Reigning Olympic champion Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands won the women’s race at the Sydney Marathon in a course record time of 2:18:22 on Sunday (31st August).
And Hailemaryam Kiros of Ethiopia took the men’s race in 2:06:06, another course best, as men’s double Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge was ninth in 2:08:31.
The race saw Sydney officially join the list of Abbott World Marathon Majors, alongside London, New York, Tokyo, Berlin, Boston and Chicago, with 35,000 people taking part in the mass participation event.
Women’s race – Sydney plan pays off
Hassan prioritised Sydney over the World Championships on the track in a couple of weeks time and the decision paid dividends.
She had to withstand a strong challenge from Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei, only pulling clear in the last 7K and just 34 seconds separated them on the line.
The final place on the podium went to Ethiopia’s Workenesh Edesa, who won the race in 2024.
Speaking afterwards on the live broadcast, Hassan – who ran a 15:43 first 5K – said: “I was so dead the last 10 kilometres – I just killed myself. I started too hard and I learned my lesson. I am the first to win here and so grateful.”
Men’s race – Kipchoge still an inspiration
Meanwhile all eyes in the men’s race had been on marathon GOAT Kipchoge.
The 40-year-old was in the lead group until the 30K point but then the elastic snapped.
Up front we had another great battle between Ethiopian pair Kiros and Addisu Gobena and Lesotho’s Tebello Ramakongoana.
All three went under 2:07, with Kiros prevailing in 2:06:06, just 10 seconds ahead of Gobena.
Sydney Marathon 2025 results
Sunday 31 August, 26.2 miles / 42.2 kilometres
WOMEN:
1. Sifan Hassan (NED) – 2:18:22
2. Brigid Kosgei (KEN) – 2:18:56
3. Workenesh Edesa (ETH) – 2:22:15
MEN:
1. Hailemaryam Kiros (ETH) – 2:06:06
2. Addisu Gobena (ETH) – 2:06:16
3. Tebello Ramakongoana (LSO) – 2:06:47
