The TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS has today announced that legendary marathoner Eliud Kipchoge (KEN) will race in the 2025 event, marking the first time in history that the global icon will compete on Australian soil.

Widely regarded as the greatest marathoner of all time, Kipchoge is the only human in history to run a marathon in under two hours, clocking 1:59:40 at the INEOS 1:59 Challenge in 2019. He is a two-time Olympic gold medallist (Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020) and an 11-time Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) champion, including victories at the TCS London Marathon (4x), BMW Berlin Marathon (5x), Bank of America Chicago Marathon, and Tokyo Marathon. 

The former world-record holder is the second-fastest marathoner in history, with an official personal best of 2:01:09 set at the 2022 BMW Berlin Marathon.

The 2025 TCS Sydney Marathon will take place on Sunday, 31 August, and is set to make history once again, with a record-breaking 35,000 participants expected at the start line. This milestone solidifies its status as Australia’s largest marathon, surpassing the 2024 record of 25,000 entries, further establishing the event as a premier destination on the global marathon calendar.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism, John Graham, said:

“It is fitting to have one of the greatest marathon runners of all time in Eliud Kipchoge taking his place on the start line for the first edition of the Sydney Marathon as an Abbott World Marathon Major.

“For the Sydneysiders, runners from regional NSW, interstate and overseas, it will be a thrill to know they are competing against a dual Olympic champion who has run three of the ten fastest marathons ever. Good luck catching him.”

Kipchoge’s decision to race in Sydney marks a defining moment for the TCS Sydney Marathon’s first official year as an AbbottWMM, elevating the event on the world stage as one of the most prestigious races in global marathon running.

TCS Sydney Marathon Race Director, Wayne Larden, said the announcement marks one of the most significant moments in Australian marathon history:

“Eliud Kipchoge is not only the greatest marathoner of all time, but a champion athlete known and celebrated throughout the world. Having him race the TCS Sydney Marathon in its first year as an Abbott World Marathon Major is a dream come true. His presence will elevate the event to new heights, bringing an unprecedented level of excitement, prestige, and global attention.

“We expect thousands of sports fans and spectators to line the streets of Sydney to witness history in the making. As a two-time Olympic champion, world record-breaking athlete, and the only man to run a sub-two-hour marathon, Kipchoge’s participation will inspire a new generation of Australian runners and fans of the sport. We cannot wait to welcome him to Sydney.”

Jane Flemming OAM, President of Athletics Australia, emphasised the significance of Kipchoge’s presence for Australian sport.

"Eliud Kipchoge’s sub-two-hour marathon places him among groundbreaking sports legends such as Roger Bannister, Usain Bolt, Muhammad Ali, Roger Federer, and Dawn Fraser.

“It is incredibly exciting that Sydneysiders and Australians will have the opportunity not only to run alongside Eliud in the marathon but also to witness his greatness in person. His decision to compete this year is a testament to the growing prestige of the TCS Sydney Marathon among the world’s elite runners, and Australian Athletics looks forward to welcoming him to Australia."

Eliud Kipchoge expressed his excitement about making his Australian debut:

"I am excited for the opportunity to race in Sydney, Australia and experience this great marathon for the first time. Running has the power to inspire and unite people, and I look forward to joining the wonderful Australian running community as the country and the world embraces this rapidly growing event. Every marathon is a new challenge, and I am eager to test myself on the streets of this beautiful city. I hope to see you all in Sydney!"

Eliud Kipchoge’s historic Sydney debut presents a once-in-a-lifetime moment for spectators, sports fans, and the wider community to take to Sydney’s streets to see the world’s greatest marathoner in action.

From vantage points from the start line in North Sydney, along the electric city streets, to the spectacular Sydney Opera House finish, the community is encouraged to step out, soak in the atmosphere, and be part of history as Kipchoge competes on Australian soil for the first time.

The TCS Sydney Marathon is supported by the NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. The event is owned by Athletics Australia and managed by Pont3.

For more information visit: www.tcssydneymarathon.com