From 7-minute Ks to ‘life-altering’: How Sydney Marathon changed me as world major status looms

OPINION

When I laced up my running shoes for the first time in early 2023, I had no idea that Sydney’s marathon would become the turning point of my life — physically, mentally, and emotionally.

I was just a casual runner, someone who viewed “5k fun runs” as ambitious weekend ventures. But somehow, I found myself signing up for my first marathon, naively underestimating just how transformative those 42.195 kilometres would be.

So it was 16 weeks later on a heatwave-fuelled September morning, I was at the start line. A gruelling, sun-soaked course took me across the breathtaking Harbour Bridge, past the Opera House, and into a space I hadn’t known existed — my inner strength.

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Sydney’s beauty fuelled me, but it was the challenge that forced me to dig deep. By the time I crossed the finish line, my legs were shaking, my brain a whirl of endorphins and fatigue. But something had shifted. It was the moment I realised running had become more than just a hobby. It was a mindset, a way of life.

I’m now signed up for the 2024 New York Marathon, and this journey feels like a dream come true. As a Sydneysider, I could not be prouder that my city’s marathon is on the brink of joining the ranks of the elite World Marathon Majors (WMM). Should it pass the assessment for a second year running, Sydney will officially be crowned a World Major, standing shoulder to shoulder with iconic races in New York, London, Berlin, Boston, Chicago, and Tokyo.

For perspective, the last race to join this prestigious lineup was Tokyo in 2013, and the possibility of Sydney joining this illustrious group is more than just an accolade — it’s a testament to Australia’s marathon culture.

Sydney is fast becoming a mecca for runners worldwide, with its course offering a perfect mix of brutal hills, scenic ocean views, and relentless sun. Plus, the community? Unmatched. There’s something magical about seeing the city come alive with supporters, turning out in droves with banners, cheers, and makeshift water stations.

Running the Sydney Marathon was more than just checking an item off my bucket list—it altered my mental landscape. Training for a marathon gave me structure, a focus. Running became my meditation. Each long-distance run became a mental reset. There’s something profoundly simple yet powerful about propelling your body forward, one step at a time, kilometre after kilometre.

Physically? I’m stronger than I’ve ever been. Not just leaner or fitter, but genuinely stronger. A marathon doesn’t just work your legs; it works your mind, your heart, your soul. It teaches you endurance, resilience, and most importantly, patience. You can’t fast-forward through those tough kilometres. You must grind through them.

That’s why when the opportunity to run in New York came up, I didn’t hesitate. The New York Marathon is iconic, a bucket-list race for millions. But what excites me most is being part of a community that spans the globe—people from all walks of life brought together by the same gruelling yet exhilarating experience.

I’ve already started mentally preparing for the chaos of crossing the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge with 50,000 other runners, but I have Sydney to thank for getting me here.

The Sydney Marathon isn’t just another race. It’s the gateway to greatness, and if it earns its spot as a World Marathon Major, it will put Australia on the global map for runners everywhere. It’s about time our course received the recognition it deserves. After all, we have the views, we have the grit, and now, we have the momentum.

For anyone considering their first marathon, or even those seasoned pros looking for their next challenge, Sydney is calling. If you’re thinking, “I can’t” let my story prove you can.

My Strava doesn’t lie: I went from 5kms at a 7-minute pace to crushing my first marathon in 3 hours, 33 minutes, and 33 seconds.

Yep, 333—angel numbers. I’m not usually one for signs, but Google it. They say 333 pushes you to embrace your creativity and express yourself authentically. Seems fitting, doesn’t it?

The 2025 race will be historic—not just for the city but for the runners who will be part of something truly special. To run in a Major Marathon is to be part of a legacy, and Sydney is poised to join that prestigious club.

As for me, I’ll be soaking in every moment in New York, armed with the lessons learned on Sydney’s streets. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned through this journey, it’s that running is more than just a sport. It’s a mindset, and with the right mindset, there’s no finish line you can’t cross.