The ASICS-sponsored TCS Sydney Marathon, held its inaugural edition as a World Marathon Majors event at the end of August this year, nearly 33,000 runners crossed the finish line, making history together.
From the Harbour Bridge to the Sydney Opera House, perhaps no finish line in the world can deliver such a breathtaking marathon experience. The course is a bit tough, but the experience was unforgettable!
In 2026, it's your turn.
Date: Sunday, August 30, 2026
Distance: 42.195 km
Start time: Marathon group: 6:30 AM (Beijing Time 4:30 AM)
Elite wheelchair group: 6:15 AM (Beijing Time 4:35 AM)
Start cut-off time: 8:15 AM (Beijing Time 6:15 AM)
Start: Miller Street, North Sydney
Finish: Sydney Opera House Forecourt
Cut-off time: 7 hours
Course information:
Total ascent: +313 m
Total descent: -396 m
Overall elevation change: -83 m (net descent)
The Sydney Marathon course is arguably the toughest of the World Marathon Majors, so in terms of the course’s inherent characteristics it is not a course suited to PBs.
Registration website：https://www.tcssydneymarathon.com/ballot-information （Overseas runners may need a bit of patience and some know-how to access the site）
Registration period： 10:00 AEST on Wednesday 24 September——11:59 PM AEDT on Friday 17 October (9:59 PM Beijing Time)
Lottery draw date: mass entrants October 29, 2025 will be sent by email,High-Performance Program (HPP) successful applicants will receive notification on October 28, 2025.
Entry fee for overseas runners: 330 AUD (approx.RMB 1553), the fee will be automatically deducted from the bank card on the day the visa is issued.
Registration tips：
1. The site offers Traditional Chinese as an option, making it friendly for Chinese runners.
2. You can apply for HPP, the High Performance Program — the elite entry for competitive recreational runners. But the qualifying time must be achieved at a marathon certified by World Athletics/AIMS after July 1, 2024, and the race’s net elevation drop must not exceed 457 meters. However, HPP entry is not a 100% guarantee of selection; it still depends on your qualifying performance.
3. The charity section can be skipped entirely; if you’re worried you won’t be able to run after being selected, you can purchase refund insurance for AUD 39.6.
If you weren't chosen in the draw, don't be disappointed — you'll receive another email that will include other ways to secure an entry, including travel and charity programs.
The Sydney Marathon registration process is super friendly; the information you need to fill in isn't complicated.Also, make sure you don't mistype your email address or bank card details. Finally, Sydney is only a 2-hour difference from Beijing time — it's the southern hemisphere's first Major event, so ready to go for it?
Finally, good luck — hope you all get selected in the lottery!
