Sydney Marathon quietly removes Swans branding as event looms
Just a week out from the 2026 Sydney Marathon, the event has quietly changed one of its live sites to remove Swans branding.
The marathon has completely shifted its plans for what was formerly the Sydney Swans HQ live site in Moore Park due to the ongoing investigation into the behaviour of players in Melbourne on Monday morning.
Chad Warner and marathoner Eliud Kipchoge. @AFL
The Sydney Marathon has also changed its website to reflect the changed branding at its ‘spectator’ sites.
Previously, the live site was called the ‘Swans Block Party’ at the 29km and 34.8 mark that was located in Moore Park. The website stated it was ‘perfect for: diehard Sydney Swans supporters.’
Now the website reflects that runners and supporters will be at the ‘SCG Block Party’.
The Sydney Marathon has had an ongoing relationship with the Sydney Swans.
The club hosted an icon of the sport, Kenyan former world record holder Eliud Kipchoge, at Sydney Swans HQ in 2025 for a meet and greet with players and staff.
In the wake of five players being stood down from the club, the 2026 edition will have no relationship with the AFL club.
Independently of the Victoria Police investigation, CEO Matthew Pavlich confirmed on Wednesday that the Swans had stood down Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, James Jordon and Riley Bice for the remainder of the 2026 season.
Nine.com.au is not suggesting any of the players who have been stood down have been accused of sexual assault, formally interviewed by police or charged, just that they have been linked to an alleged investigation at a Melbourne hotel.
The ripple effect of the news will be felt throughout the community, not only for fans but for commercial partners.
Telstra, who has ambassador programs with Heeney and Warner, have distanced themselves from the players and put their deals on hold.
“We will review their ambassador arrangements once the investigation is complete and will provide an update at that time,” a Telstra statement read.
“I mean we’ve been speaking to our commercial partners, our corporate partners, our fans, members as much as we can,” said Swans chairman Andrew Pridham during Wednesday’s press conference.
“We’ve been informing them as early as we can. What I would say is we’ve got wonderful support at the club in that space, our commercial partners have been wonderful.
Sydney Marathon has changed their website to reflect the change. Sydney Marathon Website
“Clearly, this is a really testing time for the football club, but generally speaking, that long-standing relationship we have with many of those people at those organisations and also those corporate partners is something that we hold very close to our heart.
“This football club’s had a wonderful, strong, rich culture… but we’ve got a long way back here to rebuild the trust of our fans, our commercial partners, our sponsors, and the people that love the Sydney Swans.”
Sydney Marathon was contacted and declined to comment.
The 2025 branding of the Live Site at Swans HQ. @TCS Sydney Marathon
