The New Race of the World: TCS Sydney Marathon Joins the Big Leagues!
Well, well, well! Hold onto your running shoes, folks, because the marathon scene just did a little jig. Sydney – the land of kangaroos, boomerangs, and more sunburns than you can shake a stick at – is strutting into the marathon spotlight with the TCS Sydney Marathon! As if the world needed more traditionally over-caffeinated folks sprinting through picturesque landscapes, eh?
Yes, you read it right! Starting in 2025, Sydney will bask in its newfound glory as the seventh addition to the Abbott World Marathon Majors. That’s right! It joins the ranks of heavyweights like Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York. You’ve got more cities in this lineup than I have excuses for avoiding the gym!
Welcome to the (Down Under) Marathon Club!
Now, I can just imagine the excitement bubbling in Sydney right now. Dawna Stone, the CEO of AWMM, was practically bubbling over herself. “We can’t wait to see our community embrace this race,” she gushed. Well, they’d better brace themselves because those pavements don’t run on magic – it’s going to be all legs and sweat!
For those of you who just woke up from a long nap, runners are now eyeing the Six Star medal. It’s like collecting Pokémon cards, except much sweatier, and there’s a chance of shin splints instead of just nerdy pride. Only those brave souls who complete the original six marathons in the series can nab this shiny prize, but fear not! Sydney’s throwing its hat in the ring, proudly waving its flag for those future nine-star medal seekers. Yes, you heard it, folks: Nine stars! Imagine a whole constellation of running achievements that can rival your cousin’s collection of ceramic frogs.
Why the Atypical Newbie is Making Headlines
This is a monumental moment, paving the path for ambitious distance runners. Picture it: Australia is now the new frontier where sweaty aspirations collide with wildlife dodging! I mean, you might just have to outrun a kangaroo or two. And let’s not forget that two other cities – Cape Town and Shanghai – are already vying for a spot in this marathon elite club. It’s like the most intense game of musical chairs, except instead of chairs, it’s roads and you’re burning calories.
Count Those Stars, Baby!
Starting next year, when runners take to the Sydney streets, every step counts. Just like an overly enthusiastic bingo caller, Sydney Marathon will be a star for those ready to tick it off their marathon bucket list. Collectibles celebrating each run will be available for those obsessed enough to frame their medals like they’re children’s school pictures. “Look at my six stars, mum! I can’t bring you home a grandchild, but here’s a medal!”
The Road Ahead
Chris Miller over at Abbott is thrilled about this marathon bonanza, insisting that it gives ‘Kangaroo Country riders’ more milestones to celebrate. Because nothing screams celebration like sweating profusely while regretting every snack you had in the last month, right?
Ultimately, the marathon universe is vying for attention, pushing runners to strive for their best performances and healthiest lives, one overenthusiastic sprint at a time. So, lace up those trainers unless you want to stay a couch potato while everyone else runs off with their shiny medals!
The prestigious roster of the world’s most renowned marathons has just expanded to include an exciting new entry.
Not only is this a fresh marathon, but it also debuts on an entirely new continent.
The TCS Sydney Marathon presented by Asics will proudly become the seventh event in the esteemed Abbott World Marathon Majors (AWMM) series starting in 2025. This iconic Australian city will join the ranks of the already illustrious races in Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York.
The level of enthusiasm surrounding this announcement is nothing short of monumental.
“We can’t wait to see our community embrace this race and start planning their visits to run on the streets of one of the most beautiful cities in the world,” expressed Dawna Stone, CEO of AWMM, regarding the event’s impending arrival.
Stone was alluding to the coveted Six Star medal, which is the pinnacle of achievement in the marathon community. Only runners who successfully complete all six existing events of the AWMM series are eligible for this highly sought-after award—a distinguished tradition that will continue with the inclusion of Sydney to the lineup.
In addition, Australia’s entry into this prestigious circuit marks a thrilling new chapter for avid distance runners across the globe. It signifies the commencement of their pursuit towards a coveted nine-star medal.
Adding to the excitement, two other remarkable marathons—Cape Town, South Africa, and Shanghai, China—are under consideration for Abbott World Marathon Majors race status. If they meet the rigorous two-year evaluation criteria, they could also be elevated to this elite status as early as 2026 and 2027, following Sydney’s successful assessment.
Moreover, next year, the Sydney Marathon will count as a star for runners who complete it. The pathway to achieving the 9th star is meticulously designed and waiting for eager participants. In addition, a fresh collection of memorabilia celebrating each race, alongside special frames to showcase them, will be available, allowing runners to proudly commemorate each milestone from their first to seventh star.
Ultimately, starting next year, marathon enthusiasts in Australia will enjoy “more milestones to celebrate on the road,” remarked Chris Miller, divisional vice president of branding and marketing innovation at Abbott.
All these efforts aim to encourage runners to achieve their personal bests while promoting a healthier lifestyle for everyone involved.
**Interview with Dawna Stone, CEO of Abbott World Marathon Majors**
**Interviewer**: Dawna, thank you for joining us! We’re all buzzing about Sydney officially joining the Abbott World Marathon Majors. How has the response been so far?
**Dawna Stone**: Thank you for having me! The excitement has been incredible. From runners to local communities, everyone is thrilled about the announcement. We can’t wait to see how they embrace the TCS Sydney Marathon. It’s not just a race; it’s an opportunity for the city to showcase its stunning scenery and vibrant culture.
**Interviewer**: Absolutely! Sydney is a breathtaking setting. Can you tell us why it was the perfect choice for the seventh event in the series?
**Dawna Stone**: Sydney brings a unique blend of iconic landmarks, a supportive community, and a passion for running that can rival any other city! It’s the first marathon on the Australian continent to join the Majors, and we see immense potential for growth in the running community there. The local infrastructure and spirit further made it a compelling choice.
**Interviewer**: Speaking of growth, how do you envision the TCS Sydney Marathon impacting local tourism and the economy?
**Dawna Stone**: It’s going to be a significant boost! Events like this tend to draw thousands of visitors, from elite athletes to recreational runners and their families. They’ll be staying in local hotels, dining at restaurants, and exploring attractions. We’re expecting a noticeable uplift to the economy and local businesses, which is fantastic news for Sydney!
**Interviewer**: Exciting times ahead! For runners eyeing the elusive Six Star medal, how does Sydney fit into that quest?
**Dawna Stone**: Great question! Completing the original six marathons in the series earns runners the Six Star medal. With the addition of Sydney, there’s now the Nine Star medal for those who complete all seven races since it will be part of the collection. Runners will now have even more incentive to travel and experience these beautiful marathons around the world!
**Interviewer**: I can already hear runners strategizing their bib numbers! Beyond the competition, what are you most looking forward to with the Sydney Marathon?
**Dawna Stone**: I’m looking forward to seeing the community come together. The joy and camaraderie that occurs at marathons are unmatched. The atmosphere, the cheers, and the spirit of runners pushing themselves — that’s what it’s all about! Watching participants run through the stunning Sydney backdrop is going to be truly special.
**Interviewer**: It looks like we’re all in for a treat! Any final thoughts for those excited viewers considering signing up?
**Dawna Stone**: Lace up those shoes! This is an amazing opportunity to be part of something historic. Mark your calendars for 2025; it’s going to be an unforgettable experience in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Don’t miss out on making your mark in marathon history in Sydney!
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Dawna! We can’t wait to see the magic unfold in 2025 with the TCS Sydney Marathon!
