The fifth annual event started at Ash Road, Prestons, with entrants making their way to the finish line at Blacktown Olympic Park.

''Westlink was pleased to host this important sporting event again on the M7s shared path,'' Westlink general manager John Gardiner said.

''The M7s shared path is a popular local amenity for cyclists, pedestrians and marathon runners alike.

''The WestlinkM7 Cities Marathon is internationally accredited by the International Association of Athletics Federation and this year attracted well over 200 competitors, from across Australia, with international participants from the United Kingdom, United States, South Africa, Kenya, Hong Kong and New Zealand.''

Kenyan Rop Cleophas was the winner of the men's marathon and Jackie Fairweather,won the women's category.

Cleophas took just two hours, 23 minutes and 22 seconds, while Fairweather finished the 42.2 kilometre course in two hours,45 minutes and 45 seconds.

The kids' marathon and marathon relay challenge events were also held.