Olympic champion Sifan Hassan and Ethiopia’s Hailemaryam Kiros both ran course record times to claim victory at the Sydney Marathon on Sunday, an event that entered a prestigious new era as the seventh member of the World Marathon Majors series. Under perfect conditions of bright sunshine and cool temperatures, the Dutchwoman Hassan demonstrated her class, crossing the finish line at the iconic Opera House in 2:18:22, well clear of former world record holder Brigid Kosgei of Kenya.
In the men’s race, Kiros broke away from the lead pack with compatriot Addisu Gobena around the 30-kilometer mark before outsprinting him to win in a time of 2:06:06. This not only set a new course record but also became the fastest marathon time ever run on Australian soil. Gobena, a 20-year-old running his fourth marathon, finished second, while Tebello Ramakongoana of Lesotho took third.
The race featured a notable performance from marathon great Eliud Kipchoge, who finished ninth in a time of 2:08:31. The 40-year-old Kenyan, a two-time Olympic champion, dropped off the pace when the two Ethiopians made their decisive move. Reflecting on his result, Kipchoge stated, “It was not my day today… Above all, I have crossed the finish line to empower the people of Australia.”
Hassan revealed her victory was hard-fought, admitting she paid the price for a fast start over the final 10 kilometers. Despite the struggle, she held on to secure her fourth marathon win in just six starts. “I’m very happy and very honoured. It’s history, it’s the first major marathon and I’m the first winner,” she said. The event, now part of the elite circuit alongside races in New York, London, Berlin, Chicago, Tokyo, and Boston, attracted a field of some 35,000 runners.
