Sydney Marathon hits capacity as it bids to join elite circuit

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Sydney’s bid to join the World Marathon Majors circuit received a boost on Tuesday with the announcement that the 2024 marathon had reached capacity at 24,000 runners, the largest field for any edition of the endurance classic held in Australia.

The race, which traces its origins back to the 2000 Olympic Games, is in the second year of an appraisal process that would lead to it joining the Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York marathons in the elite global series from 2025.

“This is a momentous year for the Sydney marathon as we aim to become the next ... World Marathon Major,” race director Wayne Larden said in a news release.

“We are committed to delivering a world class event that Australia is proud of, and we look forward to welcoming a record number of runners and spectators locally, nationally and from around the world to make history.”

Last year’s marathon around the harbour city attracted a record 17,000 runners and more than 100,000 spectators.

Sydney still has a way to go to match the level of interest in some of the more established races. London Marathon organisers announced on Monday they had received 840,318 applications for the ballot to run the 2025 race.

This year’s Sydney Marathon will take place on a new course on the morning of Sept. 15.