Sydney Marathon

Location: Sydney
Country: Australia
Website: https://www.tcssydneymarathon.com/
2025 Marathon Date: 31/08/2025
2026 Marathon Date: TBC
Winning Time 2025: 02:06:06
% Sub-3s: 2–5%
# Sub-3s: 1000–1999
Total Runners: 30k–40k

The Sydney Marathon is one of the Southern Hemisphere’s highest-profile races — and, as of 2025, the newest addition to the Abbott World Marathon Majors series. This major status reflects years of investment in the event’s international stature, field depth and organisational quality. Held in late August, the race provides a rare opportunity for elite and amateur runners to target a fast marathon in the cooler Australian winter, just ahead of the northern hemisphere's autumn season.

The course begins in Sydney’s Olympic precinct and winds through key city landmarks, including the iconic Harbour Bridge and a finish line at the Sydney Opera House. While the route has been refined over the years, its profile remains challenging in places, with long inclines and exposed stretches. That said, the course is faster than its reputation suggests, with favourable weather and wide roads that reduce congestion.

What sets Sydney apart is its scale and energy. With tens of thousands of runners and an increasingly international field, the event blends mass participation with elite racing pedigree. It’s also become a strategic race for many chasing global qualifying standards or seeking a major finish without venturing to Europe or North America.

For sub-3 runners, Sydney is a strong but demanding option. The field size provides ideal pacing packs, and the race-day logistics — from wave starts to hydration stations — are world-class. However, the sheer size of the event and the profile of the course mean it requires discipline, especially in the first half. Those who pace intelligently and respect the terrain often find themselves overtaking hundreds in the later stages.

Sydney’s recent elevation to World Marathon Major status cements its position as a global racing destination. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner looking to tick off all seven (and counting) majors, or an ambitious sub-3 athlete seeking a big-stage race with a scenic backdrop, Sydney offers a high-quality, atmospheric challenge that ranks among the world’s best.