The TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS made history today as all four course records were shattered, with the men’s and women’s marathon champions clocking the fastest times ever run on Australian soil and the men’s and women’s wheelchair winners posting the fastest marathons ever wheeled in the nation’s history.
In front of hundreds of thousands of spectators, Sifan Hassan (NED) delivered a breathtaking performance to storm to victory in the women’s marathon, breaking the tape in 02:18:22. Her run not only set a new course record but also marked the fastest marathon ever completed by a female athlete on Australian soil, eclipsing the previous all-comers and course record of 02:21:41 set by Workenesh Edesa Gurmesa (ETH) in 2024.
Former world record holder Brigid Kosgei (KEN), was second in a time of 02:18:56 also coming in under the record, while defending champion Workenesh Edesa Gurmesa (ETH) was third in a time of 02.22:15.
Australia’s top seeded female athletes delivered a commanding display on home soil all finishing within the top ten. Rising star Leanne Pompeani (AUS) charged to the finish as the first Australian in a time of 02:24:47. Pompeani, the 2022 City2Surf champion and national 10,000m titleholder, confirmed her growing reputation as one of the nation’s brightest prospects by backing up her Australian Debut Marathon Record earlier this year with another world-class performance.
She was closely followed by Commonwealth Games gold medallist and two-time Olympian Jessica Stenson (AUS) in second, whose much-anticipated Sydney debut added star power and grit to the field, finishing in a time of 02:28:56. Lisa Weightman (AUS) rounded out the top three in a time of 02:29:34.
Their performances underscored the impact of the TCS Sydney Marathon’s $135,000 AUD Australian prize pool – the largest in history – which has elevated the race as a marquee opportunity for local athletes to test themselves against the world’s best, inspire future generations, and carve out new chapters in Australia’s proud marathon legacy.
“We’re absolutely thrilled with today’s results, both on and off the course,” said Wayne Larden, Race Director, TCS Sydney Marathon. “The record-breaking performances and the incredible turnout have truly cemented this year’s event as a milestone in Australian marathon history. It’s a testament to the hard work of everyone involved and further highlights Sydney’s position on the world stage in our first year as an Abbott World Marathon Major.”
Hailemaryam Kiros (ETH) triumphed in the men’s race with a time of 02:06:06, marking the fastest marathon ever run by a male on Australian soil. His run shaved 12 seconds off the previous record of 02:06:18, set in Sydney last year by Brimin Kipkorir Misoi (KEN), and set a new benchmark for elite marathon performance in Australia. Kiros, who has steadily built a reputation on the international circuit, showcased both his tactical patience and finishing strength on the iconic Sydney course, delivering a victory that will resonate not only with the home crowd but across the global marathon community.
Ethiopia’s Addisu Gobena (ETH) produced a powerful run to claim second place in 02:06:16, securing his first podium finish on Australian soil. He was closely followed by Tebello Ramakongoana (LES), who crossed the line in 2:06:47 to round out the men’s podium after a gritty performance that thrilled the Sydney crowds.
Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge (KEN), the only man in history to have broken the two-hour barrier, inspired hundreds of thousands lining the streets of Sydney with his debut appearance. The global icon clocked a swift 2:08:31 to finish ninth, and while not a podium result by his extraordinary standards, his presence alone was a milestone moment for the event.
Haftu Strintzos (AUS) marked his TCS Sydney Marathon debut in spectacular fashion, finishing as the top Australian in a time of 02:11:27 breakthrough performance that signalled his arrival on the world stage.
He was joined on the podium by Tom Do Canto (AUS) in second, the reigning Australian national champion who finished in a time of 02:13:25. Former national record holder Brett Robinson (AUS) claimed third Australian honours, adding further strength to an already formidable domestic contingent.
Switzerland’s Marcel Hug (SUI) delivered a masterclass in the men’s wheelchair race, storming to victory in 01:27:15 and obliterating the long-standing course and Australian all-comers record. His time bettered the previous benchmark of 01:36:38 set in 2011 by Australian Paralympic legend Kurt Fearnley, rewriting a piece of history that had stood for over a decade. Hug’s dominant performance not only underscored his status as one of the greatest wheelchair racers of all time, but also made history as he became the first athlete able-bodied or wheelchair to claim victory in all seven Abbott World Marathon Majors.
Sam Rizzo (AUS) also narrowly missed the podium, finishing in 1:38.19.
Tomoki Suzuki (JPN) battled to secure second place in a time of 01:33:29, continuing his reputation as one of the most consistent performers on the global circuit. He was followed by Dutch Paralympian Gerard Schipper, who crossed the line in 01:37:34 to round out the podium. Both athletes delivered gritty performances on the fast but technical Sydney course.
Susannah Scaroni (USA) powered to victory in the women’s wheelchair race, setting a new all-comers record with a blistering time of 01:44:52. Her performance shattered the previous mark of 01:54:10, set last year by Australia’s Madison de Rozario, as she bettered the record of the beloved national champion.
Eden Rainbow-Cooper (GBR) produced a brilliant race to claim second place in 01:53:41, finishing inside the previous Australian all-comers record and underscoring her rising status on the international stage. She was followed by Vanessa de Souza (BRA), who clocked 01:58:56 to secure the final spot on the podium.
Australian Marathon Championships – Men:
1. Haftu Strintzos – 02:11:27
2 Thomas Do Canto – 02:13:25
3 Brett Robinson – 02:15:00
Australian Marathon Championships – Men:
1. Leanne Pompeani – 02:24:47
2. Jessica Stenson – 02:28:56
3. Lisa Weightman – 02:29:34
The TCS Sydney Marathon is supported by the NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. The event is owned by Australian Athletics and managed by Pont3.
For more information please visit: www.tcssydneymarathon.com
By TSC Sydney Marathon
Posted: 31/8/2025
