SYDNEY MARATHON RECOGNISED AS A WORLD LEADER

The Sydney Marathon, part of the Sydney Running Festival, has been awarded the prestigious top honour of the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) - Road Race Gold Label status. The awarding of Gold Label status recognised the Sydney Marathon as one of the world’s leading races alongside the London, Boston and New York Marathons.

The Event Director, Wayne Larden, said the Gold Label will help raise the profile of the event world-wide.

“This year alone we had a 33 per cent increase in overseas and 20 per cent increase in interstate participation. With the additional exposure through the event’s broadcast in key participant source markets including Japan, China, New Zealand and Australia, coupled with the IAAF Gold Label recognition, we expect to see a significant rise in international and interstate visitor numbers providing a substantial and positive impact to the local economy,” Mr Larden said.

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism and Major Events Troy Grant said, “To be awarded Gold Label status is a fantastic achievement which cements the Sydney Marathon’s reputation as one of the world’s premier endurance events. The NSW Government is proud to be a strategic partner in this event through Destination NSW and I applaud the event organisers for their efforts in receiving this prestigious label.”

Entries are now open for the 2015 Blackmores Sydney Marathon – to secure your spot go to sydneyrunningfestival.com.au