Australia's largest marathon is poised to become one of the world's most esteemed events after being elevated to the pinnacle of global distance races. The Sydney Marathon was officially recognized as the seventh member of the Abbott World Marathon Majors on Monday in New York, marking the culmination of a three-year initiative to enhance the event.

This prestigious status now places Sydney alongside Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York as a major marathon destination, attracting not only the world's fastest runners but also tens of thousands of participants from around the globe.

"This is an extraordinary accomplishment for Sydney and a transformative moment for Australian athletics," said Jane Flemming, president of Athletics Australia. "The Abbott World Marathon Majors represents the pinnacle of marathon running, and Sydney's inclusion in this elite group is a testament to the dedication, passion, and expertise of all those involved." She added, "This achievement will undoubtedly inspire countless Australians to take up running."

The Sydney Marathon is a legacy of the 2000 Olympics, having been first held as a test event five months prior to the Games. Initially, 1,200 entrants participated in the inaugural event, which gradually grew over the decades to about 5,000 participants in a broader festival of various distances. Since becoming a candidate for the Abbott Majors in 2022, the event has undergone significant changes.

Shorter distance races, including the popular 10km event, were eliminated, the course was redesigned to minimize slow turns, and incentives were introduced to boost participant numbers. The finish line was also relocated to the Sydney Opera House forecourt, making it a more spectacular end to the race. In September, over 25,000 runners participated, and that number is projected to rise to 37,000 by 2027.

Demand for entry into the Abbott Majors consistently exceeds available spots, with Sydney's neighboring Tokyo Marathon receiving approximately 500,000 more applications than it can accommodate each year. Collectively, the six existing marathons are estimated to generate $1 billion in economic activity. Destination NSW, which funded the bid for Sydney's inclusion, estimates that the new status will increase visitor spending by $73 million over three years.

"NSW is a global tourism hotspot, and we eagerly anticipate welcoming visitors next year, providing a multi-million dollar boost to the economy and an unforgettable experience for runners on one of the most scenic marathon courses in the world," said NSW Premier Chris Minns.

Sydney Marathon race director Wayne Larden emphasized that community health and charity fundraising will also benefit significantly. "This remarkable milestone will profoundly impact running in Australia, inspiring the community to become marathoners and achieve something special for themselves, their families, and friends," he said.

Prior to Sydney's candidacy, the Melbourne Marathon was Australia's largest, attracting 8,100 runners for its 2019 event.

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