The Sydney Half Marathon has a new principal partner, with global footwear brand, HOKA, to take over the event’s naming rights from The Sydney Morning Herald.

HOKA has set out a five-year principal partnership with the popular running event, which has this year been a sell-out for the first time since its inception, attracting more than 19,500 participants – up from 13,000 in 2023.

The HOKA Runaway Sydney Half Marathon, as its now called, is set to take place on Sunday, 5 May. More than 75% of the runners are competing for the first time.

“HOKA is incredibly proud of our five-year partnership with the Runway Sydney Half Marathon as we look to celebrate the joy of movement with the community,” said HOKA’s Marketing Manager ANZ, Molly Rugg. “The HOKA Runaway Sydney Half Marathon is a truly unique city run, with the best of Sydney’s streets and stunning views. We look forward to welcoming runners and movers of all types to the biggest edition of the event in history.”

The course will take runners through some of Sydney’s most iconic spots, including the harbour, Pyrmont, the Harbour Bridge, the Cahill Expressway, the Opera House, and the Royal Botanical Gardens.

The event is organised by The IRONMAN Group, whose Vice President, Global Partnerships for Asia Pacific, Jeremy Kann, said: “The HOKA Runaway Sydney Half Marathon is an iconic event in Sydney, bringing thousands to the streets of the CBD each year and we’re thrilled to have the event sold out in 2024.”

“We’re really excited to have this long-term partnership in place with HOKA and look forward to working closely with the team to achieve the goals of both organisations, and also inspire people to take to the streets and get involved with this great event,” said Kann.