One week before the Sydney Marathon, a design error has sent shock waves through the event’s fanbase. The medals, shown online by organisers, seem to feature Munich’s Allianz Arena on the reverse side instead of the Sydney-based Allianz Stadium.
With around 40,000 runners on 30 August and over 120,000 ballot applications, the mistake has raised questions about whether the wrong landmark was etched onto the medal’s reverse. Organisers had posted a social‑media teaser urging followers to “look closely” – and the details now appear to show a stadium that would not be seen on the race’s 42.2‑kilometre course.
The 2022 design controversy mirrors last year’s Great North Run medals, which also mistakenly featured unconnected cities and landmarks. Sydney, the seventh city added to the Abbott majors programme in 2024, is poised for a high‑profile race this summer.
Additional details: The double‑sided medal also includes a gold and indigo pattern by First Nations artist Ambrose Killian. The artist confirmed she was not responsible for the reverse design, which included thirty‑two half‑round markings representing each kilometre of the course.
The misprint has prompted the BBC to seek comments from Sydney Marathon organisers, as the event’s organisers consider how best to address the issue ahead of the race.
