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Marathon Details - Sydney Marathon

International Marathons > Australia > Sydney > Sydney Marathon

Sydney Marathon

TCS Sydney Marathon & 10K, 4.2K

Sydney, Australia

August 31, 2025

http://www.sydneyrunningfestival.com.au/

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Address:	Sydney Running Festival Level 2, 5 Queen St Chippendale NSW
Phone Number:	02 9282 0400
Fax Number:	02 9282 0499
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (35)

Course 4.1

Organization 3.7

Spectators 3.2

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Number of comments: 35 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]

A. M. from NY (10/22/2023) "Charming City, Disappointing Marathon" (about: 2023) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Sydney Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 4 Sydney is an absolutely beautiful and charming city, so I thought that this Marathon would be a good excuse to come to Australia. Unfortunately, the organization of this Marathon was quite poor. They knew that the weather would be very warm, up to 85F/30C, so they moved to an earlier start... the 10K and the Half Marathon! Yes, shorter races started earlier, but not the Marathon. Expo was small and not interesting at all. I didn't see a single fruit on the Marathon course, no bananas, no oranges, nothing, just water and sport drinks. I ran this time slower than usual due to a hot weather, and when I finished (definitely not the last one!), there was nothing at the finish line other than bottles of water (when I wanted to take two bottles, a volunteer told me 'only one bottle per runner!'). Most of the course was very hilly but beautiful, but running a loop after a loop in the Centennial Park was very boring. The Sydney Marathon is supposedly a Candidate Race for the Marathon Majors. I ran all of them, and I expected in Sydney so much more!
W. W. from Los Angeles (9/25/2015) "Large City, Small Size, Could be Better" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Sydney Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 The race started by cross the Sydney bridge. It ended by the side of Sydney Opera House. Both are Sydney landmarks. People were enthusiastic to the event. Volunteers were cheerful and helpful along the way. There were plenty of water stations. For marathoners, there were three stations loaded with GU. The weather were idea for running, although a rain began after 2+ hours of the race started. There were about 4000 Marathon runners. This is a small race consider the number of runners in this large city. The organizers had well coordinated with the city subway system. On the running day, the subway ride is free for all runners. The start point and the end point are fair close to subway stations. Still, things can be better. (1) get bib. The expo last for four days in the city center. However, it closed at 4:00pm on Saturday, the day before the race. It was some struggle for me as my air landed Sydney around 1:30pm on that day. On the race day, I found that I could get my bib right before the race. The information was not provided. (2) loop back route Except the start and the finish section, the course is boring. Majority sections are composed by loop back and forth routes. A large section of the route is to loop around the same park with back and forth route. The route definitely limits the grow of this event. (3) baggage claim after finish The finish area were chaotic. It took a long time to get out of the crowded service area. It was windy, cold in the finish area. The runners were soaked by the cold rain. There were no sign leading to the baggage claim in the finish area. After I asked around several people, finally I found that the baggage claim area was quite a long distance away.
J. L. from California/New Zealand (9/25/2015) "great city sites, poor pre- & post amenities" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Sydney Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 Despite lots of double-backing of the course, the sites and terrain kept it interesting. Expo and post-race could use some help. Pros: - First time in Sydney, and it was a great way to see the highlights - Not pancake flat, but not super hilly.. but gradual hills, that because there was a lot of turn-arounds, you could look forward to a downhill at some point. - Course was well marked, aid stations were well stocked and frequent enough (but see below for cons of aid stations). It was nice to have a water table, electrolyte table, followed by another water table at some stops. - The start easy to get to via public transport/train and well serviced with bag drop and port-a-potties - Convenient that your bib was your ticket on public transport - Great support the last 2Kms along the wharf to the finish at the Opera House Cons: - Expo was very disappointing considering it was a seemingly large event. It was at the Town Hall, and I literally walked away with my bib number, clear bag for bag-drop and Gu's that I purchased.. no hard copy of the event guide (which, I am all about saving paper, but since I am from overseas w/ no mobile data plan, I should have downloaded a copy for access to last minute details), no marketing for other nearby events, minimal products like magic stick or energy supplements.. - Aid stations: personally, plastic cups aren't ideal. paper cups you can squeeze to funnel and [attempt] to drink and run. Some stations had people handing water out, others you grabbed from the table.. just was not consistent. - Post-race: very poorly stocked and marked. Upon finishing you got your medal, offered a bottle of water, and then lined up to a table of oranges, and then boxes of finisher t-shirts.. Either I didn't see it, but there was nothing else.. no space/mylar/silver blankets (and it was drizzling about 1/2way through the race), no bananas, no chocolate milk.. nothing.. I also must have missed the sign that directed you to where bag drop was because I ended up climbing a bunch of stairs and walking through the post-race tent area for spectators, vendors, teams, pre-paid stuff, to finally find the bag drop.. where they were already cleaning up ? - Last 10-12kms (when you inevitably hit the wall) was especially taxing because it was mostly motorway of overpasses/underpasses and you can hear/see the finish but still have that last bit to go.. Then again, that last bit is never easy but if there was more spectator access, it would be nice to have more cheering. All in all, I would recommend with caution.. if you have never visited Sydney and also want to run.. go for it! I did PR, so it couldn't be that bad, right? But I would not go out of my way for it as for it is a fairly pricey race and you don't get a lot for the money.
J. L. from Sydney, Australia (9/17/2012) "Beautiful way to see Sydney" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Sydney Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This was my fourth time doing my hometown marathon, so naturally, I love it. Objectively though: Positives - The first half of the course is superb, especially running over the Harbour Bridge. - Frequent, well stocked aid stations - The last kilometre around Circular Quay is magical - Lots of pacers - there were three separate pacers for the 4 hr bus - Delicious frozen smoothies at the finish line - Unlike some other events sponsored by newspapers trying to sell Monday 'Exclusive Results' papers, they publish the results on the website that afternoon. And the photos were up the following day. Negatives - The last 10km is a bit of a grind, running out away from the finish line and watching all the faster runners heading to the Opera House. It is however, significantly better than the old course - 7.30am is a bit of a late start, especially in the sometimes sweltering September temperatures. I wish there was a way they could redesign the half marathon course so that the marathon could start first. - Very few spectators except for the last kilometre - Only one band for entertainment (I remember there used to be more) - The only quibble I had with organisation was the constructed bridge between the two halves of Hyde Park - they inexplicably put a barrier across half of the entry point so we were forced to wait to go through single file, then spread out once we were on the bridge. Other than that, everything was flawless from expo to start area marshalling.
M. B. from Sydney (9/15/2012) "Must do at least once" (about: 2011) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Sydney Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Great atmosphere and energy lovely course Well organised
B. I. from SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA (10/3/2011) "BEAUTIFUL SCENERY, POOR ORGANIZATION" (about: 2011) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Sydney Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 I decided to run my first marathon last September in Sydney hoping the beauty of the city would make for an epic course. As others have said, the first 25 kms are amazing, running over the bridge, the botanical gardens and centennial park is great. However, after leaving Centennial Park and passing circular key there's a huge stretch where you have to run on a motorway for about 5 kms. That day the weather was so hot that it felt like running on a frying pan at the hardest part of the race. They could have designed the course better so you could actually run through darling harbor instead. Also, it's amazing that the full marathon started an hour after the half marathon. The expo was practically unexisting and the stuff you get for a aud$180 fee is quite unfair. They could gave give the Gu gels at least 10 kms earlier. They have to work on these issues for the next editions.
W. M. from Melbourne, Australia (4/6/2010) "Stunning Scenery, undulating course, recommended!" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Sydney Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 With a start line under the Harbour Bridge and finish line in front of the Sydney Opera house, this was easily the most stunning courses I have run. I highly recommend adding this one to your bucket list. The course is slightly undulating the entire way - nothing too tough but it does eventually wear you down. The 35-40 KM section of the run is rather difficult, running on a motorway; but then you hit the harbor again. Rounding the corner, passing under the bridge and heading for home to Circular Quay, there's a massive crowd to bring you in just when you need it most. Aid stations were well stocked, and congestion throughout the course was minimal. Pre-race registration and expo is strangely small for such a large event, and the post-race refreshments did exist but were hard to find. It could be better organized. Free public transportation to the start was greatly appreciated, and they had very friendly and helpful staff even in the early hours of the morning.
Q. T. from Los Angeles, CA (9/21/2009) "Poor Support, Nice Scenery & Friendly Aussies" (about: 2009) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Sydney Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 In terms of official support, this was the poorest marathon I've yet run. My previous were in LA, Athens, and Cape Town. This also had the most expensive entry fee. The expo was very small and perfunctory, with no freebies and only one vendor (and they were overwhelmed despite five days of sales). There were only two stations with electrolyte drinks, and these were pretty watered down. No fruit or sponges along the way, either. They did have a few free GU stations, but these were well past the midway point, when you might have cramped up, already. No free food (not even fruit) at the end: line up and pay, only. The start of the run, across the Harbor Bridge, was splendid. The entire first half was very nice, followed by a gritty and industrial stretch for 1/3 of the course (imagine hilly asphalt amplifying the sunny 24C day), then a nice finish through Circular Quay. Crowds were very friendly and supportive, especially at the lovely final 2K. You could use your number bib for free public transit, that entire day. So if you could still limp, afterward, the free trains were a great way to do some sightseeing.
J. G. from Madrid, Spain (4/2/2009) "Hot & hilly... but recommended" (about: 2008) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Sydney Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 CONS: Too expensive!!! There must be some other courses in the beautiful Sydney that have a better final 10K. You pay a lot of money to get the water in cups. I became dehydrated along the final stretch. The expo was very poor. Did I say that it's too expensive? Hot and humid; don't look for your PB. PROS: The last 2 KM and the first 25 are absolutely wonderful. It looks like an amusement park! The people in Australia are very friendly; I'll never forget this trip, mates!
A. W. from Guernsey (10/17/2008) "COULD BE SO MUCH BETTER" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Sydney Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 This marathon has the potential to be one of the top runs in the world. Plus sides are: * The start over the Harbour Bridge, the Centennial Park part, and the finish next to the Opera House, with lots of support there. * Demanding course, but you are not going to get a flat run in Sydney. * It's well marshaled and almost traffic-free. * The bag with some fruit, etc., at the end was welcome on Domain, which is a nice area with good views of Circular Quay. * Amazing city and country to visit; the people are so friendly and welcoming. Now the downsides! * Cost was very high for what you get (no pasta party or goody bag). * Expo pathetic. * Course from the 28K to 37K mark was awful; boring, hard, motorway-style road. * Water in cups, not bottles. * No bananas or fruit on the course, or sponges, even though it was very warm. * Support was OK, but for a huge sporty city poor (the run was not jazzed up much in media - also it clashed with the football final and Rugby League semis, which are huge Down Under). Moving the run to four weeks before would offset this and mean cooler weather. * Bizarrely the half-marathon started one hour before marathon. It should be other way round. * Post-run organization was poor. * Big queue for t-shirts (why were they not given out at the expo?), non-specific medal, bag pick-up in the open (what if it rained?), massage queue was too long, and the meeting points were the other way around, as marked on the plan. I would recommend the Canberra Marathon instead; include Sydney in your visit, as it is fab.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]



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A. M. from NY (10/22/2023) "Charming City, Disappointing Marathon" (about: 2023) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Sydney Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 4 Sydney is an absolutely beautiful and charming city, so I thought that this Marathon would be a good excuse to come to Australia. Unfortunately, the organization of this Marathon was quite poor. They knew that the weather would be very warm, up to 85F/30C, so they moved to an earlier start... the 10K and the Half Marathon! Yes, shorter races started earlier, but not the Marathon. Expo was small and not interesting at all. I didn't see a single fruit on the Marathon course, no bananas, no oranges, nothing, just water and sport drinks. I ran this time slower than usual due to a hot weather, and when I finished (definitely not the last one!), there was nothing at the finish line other than bottles of water (when I wanted to take two bottles, a volunteer told me 'only one bottle per runner!'). Most of the course was very hilly but beautiful, but running a loop after a loop in the Centennial Park was very boring. The Sydney Marathon is supposedly a Candidate Race for the Marathon Majors. I ran all of them, and I expected in Sydney so much more!
W. W. from Los Angeles (9/25/2015) "Large City, Small Size, Could be Better" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Sydney Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 The race started by cross the Sydney bridge. It ended by the side of Sydney Opera House. Both are Sydney landmarks. People were enthusiastic to the event. Volunteers were cheerful and helpful along the way. There were plenty of water stations. For marathoners, there were three stations loaded with GU. The weather were idea for running, although a rain began after 2+ hours of the race started. There were about 4000 Marathon runners. This is a small race consider the number of runners in this large city. The organizers had well coordinated with the city subway system. On the running day, the subway ride is free for all runners. The start point and the end point are fair close to subway stations. Still, things can be better. (1) get bib. The expo last for four days in the city center. However, it closed at 4:00pm on Saturday, the day before the race. It was some struggle for me as my air landed Sydney around 1:30pm on that day. On the race day, I found that I could get my bib right before the race. The information was not provided. (2) loop back route Except the start and the finish section, the course is boring. Majority sections are composed by loop back and forth routes. A large section of the route is to loop around the same park with back and forth route. The route definitely limits the grow of this event. (3) baggage claim after finish The finish area were chaotic. It took a long time to get out of the crowded service area. It was windy, cold in the finish area. The runners were soaked by the cold rain. There were no sign leading to the baggage claim in the finish area. After I asked around several people, finally I found that the baggage claim area was quite a long distance away.
J. L. from California/New Zealand (9/25/2015) "great city sites, poor pre- & post amenities" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Sydney Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 Despite lots of double-backing of the course, the sites and terrain kept it interesting. Expo and post-race could use some help. Pros: - First time in Sydney, and it was a great way to see the highlights - Not pancake flat, but not super hilly.. but gradual hills, that because there was a lot of turn-arounds, you could look forward to a downhill at some point. - Course was well marked, aid stations were well stocked and frequent enough (but see below for cons of aid stations). It was nice to have a water table, electrolyte table, followed by another water table at some stops. - The start easy to get to via public transport/train and well serviced with bag drop and port-a-potties - Convenient that your bib was your ticket on public transport - Great support the last 2Kms along the wharf to the finish at the Opera House Cons: - Expo was very disappointing considering it was a seemingly large event. It was at the Town Hall, and I literally walked away with my bib number, clear bag for bag-drop and Gu's that I purchased.. no hard copy of the event guide (which, I am all about saving paper, but since I am from overseas w/ no mobile data plan, I should have downloaded a copy for access to last minute details), no marketing for other nearby events, minimal products like magic stick or energy supplements.. - Aid stations: personally, plastic cups aren't ideal. paper cups you can squeeze to funnel and [attempt] to drink and run. Some stations had people handing water out, others you grabbed from the table.. just was not consistent. - Post-race: very poorly stocked and marked. Upon finishing you got your medal, offered a bottle of water, and then lined up to a table of oranges, and then boxes of finisher t-shirts.. Either I didn't see it, but there was nothing else.. no space/mylar/silver blankets (and it was drizzling about 1/2way through the race), no bananas, no chocolate milk.. nothing.. I also must have missed the sign that directed you to where bag drop was because I ended up climbing a bunch of stairs and walking through the post-race tent area for spectators, vendors, teams, pre-paid stuff, to finally find the bag drop.. where they were already cleaning up ? - Last 10-12kms (when you inevitably hit the wall) was especially taxing because it was mostly motorway of overpasses/underpasses and you can hear/see the finish but still have that last bit to go.. Then again, that last bit is never easy but if there was more spectator access, it would be nice to have more cheering. All in all, I would recommend with caution.. if you have never visited Sydney and also want to run.. go for it! I did PR, so it couldn't be that bad, right? But I would not go out of my way for it as for it is a fairly pricey race and you don't get a lot for the money.
J. L. from Sydney, Australia (9/17/2012) "Beautiful way to see Sydney" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Sydney Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This was my fourth time doing my hometown marathon, so naturally, I love it. Objectively though: Positives - The first half of the course is superb, especially running over the Harbour Bridge. - Frequent, well stocked aid stations - The last kilometre around Circular Quay is magical - Lots of pacers - there were three separate pacers for the 4 hr bus - Delicious frozen smoothies at the finish line - Unlike some other events sponsored by newspapers trying to sell Monday 'Exclusive Results' papers, they publish the results on the website that afternoon. And the photos were up the following day. Negatives - The last 10km is a bit of a grind, running out away from the finish line and watching all the faster runners heading to the Opera House. It is however, significantly better than the old course - 7.30am is a bit of a late start, especially in the sometimes sweltering September temperatures. I wish there was a way they could redesign the half marathon course so that the marathon could start first. - Very few spectators except for the last kilometre - Only one band for entertainment (I remember there used to be more) - The only quibble I had with organisation was the constructed bridge between the two halves of Hyde Park - they inexplicably put a barrier across half of the entry point so we were forced to wait to go through single file, then spread out once we were on the bridge. Other than that, everything was flawless from expo to start area marshalling.
M. B. from Sydney (9/15/2012) "Must do at least once" (about: 2011) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Sydney Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Great atmosphere and energy lovely course Well organised
B. I. from SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA (10/3/2011) "BEAUTIFUL SCENERY, POOR ORGANIZATION" (about: 2011) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Sydney Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 I decided to run my first marathon last September in Sydney hoping the beauty of the city would make for an epic course. As others have said, the first 25 kms are amazing, running over the bridge, the botanical gardens and centennial park is great. However, after leaving Centennial Park and passing circular key there's a huge stretch where you have to run on a motorway for about 5 kms. That day the weather was so hot that it felt like running on a frying pan at the hardest part of the race. They could have designed the course better so you could actually run through darling harbor instead. Also, it's amazing that the full marathon started an hour after the half marathon. The expo was practically unexisting and the stuff you get for a aud$180 fee is quite unfair. They could gave give the Gu gels at least 10 kms earlier. They have to work on these issues for the next editions.
W. M. from Melbourne, Australia (4/6/2010) "Stunning Scenery, undulating course, recommended!" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Sydney Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 With a start line under the Harbour Bridge and finish line in front of the Sydney Opera house, this was easily the most stunning courses I have run. I highly recommend adding this one to your bucket list. The course is slightly undulating the entire way - nothing too tough but it does eventually wear you down. The 35-40 KM section of the run is rather difficult, running on a motorway; but then you hit the harbor again. Rounding the corner, passing under the bridge and heading for home to Circular Quay, there's a massive crowd to bring you in just when you need it most. Aid stations were well stocked, and congestion throughout the course was minimal. Pre-race registration and expo is strangely small for such a large event, and the post-race refreshments did exist but were hard to find. It could be better organized. Free public transportation to the start was greatly appreciated, and they had very friendly and helpful staff even in the early hours of the morning.
Q. T. from Los Angeles, CA (9/21/2009) "Poor Support, Nice Scenery & Friendly Aussies" (about: 2009) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Sydney Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 In terms of official support, this was the poorest marathon I've yet run. My previous were in LA, Athens, and Cape Town. This also had the most expensive entry fee. The expo was very small and perfunctory, with no freebies and only one vendor (and they were overwhelmed despite five days of sales). There were only two stations with electrolyte drinks, and these were pretty watered down. No fruit or sponges along the way, either. They did have a few free GU stations, but these were well past the midway point, when you might have cramped up, already. No free food (not even fruit) at the end: line up and pay, only. The start of the run, across the Harbor Bridge, was splendid. The entire first half was very nice, followed by a gritty and industrial stretch for 1/3 of the course (imagine hilly asphalt amplifying the sunny 24C day), then a nice finish through Circular Quay. Crowds were very friendly and supportive, especially at the lovely final 2K. You could use your number bib for free public transit, that entire day. So if you could still limp, afterward, the free trains were a great way to do some sightseeing.
J. G. from Madrid, Spain (4/2/2009) "Hot & hilly... but recommended" (about: 2008) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Sydney Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 CONS: Too expensive!!! There must be some other courses in the beautiful Sydney that have a better final 10K. You pay a lot of money to get the water in cups. I became dehydrated along the final stretch. The expo was very poor. Did I say that it's too expensive? Hot and humid; don't look for your PB. PROS: The last 2 KM and the first 25 are absolutely wonderful. It looks like an amusement park! The people in Australia are very friendly; I'll never forget this trip, mates!
A. W. from Guernsey (10/17/2008) "COULD BE SO MUCH BETTER" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Sydney Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 This marathon has the potential to be one of the top runs in the world. Plus sides are: * The start over the Harbour Bridge, the Centennial Park part, and the finish next to the Opera House, with lots of support there. * Demanding course, but you are not going to get a flat run in Sydney. * It's well marshaled and almost traffic-free. * The bag with some fruit, etc., at the end was welcome on Domain, which is a nice area with good views of Circular Quay. * Amazing city and country to visit; the people are so friendly and welcoming. Now the downsides! * Cost was very high for what you get (no pasta party or goody bag). * Expo pathetic. * Course from the 28K to 37K mark was awful; boring, hard, motorway-style road. * Water in cups, not bottles. * No bananas or fruit on the course, or sponges, even though it was very warm. * Support was OK, but for a huge sporty city poor (the run was not jazzed up much in media - also it clashed with the football final and Rugby League semis, which are huge Down Under). Moving the run to four weeks before would offset this and mean cooler weather. * Bizarrely the half-marathon started one hour before marathon. It should be other way round. * Post-run organization was poor. * Big queue for t-shirts (why were they not given out at the expo?), non-specific medal, bag pick-up in the open (what if it rained?), massage queue was too long, and the meeting points were the other way around, as marked on the plan. I would recommend the Canberra Marathon instead; include Sydney in your visit, as it is fab.

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Marathon Details - Sydney Marathon