Calls for the Sydney Marathon to join world marathon majors New York, London after record-breaking year
Sydney could soon join the likes of New York and London, thanks to this year’s bumper 25,000-strong marathon starting line and record-breaking times.
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Sydney is on the brink of joining the likes of New York and London as a marathon major city with its race director thrilled with results both on and off the course.
It comes as marathon records were broken with Kenyan Brimin Misoi setting the fastest time on Australian soil and Ethiopian Workenesh Gurmesea setting a new women’s best time.
“We’re absolutely thrilled with today’s results, both on and off the course,” TCS Sydney Marathon race director Wayne Larden said.
”The record-breaking performances and the incredible turnout have truly cemented this year’s event as a milestone in Australian marathon history.
“It’s a testament to the hard work of everyone involved and further highlights Sydney’s position as a world-class marathon destination as we continue our push for Abbott World Marathon Major status.“
More than 100,000 spectators lined Sydney’s streets - a key unofficial criteria for world major status - with Centennial Park and the Opera House two of the most energetic live sites.
Fresh off a silver medal in the marathon in Paris, Australian Paralympian Madison de Rozario defended her title as 25,000 runners followed behind from the new start line in North Sydney.
Runners braved the cold on Sunday morning, heading over the iconic Harbour Bridge before hitting Centennial Park and finishing up at the Opera House in front of a roaring crowd.
De Rozario admitted she was exhausted after taking on a “tough course” with the race being her second marathon in a matter of weeks.
The five-time Paralympian said it was mentally challenging to back-up so quickly but racing in Sydney was “incredible”.
She added that it was time for the marathon to be elevated to major status, making it the first in Oceania.
Speaking through a translator, men’s winner Misoi said he “didn’t expect to break” the record or even win the race as he set a staggering time of 2:06:18.
Gurmesea blitzed through the women’s field in 2:21:41.
She was pleased with her race, delcaring it was a “big thing for me”.
The Ethiopian praised the support from the crowd which she said was “exciting”.
Much like de Rozario, she echoed the call for the marathon to reach major status.
Canadian wheelchair racer Josh Cassidy also defended his title, saying while the course change was an improvement, it was “challenging” nonetheless.
Meanwhile, the celebrities also featured throughout with Harry Garside making his TCS Sydney Marathon debut in a blistering time of 2:55:56.
Former NRL star Justin Horo finished at 4:17:32 as further history was made with 90-year-old Japanese Koichi Kitabatake breaking the Australian record for the oldest person to complete a marathon.
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Originally published as Calls for the Sydney Marathon to join world marathon majors New York, London after record-breaking year
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