Marathon Race Director and CEO, Wayne Larden said:
"Being named as the 7th Abbott World Marathon Major is a massive milestone and the positive impact of this is clear through the huge number of ballot applications. Increased participation and visitation to our city will have a huge impact on both the event itself and businesses in Sydney and NSW. I'd like to thank the NSW Government and Destination NSW for their support in helping us achieve our dream of becoming a Major.
"At other Abbott World Marathon Majors events, such as the TCS London and TCS New York City Marathons, over one million spectators line the course, contributing to an unforgettable atmosphere. Spectators play a vital role, shaping the experience and defining the identity of these world-class events. We're eager to showcase Sydney's energy and demonstrate what our city can offer on the global stage."
