SYDNEY MARATHON

They say age should never be a limiting factor and Anne Boyd is a living testament to that in the world of endurance running.

Coming on 78, the three-time World Marathon Majors (WMM) finisher has completed more marathons than most seasoned distance runners. The Sydney-sider has also run the Sydney Marathon thrice.

Bucket list: six WMMs before 80

Anne entered her very first half marathon in April 2014, at a ripe young age of 68. Today, her running portfolio includes 16 marathon finishes, including three of six WMM (New York, Boston, and London). And in spite of the COVID-19 curve ball, she’s set on completing all six races before turning 80.

Anne’s impressive running portfolio includes 16 marathon finishes, including three of six WMM (New York, Boston, and London). And in spite of the COVID-19 curve ball, she’s set on completing all six races before turning 80.

In fact, Anne already has the Tokyo and Chicago Marathon booked in her 2024 race calendar. And she’s aiming to complete her six WMM bucket list with the Berlin Marathon in 2025.

We had a chance to chat with Anne to find out more about her inspiring marathon journey:

RUN SG: Anne, you are a massive inspiration to all of us, and we’re curious: what sparked the unusual foray into the world of endurance running in your 60s?

Anne: In three words: unwanted weight gain. After experiencing steady weight gain during and after menopause, I found myself struggling with obesity despite maintaining an active lifestyle.

Weight loss: Anne's starting point

Traditional diets weren't effective until I stumbled upon a weight management program sponsored by the Seventh Day Adventist organisation at a local medical centre.

It focused on the concept of 'more is less', emphasising wholesome foods. With guidance from a team of professionals – a GP, dietitian, psychologist, and exercise physiologist – I lost significant weight over several months, but hit a plateau. It was then that my exercise physiologist suggested incorporating jogging into my routine, which I was initially resistant to.

Inspired by her daughter, a born runner

Despite being an avid walker and swimmer, I never saw myself as a runner. However, encouraged by my daughter's athletic endeavours, I reluctantly tried incorporating jogging into my walks. Gradually, with perseverance, I found myself enjoying it more and more, eventually jogging the full distance.

My daughter Helen-Louise, now 40, was a born runner and I’ve spent a lot of time supporting her, attending training sessions and competitions from her earliest years. She qualified for the State 60m sprint at age 7 (1990) and has continued to run ever since, transitioning from track sprinting to long distance road running events.

Accompanying my daughter to her running events exposed me to seniors participating in races, which sparked my curiosity. With my daughter's encouragement and support, I entered my first 5K race.

While I was initially frustrated by her insistence on not letting me walk during the race, I was thrilled to podium in my age group. From then on, I was hooked.

RUN SG: Running the WMM at this age is an achievement in itself. What has been the biggest challenge or adaptation to training?  

Anne: My life is pretty much consumed with activities which support my running addiction.  Unfortunately, my enthusiasm led to an injury due to insufficient fitness in my ‘early’ days. This setback led me to an excellent physiotherapist – Martin Doyle (who was also the same person who proposed the ambitious goal of running a marathon to me) – who guided me on my road to recovery.

An avid swimmer

I now make the effort to do regular strength training. I’m also enrolled with Keiser Physiotherapy and on a regular home program involving elements of yoga and Pilates to ensure that my body is well conditioned to handle the demands of distance running.

Aside from just running, I include cross-training in my routine. Swimming is my favourite recovery activity. Recently, my partner and I have also taken up aquathlons which usually involve a kilometre of open water swimming, followed by a quick transition to a 5km run. That’s loads of fun, and we usually place sufficiently high in our age category (75 – 79) to have national representation in our sights.

I’d never expected to wear our national colours, green and gold, in any sporting activity, let alone in my late 70s!

RUN SG: 2024 will be the fourth time running the Sydney Marathon. What does it potentially being a WMM mean to you?

Anne: It will be wonderful to have Sydney as a WMM in that it will attract an internationally competitive field to my home city. The course takes in some of the most beautiful areas of our Harbourside, including running across the majestic Sydney Harbour Bridge and finishing on the steps of the iconic Sydney Opera House.

Sydney Marathon: A special race for Anne

As a musician and composer, the Opera House has special memories and associations for me. Ending at the race there makes this Marathon finish even more special! (Anne is a retired Emeritus Professor of Music, musician, and a fairly well-known composer of art music!)

I am also thrilled to receive an invitation to join the WANDA Age Group championships in the Sydney Marathon this year, with my timing on last year’s Gold Coast Marathon meeting the qualification standard.

In truth, I was very surprised as that same timing doesn't meet the Boston Marathon’s qualifying time. Because of its proximity to the Chicago Marathon, I conventionally use the Sydney Marathon as my last long training run. Given that this is a special opportunity to gain a world ranking, I'll definitely give the Sydney Marathon my best shot this time around!

Running till she's 100

Anne is a strong advocate of the Run-Walk method (similar to Jeff Galloway's Run-Walk-Run approach), which has helped her achieve better race times and excellent recovery.

Describing herself as a Run-Walker, Anne has found a supportive community in the running world, particularly in marathons. Her running goals, she says, are simple: to embrace the fun, friendship, and fitness that comes with the sport. She also hopes to continue running with her partner for as long as possible.

In fact, Anne says, “It would be wonderful to run marathons in my 80’s and 90’s and possibly even at 100, if I live that long.”

Anne Boyd certainly inspires us with her ‘ageing mantra’ of setting new goals, being open to trying new things and most importantly never giving up! 

About Sydney Marathon 2024

Look forward a new, improved marathon course featuring longer, flatter sections of wider roads which will encompass more of Sydney at the 2024 Sydney Marathon!

More than 1800 of the world's best age group marathoners like Anne Boyd will be racing for the title of Age Group Champion in the 2024 Wanda Abbott WMM World Age Group Championships.

When: 15 September 2024
Registration is now open. For more information, click here.

This feature is brought to you by Sydney Marathon.

The Olympic Connection

In the heart of Sydney, where the iconic 2000 Olympic Games once captivated the world's attention, the Sydney Marathon has emerged as a legacy that continues to grow, thrive, and make history. Presented by ASICS and managed by Pont3, the Sydney Marathon is not just a race - it is a testament to endurance, global participation, and a community coming together for a shared passion.

Established in 2001 as the enduring legacy of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, the marathon has transformed from a local affair to a global phenomenon. As it enters its third year of Abbott World Marathon Major Candidacy, the Sydney Marathon aims to secure its position as the 7th World Marathon Major by 2025, joining the prestigious ranks of the world's most renowned marathons.

The race has seen some remarkable growth and international representation over the last couple of years - from a humble start of 8,000 participants in 2001, the Sydney Marathon has experienced exponential growth, with a staggering 41,000 participants in 2023. The marathon in particular, has witnessed a meteoric rise, soaring from 5,300 runners in 2022 to an impressive 17,000 in 2023. The event has also transcended borders, welcoming participants from over 80 countries, with a notable surge of runners from Southeast Asia, Japan, and China.

What sets the Sydney Marathon apart is not just its numbers but its global reach. The event is the only global running spectacle in Australia broadcasted live on TV, captivating audiences in 130 countries and reaching hundreds of millions of households annually. This international exposure not only showcases the beauty of Sydney but also establishes the marathon as a premier global sporting event. These audiences also witnessed the fastest Men’s & Women’s elite fields in Australian Marathoning history this year, headed by Judith Korir (World #3) in the Women’s field, and Gabriel Geay (World #9) in the men’s field, with two world-class Elite Wheelchair fields also dazzling crowds in-person and online.

Beyond the cheers and personal victories, the Sydney Marathon carries a deeper purpose. Since its inception, the event has raised over $25 million for numerous charitable organizations. This commitment to philanthropy underscores the marathon's role as a force for good, using the power of running to make a positive impact on the community.

At the heart of the Sydney Marathon's success is its partnership with ASICS. As the presenting partner, ASICS has committed to a six-year collaboration, providing not only financial support but also an invaluable wealth of knowledge. With its global headquarters in Japan, a country synonymous with marathon excellence, ASICS brings unparalleled expertise, fostering communication channels to Asia and promoting Sydney to millions.

The Sydney Marathon also has major partnerships with luxury car brand, Porsche, as well as the major toll road owner, Transurban, who allowed free cross-city transport on the day of the marathon to allow uninterrupted underground traffic flow on event day. These partnerships, amongst several others, add news layers of value to participants, spectators, and residents of Sydney, and leverage the marathon to previously untapped audiences, helping build its brand and legacy for years to come.

As the Sydney Marathon charges ahead into the future, it carries the torch of its Olympic origins, fuelled by global participation, philanthropy, and strategic partnerships. With eyes set on becoming an Abbott World Marathon Major in 2025, the Sydney Marathon is not just a race - it is a celebration of human achievement, unity, and the enduring spirit of marathon running.

Candidacy Effort: Empowering Runners, Building Legends

The organisers of the Sydney Marathon are fully understanding that becoming an Abbott World Marathon Major is only possible with the runners who take to the start line year on year. In order to recognise these incredible individuals, the Sydney Marathon Candidacy Club was born in May 2023 – a rewards-based program that honours the dedication of every runner contributing to Sydney's Abbott World Marathon Major candidacy. The club stands as a testament to the symbiotic relationship between the event and its participants.

To bolster the Candidacy Club's impact, the Sydney Marathon collaborated closely with previous marathoners, commercial partners, and a their dedicated travel partners, Marathon Tours & Travel. In 2023, 17,000 marathon enthusiasts enjoyed a number of exclusive benefits, which included:

•  A coveted entry to the Sydney Marathon when it attains Abbott World Marathon Major status, valid for three years.
• A free 16-week marathon training program, meticulously crafted by National Marathon record-holder Brett Robinson.
• A 6-week Marathon State of Mind program, a psychological training regimen led by 2x Olympian Eloise Wellings.

Beyond the physical and mental preparation, the Candidacy Club embraced the holistic runner experience. Marathon Tours & Travel offered quality accommodation deals, as well as monthly giveaways of Sydney Harbour boat cruises, Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb experiences and other great prizes. The Candidacy Club also fostered a sense of community with the creation of the ASICS RunKeeper Go "Sydney Marathon Group," boasting over 1,500 members.

The resounding success of the 2023 Candidacy Club has set the stage for even greater achievements. With overwhelmingly positive feedback, the Sydney Marathon is gearing up for the 2024 Candidacy Club, promising enhanced rewards and benefits for participants in the upcoming event. As Sydney strides confidently toward Abbott World Marathon Majors, the Candidacy Club remains the beating heart of this journey, uniting runners in a shared pursuit of greatness.

Commitment to Excellence

In the quest for marathon greatness, the Sydney Marathon is not running alone. Behind every stride toward becoming the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major is the unwavering support of the NSW government, with Destination NSW at the helm, orchestrating a symphony of funding, support, and logistical prowess.

At the core of the Sydney Marathon's historic bid is Destination NSW, the tourism and events government agency of New South Wales. As the major strategic partner, Destination NSW is a driving force, providing essential funding, support, and strategic direction to help make the event a global success, with their aim of continuing to foster world-class events and showcasing the best of New South Wales to a global audience.

The contribution and unwavering support of the NSW Government and Transport for NSW is also essential for the event’s continued success. Their commitment extends to the meticulous planning and execution required to safely and efficiently close down and reopen one of the most prominent capital cities in the world, allowing over 41,000 participants to immerse themselves in the unparalleled beauty that Sydney has to offer.

As the Sydney Marathon evolves, government support is a critical factor in the marathon's expansion, professionalism, and ultimately joining the Abbott World Marathon Majors by 2025. This collective vision of seeing Sydney stand tall among the world's marathon greats is one that will continue to be built upon in the road to the majors, and for many years after.

Sydney Marathon 2024 is now open for registration. For more information, click here.

Day 1

My 2023 Sydney Marathon adventure was nothing short of spectacular. The journey began with an early morning flight from Singapore to Sydney aboard Scoot Airlines, landing for the first time in this vibrant city just before lunch.

Upon arrival, we were picked up by the Sydney Super Shuttle service from arrivals and within an hour we were checked in to the Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel which was conveniently nestled right beside the iconic Sydney Harbour. The hotel's proximity to Circular Quay and the Sydney Opera House made it the ideal base for our marathon weekend. It was perfect for a quick shakeout run, allowing me to soak up the city's energy and breathtaking views.

But the highlight of the day was undoubtedly the Sydney Marathon VIP Dinner at O Bar and Dining, a truly magnificent experience. Located on the 47th floor of Australia Square, this restaurant and cocktail bar boasted panoramic 360-degree views of Sydney's glittering skyline and the magnificent Sydney Harbour. Arriving just before sunset, I was treated to the sight of the city bathed in a golden glow.

To top it off, the evening featured a delectable spread of Modern Australian cuisine crafted by the health-conscious chef Michael Moore. Every bite was a culinary delight, and it was clear that this meal was a special prelude to the marathon ahead.

The event was graced by two distinguished personalities - Sydney Marathon Event Director Wayne Larden and Olympian Steve Moneghetti AM, who also serves as a board member for the Sydney Marathon. Their presence added an extra layer of excitement and significance to the event as the Sydney Marathon looks set to cement its place as the Seventh Abbott World Marathon Major.

Having personally ran in the Marathon event at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Steve shared with us about the amazing evolution of the race across the years and the concerted effort to improve the on-course experience for participants - with this edition featuring an even faster, flatter and more scenic route that has a start / finish area in proximity to each other and the space to accommodate many more participants and supporters. This new and improved Sydney Running Show presented by ASICS also has more aid stations and on-course entertainment and cheer zones along the route and is very well supported by the local community.

When asked what the “star” factor of the Sydney Marathon is that sets it apart from all the other marathons across the world, Steve did not hesitate to reply that it is the warmth of the local sporting community and how they embrace sporting events as a collective that adds a different dynamic to the event. This Marathon course is also iconic as it includes two world renowned components - the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House and he believes the finish line experience is one of the best marathon finishes in the world!

As I retired to my hotel room that night, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the incredible start to this trip. With the Marathon looming on the horizon, I was not only physically prepared but also emotionally and mentally charged, ready to take on the challenge and explore more of this beautiful city in the days to come.

Day 2

Day 2 was all about getting into the marathon spirit. The day kicked off with a short shake out run with some quick strides to explore the Harbour Area (to try and catch a glimpse of Benny the Seal) and stretch out the legs before heading out to the Race Expo to collect my race pack and bib! This year’s expo showcased an array of international and local running brands. It was a runner's paradise, with the latest gear, gadgets, and apparel on display. As I wandered through the expo, I could not help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation building up.

After collecting my race pack and browsing through the expo with the other Singaporean runners, we decided to take advantage of the amazing weather to have a stroll around city centre and the parks with a second coffee before it was time to focus on fuelling up for the big race. We found a nice pasta restaurant near the hotel to get our favourite pre-race ritual done – carbo-loading. With my belly full of pasta and my heart full of anticipation, I headed back to my hotel room, ready to rest and prepare my gears for the big day ahead.

Day 3

Race day itself turned out to be an incredible experience from start to finish. Had an early breakfast in the room – kudos to the Marriot staff for the thoughtful pre-race breakfast pack – before lacing up and doing a final check on my gear and nutrition.

One of the things I really appreciated was the late race start. The warmer temperatures in Sydney – around 17-18 degrees on race morning - also allowed me to make my way over to the start line in my race kit with just my race kit (singlet and race shorts) and dri-fit a tee on, a stark contrast to the chilling conditions I'd experienced previously at some other marathons. It was a relief to stay nice and warm before the flag-off!

The convenience of public transport made the morning hassle-free. With just one stop from Wynyard to Milsons Point and the added perk of free train rides for participants with their race bibs, it couldn't have been more convenient. The high frequency of trains ensured that no one was left waiting. The world class race organization continued to impress with seamless bag drop facilities and plenty of porta-toilets available, eliminating any pre-race stress. In addition, the race site itself offered a picturesque view of the Sydney Opera House across the water from beneath the Harbour Bridge, where many international participants were all snapping pre-race photos at.

A pleasant surprise awaited me as I found myself allocated to the Priority Start Pen, just behind the elite runners. This meant I did not have to squeeze in with the rest of the main body of runners. The starting line was particularly interesting, situated at the crest of a gentle uphill in a suburban area. As the start horn went off, we were greeted by a row of flames and thunderous cheers from the crowd that lined the starting chute, setting the tone for an electrifying start and unforgettable race experience.

The first 10 kilometers were a dream, allowing us to run on the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge before diving into the heart of the city.  Kilometers 11 to 21 took us along a scenic route beside the waterfront of the Australian Maritime Museum, across Pyrmont Bridge, and through Darling Harbour. The ever-changing landscape and scenery kept things engaging and helped distract from the fact that we were quickly past the half-way mark.

Exiting via Circular Quay, we eventually made our way to the outskirts of Centennial Park. The diverse terrain and rolling hills made the race route an interesting one and by this time temperatures were starting to soar as the sun came out in full force. I was in a happy place given the relatively lower humidity (compared to Singapore) and Kilometers 22 to 32 were spent enjoying the greenery in Centennial Park and Moore Park Gold Course, where the enthusiastic support of spectators and the presence of entertainment and music crews boosted our spirits. It was a refreshing change from the city area before we headed back. As we returned to the city from kilometer 33 onwards, the cheers and noise from the crowds became deafening. Fatigue was setting in, but the energy from the crowd propelled us forward, especially on segments with longer inclines. The final 1-2 kilometers were lined with spectators, leading us into the finish chute at the Sydney Opera House. I took a moment to soak up the incredible atmosphere, dishing out high-fives and savouring the triumphant finish as I crossed the finish on the dot at 3 hrs 30 min.

Crossing that finish line was the culmination of a challenging and exhilarating journey. The Sydney Marathon had not only tested my physical limits but also allowed me to experience the beauty and energy of this iconic city in a unique way. It was a day filled with unforgettable moments that I would cherish for years to come. It is by no means a personal best course given the hills and technicalities of the course – but if you’re looking for a race that is unique and has an AMAZING atmosphere (Steve was right) – this is the race you want to book in on your race calender!

Sydney Marathon 2024 is now open for registration. For more information, click here.