Sydney Marathon Results 2025: Historic Records, Global Stars, and Australia’s Big Marathon Moment
The 2025 Sydney Marathon has officially entered the history books—not only for the breathtaking backdrop of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House but also for the record-breaking performances, global star power, and the joy of thousands of recreational runners who took part. For the first time, Sydney staged its marathon as an Abbott World Marathon Major, joining the ranks of Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, Tokyo, and New York.
This recognition elevated Sydney into the elite club of world marathons and set the stage for something special. Athletes, spectators, and the city itself responded in style. By the end of race day, both men’s and women’s course records had been shattered, the Australian all-comers records were rewritten, and Sydney had established itself as a must-run destination for the global running community.
A Race of Records and Milestones
The elite races in 2025 were nothing short of spectacular. Ethiopian runner Hailemaryam Kiros stole the show in the men’s category, clocking an astonishing 2:06:06 to win the title. Not only was it the fastest time ever run on Australian soil, but it also broke the Sydney course record by a huge margin. The performance was a testament to Sydney’s growing status as a marathon that attracts the best in the world.
In the women’s race, Olympic champion Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands delivered a masterclass. She took charge from the very beginning, ran fearlessly, and stopped the clock at 2:18:22. With that, Hassan became the first woman to run under 2:20 on Australian soil—an achievement that sent shockwaves through the running world.
The headlines summed it up perfectly: Sydney wasn’t just hosting a marathon; it was hosting a world-class sporting spectacle.
Elite Results – Top Finishers
Men’s Marathon Top 5
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Hailemaryam Kiros (Ethiopia) — 2:06:06
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Addisu Gobena (Ethiopia) — 2:06:16
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Tebello Ramakongoana (Lesotho) — 2:06:47
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Mustapha Houdadi (Morocco) — 2:07:17
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Edward Cheserek (Kenya) — 2:07:38
A special mention goes to marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge, who finished ninth in 2:08:31. While not his fastest day, his presence alone electrified the Sydney crowd, showing the respect he commands as perhaps the greatest marathoner of all time.
Women’s Marathon Top 5
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Sifan Hassan (Netherlands) — 2:18:22
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Brigid Kosgei (Kenya) — Sub-2:20 finish
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Workenesh Edesa (Ethiopia) — ~2:22
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Leanne Pompeani (Australia) — Personal Best (Top 10 overall)
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Jessica Stenson (Australia) — Strong Top 10 finish
For Australia, the highlight was the brilliant performance by Leanne Pompeani, who ran a personal best and broke into the top ten. Veterans Jessica Stenson and Lisa Weightman also delivered remarkable runs, showing the depth of talent in Australian distance running.
How the Race Unfolded
Men’s Race: Drama on the Harbour Streets
The men’s pack stayed tightly bunched through the halfway mark, with the world’s best watching each other closely. As the runners crossed through the iconic Harbour Bridge and wound around the Royal Botanic Garden, the pace began to quicken.
With about 10 kilometres to go, Hailemaryam Kiros surged ahead, battling compatriot Addisu Gobena. The duel carried them into the final kilometres, where Kiros proved the stronger, powering into the Opera House forecourt to secure the win. His winning margin may have been small, but his record time and the depth of the field made this one of the most competitive marathons ever run in Australia.
Women’s Race: Hassan’s Statement Victory
In the women’s race, Sifan Hassan wasted no time. She set a blistering early pace, building a gap that no one could close. Although she admitted afterward that she “went out too fast,” Hassan had enough strength to maintain control through the final stretch.
Crossing the finish line at the Opera House, arms wide open, Hassan cemented her place as not just a track superstar but also one of the greatest marathoners of her generation. Brigid Kosgei, the former world record-holder, finished strongly in second, while defending Sydney champion Workenesh Edesa claimed third.
Sydney’s Debut as a World Marathon Major
The 2025 edition was more than just another race—it was a global milestone. Sydney officially joined the Abbott World Marathon Majors, a status that completely transformed the event:
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Elite Participation: The race attracted deeper and stronger elite fields than ever before.
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Massive Global Audience: The race was broadcast internationally, showcasing Sydney’s stunning landscapes to millions.
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Increased Participation: More than 32,000 runners crossed the finish line, a record number for the Sydney Marathon.
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Festival Atmosphere: The entire city embraced the event, with live music, cultural performances, and roaring crowds along the course.
For Australia, this was a proud moment. For years, runners had wondered if Sydney could ever join the elite marathons of the world. The answer in 2025 was a resounding yes.
The Numbers Behind the Marathon
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32,000+ finishers, aged from 18 to 87 years old.
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Dozens of Guinness World Record attempts, including runners in costumes, surfers carrying boards, and even someone wearing 53 pairs of underpants for charity.
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Thousands of international visitors, turning Sydney into a melting pot of cultures and athletic spirit.
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Unforgettable images of runners streaming across the Harbour Bridge, cheered on by packed crowds.
The Australian Heroes
While the international stars took the top headlines, Australian runners played a huge part in making this marathon memorable.
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Leanne Pompeani: A breakout performance that firmly establishes her as one of Australia’s best future marathoners.
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Jessica Stenson: The Commonwealth Games champion showed her consistency, finishing strong among the elites.
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Lisa Weightman: Proving that age is just a number, Weightman continues to inspire younger runners.
These athletes, alongside thousands of recreational runners, gave Australian fans plenty to cheer about.
Conditions and Course
Sydney’s marathon course is as challenging as it is beautiful. The route winds across the Harbour Bridge, through the city’s CBD, and along the breathtaking waterfront before finishing at the Opera House.
While the rolling hills make it less forgiving than flat courses like Berlin, the cool race-morning conditions in 2025—clear skies and mild temperatures—helped athletes deliver world-class times.
Impact on the City
Sydney truly came alive during marathon weekend. Roads were closed, public transport was buzzing, and families lined the streets with banners, clapping and cheering every runner. For many spectators, it wasn’t just about watching elite athletes—it was about supporting their friends, colleagues, or loved ones running for personal reasons.
The economic and cultural impact was also significant. Hotels, restaurants, and local businesses enjoyed a surge of activity as international visitors poured in for the event.
Why the 2025 Sydney Marathon Will Be Remembered
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Dual Course Records: Both men’s and women’s champions set new marks, rewriting Australia’s marathon history.
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Star Power: The presence of legends like Sifan Hassan and Eliud Kipchoge made it unforgettable.
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Global Recognition: Sydney proved it deserves its place alongside London, Berlin, and New York.
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Community Spirit: From elite runners to costume record-setters, it was a celebration of human endurance and joy.
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Inspiration: The performances of Australian athletes highlighted the bright future of distance running in the country.
Looking Ahead
With the 2025 marathon now behind us, the big question is: what’s next? If this year’s event is any indication, the Sydney Marathon will only grow bigger and better. The success of the debut as a Major has already sparked global interest, and runners around the world will be circling Sydney on their calendars for years to come.
The city has shown it can deliver on logistics, atmosphere, and elite competition. And as records continue to fall, Sydney could one day become known not just for its iconic landmarks, but as the home of some of the fastest marathons on the planet.
Final Thoughts
The Sydney Marathon 2025 wasn’t just another race—it was a defining moment for the sport in Australia. From Hailemaryam Kiros’ breathtaking 2:06 to Sifan Hassan’s sub-2:20 milestone, to the tens of thousands of everyday runners who crossed the line, this was a day where Sydney celebrated endurance, diversity, and unity.
The Harbour City is now officially on the world stage, and after this unforgettable edition, it’s safe to say: the Sydney Marathon has truly arrived.
