North Sydney Miller St: Olympic marathon starting line campaign gains traction

While all eyes are on this year’s Tokyo Olympics, a campaign has been launched to preserve a key piece of the Sydney 2000 games which residents fear will soon be paved over and lost to time.

A campaign to save a piece of Sydney’s Olympic history is gaining traction with residents and former Olympians calling for permanent protection be granted to a landmark street marking on the north shore.

The starting point of the men and women’s marathon events at the Sydney 2000 Olympics would be preserved for future generations under a petition lodged to North Sydney Council.

The starting line is located on Miller St – opposite the North Sydney Hotel and North Sydney Oval – and at the games had competitors from more than 65 countries taking their marks for the gruelling 42km marathon route to Sydney Olympic Park.

A photo of the start line, pictured back in 2000.

The marathons marked the final two events in the hugely successful games.

In the 21 years since the starter’s pistol was shot, the line has slowly faded and supporters of the campaign fear it’s only a matter of time before it is lost for good.

Local resident David Fedirchuk, who has started the petition, is hoping North Sydney Council could consider installing a commemorative plaque to recognise the line’s legacy.

A photo of the women’s event opposite North Sydney Oval.

Competitors had to run all the way to Olympic Park.

“I know we have a lot of other priorities at the moment, but I think it’s fairly simple and it doesn’t have to be a radical proposal,” he said.

“Without exaggeration the line was the centre of the sporting universe for two days in 2000 – there aren’t that many historical landmarks we honour in Sydney and the north shore should be proud of its contribution

“They’re currently repaving Miller St and it’s getting closer and closer to the last section where the line is – it seems inevitable it’s going to be paved over.

“I don’t think anyone is suggesting the paint should be heritage-listed or it should never be touched but I think it should be noted for what it is.

A blue line marked the full route in the 42km event.

“It could be a plaque or even a small seating area where runners and walkers could take a break.”

The campaign has been signed by more than 180 people as of Friday and has gained support from past Olympians including Steve Moneghetti.

Mr Fedirchuk said an installation honouring the line could also become a tourism drawcard.

“Elsewhere in the world the Boston Marathon finish line is like a tourist attraction in its own right – I know it’s just a line on the road but it would be good to appreciate something more than just the now, than what’s on our phones.”

Ethiopia's Gezahgne Abera heads towards victory in the men’s event.

Naoko Takahashi crossed the finish line first for Japan.

Supporters of the campaign started a plaque would be a “a wonderful reminder of the last event on the last day of Sydney 2000.”

“It’s a relatively simple request to preserve a great moment in time,” another supporter said.

North Sydney Mayor Jilly Gibson said she would table the proposal at an upcoming council meeting.

“I think it’s a wonderful idea - we should celebrate significant events in our community and the Olympics were a very special occasion for Sydney.

“It’s fairly low cost - it would need a resolution of council and I’m happy to bring it up.”

The marathon events were held on September 24 and October 1 2000, with Japan’s Naoko Takahashi winning the women’s event in a time of 2:23:14 and Ethiopia’s Gezahegne Abera winning gold in men’s in 2:10:11