EXPANDING HORIZONS 

Abbott World Marathon Majors is running the rule over the races who want to join the club. MAJORS catches up with the latest on Cape Town and Sydney’s plans for their 2023 races

WORDS:  Danny Coyle

The candidate program for AbbottWMM is about to enter its busy phase for 2023 as Cape Town and Sydney make their preparations for their next events. 

Both races began their multi-year assessment processes in 2022 and will be looked at once again this coming season as they both advance their cases to join the Abbott World Marathon Majors family. 

In September, Sydney will welcome its largest ever marathon field with a host of innovations and upgrades across the board. 

Chief among them is a revamped course ​that flows better ​with ​more roadways and ​less ​180-degree ​bends, creating a​ more enjoyable marathon experience.​ 

“We heard the calls of our incredible running community and we’re pleased to announce that the Sydney Marathon will unveil a brand-new course in 2023,” said Wayne Larden, Race Director.  

“We are committed to delivering a world class event that Australia is proud of, and we look forward to welcoming thousands of runners from across the globe to make history on our new course.”  

To support first time and casual marathon runners, the event has also extended its official cut off time by one hour, allowing marathon participants seven hours to cross the line.  

Organizers have also been busy creating a new Australian Age Group Championship as part of the marathon and recruiting their strongest ever field of elite competitors. 

Leading the lineup is Ethiopia’s 2022 world champion Tamirat Tola, no stranger to Majors podiums himself, with plenty more top tier talent in what will be the richest prize money race in Australia. 

Organisers of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon have also been hard at work to impress the visiting assessors when they stage the 2023 edition of the race on October 15. 

Route planners have reduced 90m of elevation on the course by cutting out the District 6 hill and replacing it with a loop in the Greenpoint area of the city that passes the picturesque ocean and Waterfront. The total elevation is now 190m, with no U-turns and at sea level, all contributing to making Cape Town a super-fast race. 

Organisers have also been working hard to improve the flow of traffic, with participant logistics on race day a key priority while deciding on route upgrades for 2023. 

The start has been moved back to Fritz Sonnenberg Road and Cape Town’s blue carpet finish line has moved back to Vlei Road, shrouded by the support of spectators in the grandstands and adjacent Hospitality areas. 

“Not only do the desired route upgrades alleviate stress on traffic, but they also take into consideration the feedback of our marathon runners. We have heard your requests for a flatter and faster route, and are excited to action these improvements in 2023,” said Race Director, Barry van Blerk. 

The race has also engaged its sponsors to address the economic challenges faced by many South Africans with the launch of an initiative to give 1,000 free places to runners who are experiencing hardship.  

More info: sydneymarathon.com, capetownmarathon.com