Running greats Sifan Hassan, Eliud Kipchoge confirmed for Sydney Marathon

Organisers of the Sydney Marathon have pulled off a massive coup by securing two of the best runners of the modern generation for the Harbour City’s major event.

Two superstars to join Sydney Marathon. Picture: Supplied

Sydney will host two of the greatest long distance runners ever, with three-time Olympic gold medallist Sifan Hassan joining Kenyan legend Eliud Kipchoge at the Sydney Marathon on August 31.

In its first year as one of just seven World Marathon Majors, Sydney organisers announced the coup on Wednesday, with Hassan set to race Down Under for the first time in her storied career.

Born in Ethiopia, Hassan resettled in the Netherlands as a refugee and has been a dominant force on the track and on the road, winning marathon gold at the Paris Olympics last year, and blitzing star-studded fields in London and Chicago in 2023.

“Running has given me so much, not just as an athlete, but as a person,” Hassan said. “It has been a way to connect with people, to tell my story, and to show that no matter where you come from, you can achieve something meaningful.

“I’m honoured to bring that message to Sydney and to be part of an event that celebrates strength, community and possibility.”

Hassan celebrates Olympic gold in Paris. Picture: Simon Bruty/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images

Eliud Kipchoge celebrates another Berlin Marathon win in 2023. Picture: Marvin Ibo Guengoer/Getty Images

Hassan confirmed her credentials as one of the greatest distance runners of all time at the Tokyo Olympics when she achieved the rare feat of winning gold in the 5000m and 10,000m as well as bronze in the 1500m.

She backed it up with two more bronze medals in the 5000m and 10,000m in Paris last year, before winning one of the most electrifying marathon finishes in Olympic history.

The Dutch runner outkicked former world record holder Tigst Assefa in the final few hundred metres of a brutal course to claim a remarkable

The 32-year-old’s personal best time of 2:13:44 is the third fastest marathon ever by a female, and Hassan will be looking to smash the Sydney record of 2:21:41, set last year by Edesa Gurmesa.

The Sydney Marathon finishes on the Opera House forecourt. Picture: Supplied

“From her extraordinary range on the track to her dominance on the roads, Sifan Hassan is a true global icon,” said race director Wayne Larden. “Having an athlete of her calibre compete in Sydney is a dream for our event and for Australian fans.

“It will be thrilling to see her take on the streets of Sydney.”

Hassan’s inclusion in the race means the Sydney Marathon now boasts two of the best runners of the modern generation, with Kenyan icon Kipchoge currently ramping up his preparation for the race in Kenya.

Sifan Hassan winning the women's marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Picture: Li Jing/Xinhua via Getty Images

Eliud Kipchoge with his gold medal after the marathon at the Tokyo Olympics. Picture: Jean Catuffe/Getty Images

Kipchoge won back-to-back Olympic marathon golds at Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo, and crossed the line first at 11 world marathon majors, including five in Berlin.

In Berlin in 2018, Kipchoge became the first man to run under two hours and two minutes, and he lowered that mark again four years later.

“Having the reigning women’s Olympic marathon champion at the start line, along with the great Eliud Kipchoge, is testament to how big this event has become on the world stage now it has joined the elite ranks of the Abbott World Marathon Majors,” said NSW Minister for Sport and Tourism, Steve Kamper. “35,000 runners from across the globe will join Sifan for a bucket list running experience, and we look forward to cheering them on as they run the most spectacular marathon course in the world.”