Organizers of the Sydney Marathon are under scrutiny after the design for this year's participation medal appears to feature a stadium in Munich, Germany, rather than the intended Sydney landmark. The approximately 42.2-kilometer (26.2-mile) course of the marathon passes by Sydney's Allianz Stadium.
The error was reportedly detected by online sleuths shortly after Sydney Marathon unveiled the design for the 2026 medal on its official social media channels. The organization had invited participants to "look closely and you'll find the story of the course in the details," noting that "A beautiful Sydney skyline brings the course to life, featuring the landmarks runners will experience along the way - starting with the Sydney Harbour Bridge and finishing at the world-famous Sydney Opera House."
Comparisons of images reveal that the stadium depicted on the medal shares architectural similarities with Munich's Allianz Arena, which is known for its diamond-shaped inflatable cushions. In contrast, Sydney's Allianz Stadium features a façade with long bronze fins.
The Sydney Marathon is scheduled to take place on August 30. The event anticipates approximately 40,000 runners, with over 120,000 entries received through a ballot system. The BBC has reached out to Sydney Marathon organizers for comment regarding the medal design.