Sydney, Australia – The Sydney Marathon delivered a historic weekend on Sunday, August 30, as elite runners from Ethiopia and Kenya dominated the race and set new benchmarks on Australian soil.
Men’s race: Gobena breaks record
Ethiopian 21‑year‑old Addisu Gobena crossed the finish line at the iconic Sydney Opera House in 2:04:42, eclipsing the previous course record of 2:06:06 set by compatriot Hailemaryam Kiros last year. Gobena, who finished second in the 2025 edition, said he learned from his earlier mistake and trained intensively to improve his performance.
“I am very happy,” Gobena told reporters. “Last year I came second, I learned from my mistake, and I went back home and worked on my mistake to perform and broke the record today.”
He was followed by fellow Ethiopian Chimdessa Debele, who posted a time of 2:04:46, and Lesotho’s Tebello Ramakongoana, who finished third in 2:04:57.
Women’s race: Jepchirchir adds another major win
Kenya’s world‑renowned marathoner Peres Jepchirchir, the 2021 Olympic gold medalist, commanded the women’s field, finishing in 2:18:31. Her time was just nine seconds shy of the course record of 2:18:22 set by current Olympic champion Sifan Hassan in 2025.
Jepchirchir’s victory margin was more than three minutes over second‑place Kenyan Irine Cheptai, who recorded a time of 2:22:11 in perfect running conditions. Ethiopian Shure Demise rounded out the podium in 2:22:33.
At 32, Jepchirchir celebrated her fourth major marathon win, reinforcing her status as one of the sport’s most consistent performers.
Event highlights and community impact
The Sydney Marathon, held on the penultimate day of the Australian winter, attracted thousands of participants ranging from elite athletes to local hobby runners. The race’s route showcased the city’s landmarks, culminating at the Opera House, a symbol of Sydney’s cultural heritage.
Organizers praised the smooth execution of the event, noting strong volunteer support and minimal disruptions to traffic. Local businesses reported a surge in patronage, with restaurants and hotels near the finish line seeing increased bookings from spectators and out‑of‑town visitors.
Mayor Clover Moore highlighted the marathon’s contribution to the city’s economy and community spirit, stating, “Events like this bring our residents together, promote healthy living, and showcase Sydney to the world.”
Looking ahead
Both Gobena and Jepchirchir will likely target upcoming World Marathon Majors, using their Sydney performances as a springboard for future success. Their record‑setting runs underscore the growing competitiveness of East African distance runners on the global stage.
The Sydney Marathon continues to cement its reputation as a premier international race, offering athletes a fast, scenic course and providing the local community with a celebration of endurance, dedication, and sporting excellence.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
