Sydney Marathon 2026 guide, including route, entry, training plans, accommodation, and what to expect on race day
Fitness Desk is a contributing writer covering fitness and public affairs for The Sydney Times.
The Sydney Marathon is an annual marathon held in Sydney in August. The race starts at the Sydney Harbour Bridge and finishes at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The course is flat and fast and is suitable for beginners and experienced runners. The race attracts approximately 20,000 runners each year and is one of the largest marathons in Australia.
The Sydney Marathon route starts at the Sydney Harbour Bridge and follows the harbour to the Sydney Opera House, then through the CBD to the Sydney Cricket Ground. The course is 42.2km long and is mostly flat, with a few gentle hills. The route takes runners past some of Sydney's most famous landmarks, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, and the Royal Botanic Garden.
The route is divided into four sections:
Section 1: Sydney Harbour Bridge to the Sydney Opera House (5km). This section is flat and has views of the harbour. The section is suitable for beginners and experienced runners.
Section 2: Sydney Opera House to the CBD (10km). This section is flat and takes runners through the CBD. The section has views of the harbour and the city.
Section 3: CBD to Centennial Park (15km). This section is flat and takes runners through the eastern suburbs. The section has views of the park and the city.
Section 4: Centennial Park to the Sydney Cricket Ground (12.2km). This section is flat and takes runners through the eastern suburbs to the finish line at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Entry to the Sydney Marathon is open to runners of all abilities. The entry fee is $120 for adults and $60 for children. The entry fee includes a race bib, a medal, a finisher's bag, and access to the post-race festival. The race is capped at 20,000 runners, so it is advisable to enter early.
You can enter the Sydney Marathon online at the Sydney Marathon website. You can also enter through a charity, where you run for a charity and raise money for a good cause. Charity places usually have a minimum fundraising target of $200 to $500.
If you are new to marathons, you should follow a training plan to prepare for the race. The following are some training tips:
Build up your mileage gradually. Start with short runs and gradually increase the distance. A good rule of thumb is to increase your weekly mileage by no more than 10 percent.
Include speed work. Include speed work in your training, such as interval training and tempo runs. Speed work improves your running efficiency and helps you to run faster.
Include long runs. Include a long run once a week to build your endurance. The long run should be slower than your race pace and should gradually increase in distance. By the time you reach the marathon, your long run should be at least 32km.
Rest and recover. Rest is an important part of training. Include rest days in your training plan and listen to your body. If you feel tired or sore, take a rest day.
Cross-training. Include cross-training in your training plan, such as swimming, cycling, and yoga. Cross-training improves your overall fitness and reduces the risk of injury.
On race day, arrive early to collect your race bib and to warm up. Most races have a bag drop where you can store your belongings. The race usually starts with a warm-up and a briefing from the race director. The race starts with a wave start, where runners are grouped by expected finish time.
During the race, there are water stations every 2km. Some races also have energy gels and snacks available. The finish line usually has a medal, a finisher's bag, and a recovery area.
After the race, cool down with a slow walk or jog. Stretch your muscles and drink plenty of water. Most races have a post-race festival with food, drinks, and entertainment.
If you are travelling to Sydney for the marathon, you should book accommodation early. The marathon attracts approximately 20,000 runners, so accommodation can be scarce and expensive. The following suburbs are convenient for the marathon:
CBD. The CBD is close to the start line and has a range of accommodation options, from budget hotels to luxury hotels. The price is $150 to $300 per night.
Eastern Suburbs. The eastern suburbs are close to the finish line and have a range of accommodation options, from budget hotels to luxury hotels. The price is $150 to $300 per night.
Inner West. The inner west is a short train ride from the start line and has a range of accommodation options, from budget hotels to luxury hotels. The price is $100 to $250 per night.
If you are travelling to Sydney for the marathon, you can fly into Sydney Airport or take a train to Central Station. The start line is a short walk from Central Station. The finish line is a short walk from the Sydney Cricket Ground.
If you are driving, there is limited parking near the start line and the finish line. It is advisable to use public transport or to park in a car park and walk to the start line.
More information about the Sydney Marathon is available at Sydney Marathon.
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