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Addisu Gobena wins Sydney Marathon, sets course record

sportsAug 29, 202625616

Ethiopian Addisu Gobena won the 2026 Sydney Marathon in a course-record 2:04:42, improving on last year’s winning time of 2:06:06 by Hailemaryam Kiros. Kenyan Peres Jepchirchir took the women's title in 2:18:31, just behind Sifan Hassan's 2025 course mark of 2:18:22. The event drew a record first tranche of 40,000 runners and ran the 42.2-kilometre route from North Sydney to the Opera House. It is the second year the race has Abbott World Marathon Major status, bringing elite competitors to run alongside mass participants. Wheelchair divisions also set records: the USA’s Daniel Romanchuk won in 1:26:50 and Paralympic athlete Manuela Schär was fastest female wheelchair finisher in 1:42:04; Schär completed her fourth marathon major. Organisers warned of widespread road closures, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge closed until 11am, and advised use of public transport with extra services provided.

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