Sydney Marathon
How to get in, and where to stay
Sydney Marathon is run in Sydney in August or September. Entry is by public ballot. There are 4 realistic ways in, 3 of which do not involve paying an operator. It is not a course to target for a personal best.
Sydney became the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major, the first in the southern hemisphere, and it is the one Major on Australian soil. The course crosses the Harbour Bridge and finishes at the Opera House, which makes it the most photogenic finish in the series. For Australian runners it is the cheapest Major to reach by a wide margin.
How to get into the Sydney Marathon
The catch nobody tells you
Sydney was the easiest Major to enter before it joined the series and it is getting harder every year as international runners chase the seventh star. If you are Australian, this is the one Major where you have a structural advantage, so use it early rather than assuming it will stay attainable.
The ballot
The ballot normally opens in the spring for the following race, with results a few weeks after closing. Confirm the current window on the official site.
Entry fee: International entry is priced above the local entry, so Australian runners get the cheapest entry of any Major relative to travel cost.
Public ballot
Open to allRandom ballot open to everyone. Demand has climbed sharply since Major status was confirmed.
Good for age
QualificationTime-based guaranteed entry for runners meeting the age-graded standards.
Charity place
FundraisingOfficial charity partners hold guaranteed places in exchange for fundraising.
Tour operator package
PaidTour operators hold a small allocation of guaranteed entries that are sold with accommodation as a package. It is the only route that does not depend on luck or a qualifying time, and it is why most rejected ballot applicants end up here.
What you are actually running
A point-to-point route from North Sydney across the Harbour Bridge, through the eastern suburbs and back to a finish at the Opera House.
Personal best potential
No. Sydney is the hilliest of the Majors and the rolling terrain in the middle third costs time. Run it for the bridge and the finish.
Route at a glance
- Start
- North Sydney
- Finish
- Sydney Opera House
- Terrain
- Genuinely hilly by Major standards, with several sustained climbs through the middle section.
On the way
- Sydney Harbour Bridge
- Circular Quay
- Centennial Park
- Royal Botanic Garden
- Opera House finish
Weather and atmosphere
Race day weather
Late winter into early spring in Sydney is mild and often perfect for running, usually between 10 and 20 degrees, though it can be humid or wet.
Crowds and support
Strong through the city and around the finish, with the Harbour Bridge crossing closed to the public and reserved for runners, which makes it a rare experience.
Where to stay
Book a hotel near the Sydney Marathon start
On race morning the only thing that matters is how far you are from the start. These are the areas that make the morning simple, with live rates on your dates.
Circular Quay and The Rocks
At the finish
At the Opera House finish and a short train ride to the North Sydney start, which covers both ends.
North Sydney and Milsons Point
At the start
Walking distance to the start, so race morning is a short stroll rather than a train.
CBD around Wynyard
Direct to both
Best value in the centre with direct trains across the bridge to the start and a walk to the finish.
Getting there
Sydney Airport is close to the centre and connected by train. The start in North Sydney is a short train ride over the bridge from the CBD.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sydney Marathon a World Marathon Major?
Yes. Sydney joined the Abbott World Marathon Majors as the seventh Major and the first in the southern hemisphere.
Is the Sydney Marathon hilly?
Yes. It is the hilliest of the Majors, with sustained climbs through the middle of the course, so it is not the race to target for a personal best.
Do you run across the Sydney Harbour Bridge?
Yes. The course crosses the Harbour Bridge early, closed to traffic and to the public, which is one of the few times you can run it.
Where should I stay for the Sydney Marathon?
Circular Quay and The Rocks put you at the Opera House finish. North Sydney and Milsons Point put you at the start, which makes race morning a walk.
Other World Marathon Majors
Ballot windows and entry rules change every year. Always confirm the current details with the official race before booking travel.