The Race That Landed Kipchoge: Sydney’s Road to World Marathon Major Status

Wayne Larden is the Race Director of the TCS Sydney Marathon. If you’re running Sydney this year or have it on your bucket list to run one day, this episode is a must listen.

He’s been in the role for over 20 years, and in that time, he’s turned the event from a small fun run with about 1,200 people into a world-class marathon with 35,000 runners – including the GOAT himself, Eliud Kipchoge.

Honestly, it’s hard to think of anyone who’s done more for running in Australia than “Lardy.” In this chat, we talk about what it takes to put on a massive event like this – the behind-the-scenes chaos, the planning, the pressure, and the payoff. We also get into how he landed Kipchoge, what becoming a World Marathon Major actually means and where he hopes to take the event in the future, including advice for Kiwis hoping to get a spot in Sydney next year.

Whether you're a runner, race nerd, or event junkie, this chat is full of grit, laughs, and real insight into the global running boom from an Aussie legend who has seen and done it all. **** Huge thanks to my friends at Radix for sponsoring this episode. There instant breakfasts must be sampled to understand just how good they are. You can literally just tear the bag open, pour water in and eat. That one meal will give you 21g of protein and 1 and a half of your 5-a-day. It will fill you, you will feel good…and most importantly it tastes INCREDIBLE. Did I mention its healthy too? I knock back a breakfast before a long run and it keeps me going for hours. Check Radix out for yourself at https://radixnutrition.co.nz/ And use the code DOM for 15% of everything in the store Try it once and I promise you’ll be a fan for life.

CHAPTERS 00:00 The Role of a Race Director 07:49 Becoming a World Marathon Major 15:53 Achievements in Running vs. Race Directing 21:32 Engaging the Community 29:53 Mainstream Recognition of Running 36:39 The Emotional Journey of Marathon Day 42:41 Future Growth and Participation Strategies 52:15 Managing Growth and Community Engagement 01:01:16 Reflections on Achievement and Future Vision