World Marathon Major
Sydney Marathon
Sydney became the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major in 2025, bringing the series to the Southern Hemisphere for the first time. The course delivers one of the most scenic city runs in the world, with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge as the backdrop.
Photo by Dominic Kurniawan Suryaputra on Unsplash
- Distance: 42.2 km marathon (plus shorter race options).
- When: Mid-September each year.
- Status: Became the 7th Abbott World Marathon Major in 2025.
- Course: A loop through the city, across the Harbour Bridge, and past the Opera House.
- Cutoff: 7 hours.
History
The newest Major
The Sydney Marathon has been held since 2000, when it was part of the Sydney Olympic Games. The event grew steadily as an annual city marathon before being elevated to Abbott World Marathon Major status in 2025 — the first Major in the Southern Hemisphere and the first in the Asia-Pacific region.
The promotion recognised the race's world-class organisation, growing international field, and one of the most visually spectacular courses in global marathoning.
The Route
Harbour Bridge to Opera House
The course takes runners through the heart of Sydney, with landmarks that need no introduction:
- Sydney Harbour Bridge — runners cross the bridge early in the race with panoramic views of the harbour.
- Sydney Opera House — the course passes right alongside this iconic building.
- The Royal Botanic Garden — a scenic stretch through the waterfront gardens.
- Circular Quay — the bustling harbour precinct with strong crowd support.
Running across the Harbour Bridge with the Opera House in the distance is a moment that rivals any finish line in world marathoning.
Entry
How to get in
As a newer Major, Sydney is currently more accessible than the established six:
- General entry — open registration, though capacity is limited and fills up.
- Charity places — guaranteed entry for fundraising commitments.
- Tour operators — international travel packages with guaranteed entry.
- Time qualifiers — fast marathon times earn priority entry.
As the race matures as a Major, expect entry to become more competitive over time.
Beginner Advice
Tips for first-timers
- Enter early. As a new Major, demand is growing fast. Do not wait.
- Prepare for September weather. Sydney in September is early spring — expect mild temperatures but be ready for wind near the harbour.
- Train for some hills. The course has more elevation than Berlin or Chicago. It is not mountainous, but it is not dead flat either.
- Enjoy the scenery. This is one of the most photogenic marathon courses in the world — take a moment on the Harbour Bridge.
- Make a trip of it. Sydney is a world-class destination. Combine the marathon with a few days exploring the city, beaches, and Blue Mountains.
Your next step
Add Sydney to your bucket list
Sydney is the most accessible of the new Majors. Start training and make it your goal.