Record broken as 17,000 runners hit Sydney’s roads for marathon

Australia’s biggest marathon is in full swing as 17,000 runners, some in hilarious costumes, jogged over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and along major roads between the city, Pyrmont and Moore Park en route to finishing at the Opera House.

Madison de Rozario won the women’s wheelchair event while Othmane El Goumri of Morocco, who almost didn’t make it to the race and was wearing a black armband for earthquake victims in his country where thousands have died, won the men’s event. American Betsy Saina claimed the women’s title.

The run began in Milsons Point, crossing the Harbour Bridge to Pyrmont, then along the harbour foreshore to Centennial Park and back to the city along Oxford Street before heading to the Royal Botanic Gardens and finishing line at the Opera House.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge and Western Distributor were closed until 10am while other major roads between the city, Pyrmont and Moore Park will remain closed until midday.

The Harbour Tunnel remains open, but long queues are expected. The Cross City Tunnel will be toll-free today until 3pm.

Predictions of poor air quality failed to materialise and temperatures remained below 30 degrees for the event, which is vying for inclusion as an Abbott World Marathon Major, alongside races in New York, Boston, Chicago, London, Tokyo and Berlin.

The Sydney marathon is angling to be classed among the world’s best events as it boasts a record number of participants. The figure is more than double the number who took part in Australia’s previous biggest marathon, held in Melbourne in 2019 with 8100 runners.

The Sydney Marathon was introduced after the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games marked by a blue-lined course. Runners still follow part of the blue line established for the marathon between Milsons Point and the Opera House.