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.
Sydney Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
The next Sydney Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 30 August 2026 with a 6:15 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 262 m of climbing on a moderate hills including harbour bridge layout.
Part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors. Compare all eight majors, dates, and courses on our hub page.
The Sydney Marathon is a point-to-point course starting at Milsons Point and finishing at the Sydney Opera House, crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge early and passing The Rocks, Circular Quay, Woolloomooloo, and Moore Park before returning to the harbour foreshore. The Harbour Bridge climb and the rolling section around Woolloomooloo are the toughest parts, while the middle miles through the eastern suburbs are relatively easier and flatter. Crowd support is strongest on the Harbour Bridge, around Circular Quay, and at the Opera House finish.
Official course map — view on race website
The Sydney Marathon course is moderate hills including harbour bridge over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 262 metres of climbing and 345 metres of descent, with a net descent of 83 metres from start to finish.
Official elevation profile — view on race website
For the Sydney Marathon, general entry is by ballot (lottery), not first-come-first-served — every application enters a random draw with equal chance. Since Sydney joined the Abbott World Marathon Majors, demand has surged: the 2025 ballot drew more than 79,000 applications for roughly 35,000 places, and the 2026 ballot received over 123,000 entries (a 56% increase), making it one of the most oversubscribed marathons in the world. Ballot windows open in September/October each year via tcssydneymarathon.com, with results typically announced in late October. Runners who miss the ballot can still enter through the Official Charity Partner Programme or Official Travel Partner packages. Past participants from Sydney's candidacy years (2022–2024) may qualify for guaranteed entry through the Candidacy Club.
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Other races closest to Sydney.
The Canberra Marathon is Australia's capital city marathon, drawing about 2,000 finishers each April around Lake Burley Griffin. The course passes Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, and the lake's scenic shores. April autumn weather in the bush capital and a flat lake loop make it the ACT's premier marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027
The Gold Coast Marathon draws approximately 6,500 finishers on a scenic coastal road in Gold Coast, Australia. The course starts and finishes at Southport Broadwater Parklands. Very flat and fast, with no significant hills.
Next race: Sunday, 4 July 2027
The Brisbane Marathon draws approximately 5,500 finishers on an urban road in Brisbane, Australia. The course starts and finishes at South Bank Parklands. The route crosses the Story Bridge, passes the Kangaroo Point cliffs, and follows the Brisbane River. Mostly flat with a climb on the Story Bridge.
Next race: Sunday, 6 June 2027
The Abbott World Marathon Majors series, the Six Star Medal, qualifying paths, and how to approach racing the world's biggest city marathons.
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What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.
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How major marathons allocate places — open entry, lotteries, charity bibs, tour operators, and what to check before you commit to a trip.
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