This morning I went for a run. It wasn’t any ordinary run, though. I hit the streets with 35,000 friends from across the globe for the 2025 Sydney Marathon – the first-ever World Marathon Major in the Southern Hemisphere. Sure, we runners did the hard yards – 42.195 kilometres to be exact – but the real heroes of this event were the countless supporters, selfless volunteers and race coordinators who got us to the end. It was a journey, but let me tell you, Sydney showed us all a real good time.
When I arrived at the start line in North Sydney, the sun was just starting to rise above the skyline, creating a picture-perfect send-off. I couldn’t help but smile knowing that the 15,000 international runners (and their support crews) who’d flown in just for the race were seeing Sydney at its very best – and this was just the beginning.
For many tourists, the Harbour Bridge is Sydney’s crown jewel — and within the first three kilometres, we didn’t just get to admire it, but we got to sprint across it. Even as a local, the sheer thrill of pounding the pavement atop this iconic landmark was surreal; I can only imagine how epic it must've been for those crossing it for the first time. Everyone was grinning from ear to ear! Sure, our legs were fresh, so we were all in good spirits – but that moment would’ve been just as amazing no matter what kilometre it was at on the course.
After crossing the bridge, we wound our way through Pyrmont and Barangaroo to The Rocks. This was the first official Sydney Marathon spectator zone, and you could feel the buzz from a mile away. Even before 7am, George Street was lined with supporters, cheering not just for their own family and friends but for complete strangers, holding up handmade signs, shouting random names and clapping until their hands went numb. Throughout the run, those small gestures lifted me more than any of the kilometres I’d trained for.
What amazed me most about the marathon was the number of people who flew to Sydney solely for the race. Last year, the Sydney Marathon was officially granted status as the seventh World Marathon Majors event, joining Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, New York and Tokyo. That recognition transformed this already popular event into a global icon, drawing participants from 156 countries in 2025. I spotted runners from Jamaica and Japan, overheard accents from Spain and South Africa, saw flags from Malaysia and Mexico, and, of course, made friends with a few Irish and Brits along the way. For those few hours, we all moved as one. Backgrounds, borders and status were stripped away, uniting us in the pure joy of movement — and the privilege of experiencing that in a city as stunning as Sydney made it even more unforgettable.
When my legs started to tire, I reminded myself how lucky I was to be running alongside people who’d defied all odds to be here. From visually impaired runners and their heroic guides to wheelchair athletes and the over-70s crew, these legends reminded me of what true grit and determination look like. I have to shout out the everyday heroes too, particularly those running to raise money for charity or in memory of a loved one. You showed me that today was about far more than just those kilometres – and whatever brought you to the start line, I hope Sydney gave you every bit of joy and inspiration that you came for.
After a long stretch down Anzac Parade, a shady loop through Centennial Park and a quick detour to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, we finally reached the home stretch. While most runners were probably counting down that last kilometre, I couldn’t help but feel a little sad that it was almost over.
It was so special having Sydney itself carry us all home. The sunlight glistened on the harbour, the Opera House sails gleamed ahead and every cheer from the crowd pushed us closer to the finish. Crossing that line at the steps of the Opera House, surrounded by thousands of strangers, I was reminded just how lucky I am – to live in this incredible city, to be part of a community that shows up for each other and to have a body that carried me every step of the way.
The Sydney Marathon was so much more than a race. It was a reminder of everything I have to be grateful for living in this city. Fifty years from now, it won’t be my medal, my personal best or even my first black toenail that I remember – it will be the chance I had to unite with strangers from all around the globe and make history on one of the world’s most beautiful marathon courses.