Breaking: Addisu Gobena wins the 2026 Sydney Marathon, as 40K runners take part

Posted Sun 30 Aug 2026 at 8:53amSun 30 Aug 2026 at 8:53am, updated Sun 30 Aug 2026 at 9:13amSun 30 Aug 2026 at 9:13amMore than 40,000 people are taking part in the 2026 Sydney Marathon. (AAP Image: Nadir Kinani)Ethiopian athlete Addisu Gobena has won the 2026 Sydney Marathon, with a record number of runners from across the globe competing.The first tranche of 40,000 runners hit the pavement at 6:15am to tackle the picturesque 42.2-kilometre route from North Sydney to the Opera House.It is the second year the marathon is operating under an Abbott World Marathon Major status, seeing competitive marathoners from across the globe run alongside members of the public. Gobena took first place with a record-breaking time of 2:04:42, shaving off more than 1 minute from 2025 Sydney Marathon winner Hailemaryam Kiros's time of 2:06:06.Kenyan runner Peres Jepchirchir has claimed the women's title, completing the course in 2:18:31.Her time was just shy of the record set by last year's women's winner Sifan Hassan, who ran the course in 02:18:22.Wheelchair marathoners were the first to cross the finish line on Sunday morning, with the USA's Daniel Romanchuk finishing with a time of 1:26:50, setting a new record.More than 40,000 people are taking part in the 2026 Sydney Marathon. (ABC News)Paralympic athlete Manuela Schär was the first female to finish with a time of 1:42:04, also setting a new record.Schär is the first athlete to complete all four marathon majors.Sydney motorists are advised to avoid the CBD due to widespread road closures, with the Sydney Harbour Bridge completely closed until 11am.Oxford Street, Flinders Street and Anzac Parade are among the other major roads affected.Public transport is recommended, with additional services running during the morning to accommodate demand.