28 Aug 2024

Australia's Largest Marathon the TCS Sydney Marathon Hits History Making 25,000 Participants

The TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS has once again broken its own record, with over 25,000 participants registered for the starting line on Sunday, 15 September. This record-breaking milestone solidifies the event's position as Australia's largest marathon, drawing runners from every corner of the globe in what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of endurance, community, and athleticism. 

This year's marathon features a diverse array of participants, with ages ranging from 18 to 90, illustrating that the love for running transcends generations. This wide age range highlights the inclusive nature of the TCS Sydney Marathon, where both seasoned athletes and over 9000 first-time marathoners come together on one of the world’s most picturesque marathon courses. 

The oldest marathon participant at this year’s event is Koichi Kitabatake, from Japan, at  90-years-old. Koichi completed his first marathon at the age of 78 and since then he has run over 20 of them. 

A total of six ‘Blue Line Legends’, will take to the start line for their 24th TCS Sydney Marathon, having completed every marathon since the event's inception in 2001. The participants are named after the iconic blue line that was painted on the Sydney 2000 Olympic Marathon course, symbolising their connection to the event's storied history. Collectively, the Legends have run over 5,823km, the equivalent of running from Sydney to Jakarta. 

Among these legends is Jo Tebbutt, 58 the only female runner to have participated in every Sydney Marathon, showcasing remarkable endurance and commitment. The presence of the Blue Line Legends adds a layer of tradition and continuity to the event, celebrating the enduring legacy of the TCS Sydney Marathon as the sole remaining participant legacy of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. 

The 2024 TCS Sydney Marathon has seen a rise in female participation, with women now making up 31% of the total field, compared to 28% in 2023. This represents the growing interest among female runners in tackling the marathon challenge. 

This year’s event boasts a strong representation from interstate and overseas with over 51% of participants hailing from outside of New South Wales . The marathon has attracted over 4,500 runners from interstate, with large contingents from Victoria (43%), Queensland (25%), and Western Australia (8%). This widespread domestic participation highlights the marathon’s role in bringing together runners from all corners of the country, reinforcing its status as a premier national event. 

In addition to the strong local turnout, the TCS Sydney Marathon has attracted a significant international contingent, with runners from over 100 countries participating. Notably, the event has seen a 435% increase in international registrations from 2023, underscoring Sydney’s growing reputation on the global marathon circuit. Participants will fly in from all over the world, including participants from the United States (1393 / Up 382%), Japan (475 / Up 58%), and the United Kingdom (353 / Up 223%), making this not only a major event for Australia but also a truly international celebration of marathon running. 

"The diversity and sheer number of participants this year is truly inspiring," said Wayne Larden, Race Director, TCS Sydney Marathon. "To see runners of all ages and from so many different countries come together for this event and for the Abbott World Marathon Majors and Marathon Tours Age Group Championships is a testament to the universal appeal of marathon running and the unique draw of the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS." 

As Sydney continues its final push towards Abbott World Marathon Major status, this year’s record-breaking participation is a strong indicator of the marathon’s growing prestige and its ability to unite runners from across the globe. The Sydney Marathon remains not just a race, but a community event that brings people together from all walks of life, reflecting the city’s vibrant spirit. 

Participants will traverse one of the world’s most picturesque courses, passing iconic Sydney landmarks before finishing at the historic North Sydney Oval. The event promises to be a spectacular showcase of athleticism, determination, and community spirit, further cementing Sydney’s place on the world marathon stage. 

The TCS Sydney Marathon and its candidacy for the Abbott World Marathon Majors series is supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. 

For more information please visit: sydneymarathon.com

ENDSMEDIA
ASSETS:
Media Images - HERE
Marathon Course Map - HERE