Sydney Marathon: Preview, Time and Where to Watch as Eliud Kipchoge Eyes More History Down Under

The 2025 Sydney Marathon is set to make history as it joins the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors series, featuring a stellar elite field headlined by running legends Eliud Kipchoge and Sifan Hassan.

Last fall, Sydney was officially named the seventh member of the global series, joining the ranks of Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, New York City, and Tokyo. This new status has attracted some of the world's fastest marathoners to the Southern Hemisphere for what promises to be a thrilling race.

Athletes will face a tactical challenge on what is considered the hilliest course of the seven majors. The route begins in North Sydney, crosses the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, and culminates at the world-famous Sydney Opera House.

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With 1,040 feet of elevation gain, it presents a unique test for the elite runners. Conditions are expected to be ideal for long-distance running, with a slight morning breeze and temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to a high of 67 degrees Fahrenheit.

All eyes will be on Kipchoge as he competes in his first race since a sixth-place finish at the London Marathon in April.

That 2:05:25 performance marked a solid return for the two-time Olympic gold medalist after he recorded the first DNF of his career at the 2024 Olympic marathon. At 40, the Kenyan legend may be in the later stages of his career, but his London run proved he remains a formidable contender.

In a recent interview with Olympics.com, Kipchoge stated he had "nothing more to prove" but hinted at his ambition for a fast time on Sydney's challenging course. "I think we will run a good course in Sydney, despite it being a tough course, up and down," he said.

Kipchoge will face stiff competition from fellow Kenyan Vincent Ngetich, a rising star who made a stunning 2:03:13 debut at the 2023 Berlin Marathon.

The 26-year-old has since secured two third-place finishes at the Tokyo Marathon. Ethiopia’s Dawit Wolde is also a podium threat, having won the Xiamen Marathon in 2:06 and recently clocking a 1:00:06 personal best in the Gifu Half Marathon.

American fans will be watching Edward Cheserek, the 17-time NCAA champion, who is set to run his third marathon after an impressive 2:05:24 personal best at the Valencia Marathon in December.

The women's race is headlined by Sifan Hassan, the third-fastest female marathoner in history. The 32-year-old Dutch superstar, who won marathon gold at the Paris Olympics just days after earning bronze medals in the 5,000 and 10,000 meters, will be aiming to improve on her third-place finish from this year's London Marathon.

She will be challenged by former world record-holder Brigid Kosgei of Kenya, who is coming off a second-place finish at the Hamburg Marathon in April. Kosgei has an incredible record, having finished in the top two at seven marathon majors since 2017.

Last year's champion, Workenesh Edesa, returns to defend her title after setting the fastest time ever on Australian soil (2:21:41). The Ethiopian is in formidable form, with victories at both the Hamburg and Osaka marathons this year. Her compatriots, Meseret Belete and Ashete Bekere, are also strong contenders, both boasting personal bests under 2:18:30.

Kenyan fans can catch Kipchoge in action on SuperSport TV with the race taking place from 11.30pm (East African time) on Saturday.

SuperSport TV will also broadcast the race in the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa while fans in the United States can watch the Sydney Marathon live on FloSports, MASN TV, Fight Network and CBS Sports.

Fans in Europe can catch Kipchoge, Hassan and co in action on DAZN and EuroSport while Shanghai TV and Fuji TV have the rights to cover the event in China and Japan respectively.