The 2026 Sydney Marathon will start on August 30. Now part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, the Sydney Marathon has spared no effort in inviting big names to compete — from last year’s Kipchoge and Hassan to this year’s field led by the two Tokyo World Athletics Championships marathon champions.

In the women's field, 13 went under 2:20, 9 under 2:19, and two athletes have PBs below 2:17.

As the double champion of the Tokyo Olympics and the Tokyo World Championships, Kenyan star Peres Jepchirchir is the top women's entrant; her Boston and New York Marathon titles prove her strength on tough courses, while her former women-only world record in London demonstrates her speed.

Former World Cross Country champion Irine Cheptai, Tanzania national record holder Magdalena Shauri, and Xiamen Marathon champion Ruti Aga are Peres Jepchirchir’s main rivals.

41-year-old veteran Vivian Cheruiyot will continue to write her legend; she also finished fifth at last year’s London Marathon.

In the men's field, 14 ran under 2:05, 3 under 2:03 — the battle for the podium will be intense.

Sisay Lemma, PB 2:01:48, has the fastest PB in the field, and he will face Tanzanian Alphonce Simbu, last year’s Tokyo World Championships marathon champion — will Simbu produce a decisive sprint to the line in Sydney this year?

Also returning is last year’s Sydney Marathon champion Hailemaryam Kiros, while Timothy Kiplagat is eager for the top step at a Major — after narrowly missing in Tokyo and faltering in Chicago, he’s come to Sydney hoping for a chance.

Australia’s marathon national record holder and standout PE teacher Andy Buchanan will take on the world’s top talent on home soil.

Michael Roeger, a four-time Paralympian veteran and the T46 marathon world record holder, brings extraordinary significance to the event with his participation.

Image sources: sydney_marathon and wmmajors