Sydney, Australia

Sydney Marathon

Sunday, September 20, 2026
Moderate
Open Registration

Course Profile

Difficulty
Moderate
Terrainroad
Elevation Gain215m
Elevation Loss215m

Challenging urban course with notable hills. The Harbour Bridge crossing and Opera House views are spectacular but the course demands respect.

Typical Weather

Temperature12°C - 20°C
Humiditymoderate

Spring weather in the Southern Hemisphere. Generally mild with potential for warm conditions. Coastal breezes can help.

Registration

Entry TypeOpen Registration
Typically HeldThird Sunday in September

Open registration with tiered pricing. No lottery required. Part of the Sydney Running Festival. Multiple distances available.

Official Website

What Makes This Race Special

  • 1
    Run across the Sydney Harbour Bridge
  • 2
    Pass the iconic Sydney Opera House
  • 3
    Spectacular harbor views throughout
  • 4
    Part of World Athletics elite label events
  • 5
    Spring racing in the Southern Hemisphere

The Sydney Marathon offers one of the world's most scenic marathon experiences, with a course that showcases Sydney's stunning harbor, the iconic Opera House, and the magnificent Harbour Bridge. Running across the bridge with the Sydney skyline as your backdrop is a moment every marathoner should experience.

The Course

Starting in Milsons Point and finishing at the Sydney Opera House, the course loops through Sydney's harbor foreshore and eastern suburbs. The terrain is more challenging than many expect, with significant elevation changes throughout.

Harbor City Running

The course showcases Sydney's world-famous landmarks:

  • Milsons Point (Start) - North Sydney waterfront
  • Sydney Harbour Bridge (mile 1) - The iconic crossing
  • The Rocks (mile 2) - Historic harbor district
  • Royal Botanic Garden (miles 4-5) - Waterfront greenery
  • Eastern Suburbs (miles 8-18) - Challenging hills
  • Centennial Park (miles 15-17) - Sydney's central park
  • The Domain (mile 23) - Approaching the finish
  • Sydney Opera House (Finish) - World heritage finish line

Course Challenges

Sydney is not a flat course:

  • The Harbour Bridge crossing starts with a climb
  • The eastern suburbs feature significant hills
  • The course has more elevation than many other Australian marathons
  • Heat can be a factor in warm years

Why Sydney?

Running across the Harbour Bridge and finishing at the Opera House creates an unforgettable experience. Sydney is one of the world's great cities, and the marathon showcases its best features.

The September timing (spring in the Southern Hemisphere) also makes Sydney attractive for Northern Hemisphere runners seeking a fall or winter goal race.

Getting In

Sydney uses open registration:

  • Registration opens approximately 8-10 months before race day
  • No lottery or qualification required
  • Part of the larger Sydney Running Festival with multiple distances
  • International runners welcome with straightforward entry process

Race Day Tips

  • The bridge is at the start - Enjoy it while you're fresh
  • The eastern suburbs are hilly - Pace yourself accordingly
  • September weather can vary - Prepare for anything from cool to warm
  • The Opera House finish is worth every hill - Iconic moment guaranteed
  • Hydration is important - Australian sun is strong even in spring

Train for Sydney Marathon

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