TCS Sydney Marathon
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Event Overview
The TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS is a road running event. It is the newest Abbott World Marathon Major. The event date is Sunday, 30 August, 2026. The course distance is 42.195 km and it is a World Athletics Platinum Label Marathon. The event had nearly 33,000 runners in 2025 and expects up to 35,000 participants in 2026.
Course Details
The marathon course is known for its scenic route past Sydney's landmarks, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House, which serves as the finish line. The start line is on Miller St, North Sydney. The course has an overall elevation gain of 313 metres and an overall loss of 396 metres. There is a course cut-off time of 7 hours. Participants must maintain a minimum pace of 10 minutes per kilometre.
Participant Logistics
All race bibs must be collected in person with ID at the TCS Sydney Marathon Running Show prior to the event. On race day, participants are assigned to one of three start groups and one of three assembly areas (Orange, Red, or Green) at St Leonards Park. Each group has a different arrival time. A color-coded race bib indicates the assigned start group, assembly area, and entry chute. Official timing uses gun time for elite, Australian Championships, and High Performance Program runners, and net time for all other mass participants.
On-Course Support
Drink stations are located at approximately 5 km intervals along the course. They provide water and Powerade (Mountain Blast flavour). GU energy gels are available at the 20 km and 30 km stations, but supply is limited. Pacers are provided for various target finish times, wearing identifiable singlets and carrying flags. There are multiple cut-off and course redirection points along the route to manage the event timeline.
Post-Race Information
After finishing, participants walk approximately 600 metres through a "Walk-Off" to a reunite zone. Shortly after the finish line, they receive a finisher medal and a recovery bag containing water, Powerade, fruit, and a muesli bar. A Recovery Village area offers food and beverage stands, an ASICS Massage and Recovery Zone, and sponsor samples.
Rules and Eligibility
Participants must be 18 years or older on event day. Push wheelchairs are permitted but must start in the final wave. Prams, scooters, and handcycles/crank cycles are not allowed on the course. The entry fee includes a race bib, timing tag, finisher's medal, and finisher's shirt. Deferrals are only offered under specific policies for expectant parents and active Australian Defence Force members. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
