Sydney's bid to become the world's seventh Marathon Major host city could boost the NSW visitor economy by up to $300 million over a decade, according to projections.
The benefits of joining the big six world marathons: New York, London, Boston, Tokyo, Chicago and Berlin is becoming clearer as the Sydney Marathon prepares for the starter's gun this Sunday.
Assessors from around the world are in Sydney to evaluate the delivery of the marathon and its overall participant experience before deciding whether to bestow Sydney Marathon with Abbott World Marathon Major status in 2025.
Sydney marathon has grown rapidly from 5,300 entrants to 25,000 this year, but major status will send interest to another level, drawing runners from across Australia and all around the world.
Analysis undertaken by Destination NSW suggests major status for Sydney would be worth an extra $300 million to the state's visitor economy over a decade as runners flock to add another star to what is currently known as the "six stars" - those who have completed all six major marathons.
Entrants would grow from 25,000 to an estimated 33,300 in 2025, delivering visitor economy expenditure of $22.8 million.
By 2027, Destination NSW estimates that expenditure would grow to $26 million in 2027, with 37,800 local and international runners.
Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham:
"Becoming a World Marathon Major is not just about the prestige of the Sydney Marathon joining the big six - Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York. It is about becoming a bucket-list city for runners around the world and the ongoing visitor and economic boost that will provide for NSW.
"More than 840,000 people have applied to run in the London Marathon next year and 320,000 in Tokyo. If Sydney is to join this group, we expect runners from interstate and across the world wanting to take their place on the start line - every one of whom will need a hotel room, may bring family and other support with them and will likely want to enjoy a holiday while here in NSW.
"This is the critical year for Sydney to gain Marathon Major status and I urge Sydneysiders to get out and cheer on the runners, raise the atmosphere and back the event towards the next level."
"I am so excited about the prospect of the Sydney Marathon becoming a World Marathon Major. How could competitors not want to run the most beautiful course in the world? Good luck to all runners."
