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Interview with Wayne Larden - TCS Sydney Marathon Race Director

May 28, 2025·33 min

This episode features an interview with Wayne Larden, the Event Director for the TCS Sydney Marathon, which is now an Abbott World Marathon Major. Host Corey Nagler explores the race's journey to achieving major status and its inaugural year in that elite tier. Wayne Larden details the strategic candidate program by which the Abbott World Marathon Majors sought to expand global accessibility, leading to Sydney's selection in 2021 alongside Singapore and another event. The marathon has seen explosive growth, from under 5,000 finishers in 2022 to over 20,800 in 2024, with 79,500 applicants for its first major ballot this year. Larden explains the New South Wales government's strong support due to the event's economic impact and destination promotion. A major coup for the race is securing elite runner Eliud Kipchoge to compete, aiming to boost spectator turnout and public awareness. The course is described as spectacular and undulating, featuring a closed Sydney Harbour Bridge and a finish line view of the Opera House. Larden emphasizes the race's goal of being the "most fun" World Major, highlighting initiatives like a finishers' pool party with a free beer and partnerships with local venues. The event also successfully hosted the World Marathon Majors Age Group World Championships in 2023, receiving highly positive feedback. To accommodate growth to 35,000 runners, the 2024 race has a new course design to eliminate pinch points, a longer road closure time, and a doubled expo size. Average race day temperature is expected to be 20-22°C (68-72°F), with a 6:30 AM start to mitigate heat. The ballot for the 2025 race will open in late September 2024, with entry primarily through this general lottery alongside travel, charity, and a small sub-elite program. Larden passionately recommends combining the marathon with a longer vacation to experience Sydney's beaches, harbour cruises, restaurants, and nearby regions like the Hunter Valley or Blue Mountains. The tone is enthusiastic and conversational, focused on promotion and sharing insider details about elevating a major sporting event. This episode is perfect for marathon enthusiasts curious about the newest World Major or travelers considering a destination race. Listeners seeking highly technical training advice or critical analysis of the race's organization might find it less relevant.

As heard by us

A grounded look at Sydney Marathon's world-major debut, with useful race-week advice and a sense of the city.

Sydney Marathon's first year as an Abbott World Marathon Major is the frame here, but the discussion stays most useful when it gets practical.

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Why you'd press play

You want the world-major story and the travel advice behind it.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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