'We're not going to run from it': Sydney Marathon laughs off medal error

What the report says

Sydney Marathon organisers have acknowledged a design error on this year’s finisher medal after social media users spotted that one side appears to show Munich’s Allianz Arena rather than Sydney’s Allianz Stadium. The BBC reported that the mistake was revealed after the event’s official account posted the medal design, prompting online discussion about the incorrect stadium image.

A Sydney Marathon spokesperson said the error was unintentional and described it as an unfortunate mix-up, while also joking that the medal had acquired a bit of extra international character. Organisers said they would still issue the medal as designed, calling it a distinctive keepsake and saying they were not trying to avoid the issue. The German venue also responded in a light-hearted way on Instagram, according to the BBC.

The medal otherwise features well-known Sydney landmarks, including the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, reflecting the marathon route. The reverse side includes a gold and indigo pattern created by First Nations artist Ambrose Killian, who told the BBC he was not involved in the incorrect stadium image.

The marathon is set for 30 August and is expected to draw about 40,000 runners after more than 120,000 ballot entries, underscoring the event’s growing scale and public interest.