In a sign of increased interest, organizers of the Sydney Marathon announced on Monday that the 2025 race will use a ballot system to determine who gets a bib.
The change is a noticeable shift from the previous first-come, first-served method and in its place is a random draw to help ensure a fair registration process. Sydney was announced as the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major early this month during the New York City Marathon.
A global uptick in runners looking to flock to the Australian capital city was expected as race organizers now look to accommodate the boost in participants eager complete another major.
“This is an extraordinary achievement for Sydney and a transformative moment for Australian athletics,” Athletics Australia President Jane Flemming said on November 3 after Sydney was picked as the seventh major. “The Abbott World Marathon Majors represents the very best in marathon running, and to have Sydney join this elite group is a testament to the dedication, passion and expertise of everyone involved, but it is an achievement that will inspire countless Australians to take up running.”
Sydney now joins Boston, Tokyo, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York as a major marathon after a successful campaign to determine if the city met the criteria to be elevated in the Abbott program. Cape Town, South Africa and Shanghai, China were also in the running to be considered as the next major.
Meanwhile, race organizers have outlined how future runners can enter the lottery. The ballot opens on December 10 at 6 p.m Eastern time and close on December 30.
Based on the rules of the draw, there will be no priority placed on when applications complete their registrations. It is unclear if the general field for the 2025 race will increase to served the demand in slots. September’s race had a record 20,272 finishers with Kenya’s Brimin Kipkorir winning the men’s pro division in 2:06:18. Workenesh Edesa of Ethiopia won the women’s pro field in 2:21:41.
Those selected for the 2025 will be notified on January 8 and 9, while runners in the Candidacy Club — an exclusive rewards program — will get special invited for next year’s race.
