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Compare London MarathonvsSydney Marathon

Choosing between London Marathon and Sydney Marathon? This page puts the essentials side by side — next race date, elevation, typical weather, field size, and entry difficulty — with a short overview of each course below.

At a glance

The headline differences between both races. Follow each marathon link for the full route map, elevation chart, and entry details.

DetailLondon MarathonSydney Marathon
Next raceSunday, 25 April 2027 at 9:30 amSunday, 30 August 2026 at 6:30 am
ElevationFlat with minor bridges - approx. 25m above sea level. ↑ 127 m · ↓ 161 m · net −34 mModerate hills including Harbour Bridge - approx. 58m above sea level. ↑ 262 m · ↓ 345 m · net −83 m
Typical weatherCool to mild spring conditionsMild winter
Typical participantsApproximately 57k finishersApproximately 35k finishers
Entry difficultyVery competitiveVery competitive

About these races

London Marathon

The TCS London Marathon is one of the world's most popular races, famous for its incredible charity fundraising and electric atmosphere. The fast course passes Tower Bridge, the Cutty Sark, Canary Wharf, and finishes on The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace. With gentle undulations and around 127 metres of total climbing, it consistently produces fast times — including Sabastian Sawe's 1:59:30 men's world record and Tigst Assefa's 2:15:41 women's-only world record, both set at the 2026 race.

Read the full London Marathon profile

Sydney Marathon

The Sydney Marathon offers one of the most scenic marathon courses in the world, crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge with views of the Opera House and harbour. As the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major, Sydney combines iconic landmarks with a challenging but rewarding course through Australia's largest city.

Read the full Sydney Marathon profile

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