Munich’s Allianz Arena appears on Sydney Marathon medal

The Munich Allianz Arena has accidentally appeared on the finisher’s medal for the Sydney Marathon, BR reported, prompting amusement among organisers and runners.

The medal’s reverse features landmarks along the marathon route, including the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and, incorrectly, the home stadium of FC Bayern Munich.

“A little too much international flair has crept onto the back of the finisher’s medal, with an incorrect depiction of the stadium,” a Sydney Marathon spokesperson said. “You noticed it. We noticed it. We’re only human … It’s a beautiful medal and now a little more unique.”

The mix-up is understandable because Sydney is home to the Allianz Stadium. However, the medal clearly shows the distinctive air-cushion structure of Munich’s Allianz Arena. “Oh wow, we didn’t have that on our bingo card,” the Munich stadium’s Instagram account wrote.

The front of the medal features a design by Indigenous artist Ambrose Killian that has received widespread praise.

The Sydney Marathon made its debut as an Abbott World Marathon Majors event last year. After more than 120,000 applications, around 40,000 runners are expected to take part in this year’s race on August 30.