The TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS takes place on Sunday, August 30, 2026, bringing more than 40,000 runners to Sydney for the city’s latest edition as an Abbott World Marathon Major.
For runners, spectators and residents, the key information now is practical: start times, the 42.195km route, live tracking, broadcast coverage and transport changes across Sydney.
Sydney Marathon 2026 key details
- Date: Sunday, August 30, 2026
- Distance: 42.195km
- Start: Miller Street, North Sydney
- Finish: Sydney Opera House
- Elite wheelchair start: 6:15am AEST
- Mass participation: From 6:30am AEST
- Cut-off: Seven hours
- Expected runners: 40,000+
- Countries represented: 140+
Participants should check their assigned race information because runners are divided into different start groups and will not all cross the line at 6:30am.
Where does the Sydney Marathon start?
The marathon begins on Miller Street in North Sydney. Participants are allocated to Purple, Orange and Green assembly groups, with recommended transport options varying by group.
Runners should arrive well before their allocated start. With tens of thousands of participants heading into North Sydney early on Sunday, stations and surrounding streets are expected to be busy.
Sydney Marathon 2026 course map and route
The course begins north of Sydney Harbour before taking runners across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It continues through areas including Barangaroo, The Rocks, Darlinghurst, Moore Park and Centennial Park before returning towards the harbour and the Sydney Opera House finish.
The official profile lists approximately 313 metres of elevation gain and an 83-metre net drop. Runners can check the route, elevation profile and latest race information on the official TCS Sydney Marathon website.
How to track Sydney Marathon runners live
The official TCS Sydney Marathon app allows family and friends to follow selected participants during the race. Tracking includes progress at timing points, estimated positions and notifications as runners move through the course.
The Official Smart Map, powered by PAM, adds useful race-day information including road closures, spectator viewing locations, entertainment, food and drink, public transport and event activations.
Supporters hoping to see the same runner more than once should plan their viewing points before the start because road closures and the course itself can make movement across central Sydney difficult.
How to watch Sydney Marathon 2026 live
Australian viewers can watch the marathon live and free on SBS and SBS On Demand. Coverage begins at 6am AEST, shortly before the first race start, with extended online streaming available through SBS On Demand.
Where can spectators watch?
Official Party Zones are positioned around the route, including areas at Barangaroo, The Rocks, Macquarie Street, Taylor Square, Moore Park, Centennial Park and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair.
Some locations give supporters more than one opportunity to see participants as the route returns through central Sydney. The Smart Map can help spectators choose viewing points and navigate between them.
Sydney Marathon road closures and transport
Road closures will affect North Sydney, the CBD, The Rocks, Barangaroo, Pyrmont, Darlinghurst, Moore Park, Centennial Park, Kensington, Kingsford and surrounding areas.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge, Cahill Expressway and Western Distributor are among the major routes affected on Sunday morning. Public transport is strongly recommended for both runners and spectators.
Registered marathon participants and volunteers have included travel on eligible public transport services across event weekend, although the Sydney Airport station access fee is not included.
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Race bib collection: don’t leave it until Sunday
Marathon participants must collect their race bib from the TCS Sydney Marathon Running Show at Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park. Bibs cannot be collected on race morning.
- Thursday, August 27: 9am–8pm
- Friday, August 28: 8am–8pm
- Saturday, August 29: 8am–4pm
Participants should bring their confirmation QR code and valid photo identification. Special Marathon Express trains are also operating between Central and Olympic Park during the Running Show.
Sydney Mini Marathon is on Saturday
The TCS Sydney Mini Marathon takes place on Saturday, August 29. The 5km event has a scheduled 7:15am start, with the assembly area opening at 6:15am. Separate CBD road restrictions will apply on Saturday morning.
Why the 2026 Sydney Marathon matters
Sydney’s place in the Abbott World Marathon Majors puts the Australian event alongside major races including Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York and Tokyo. Organisers say more than 140 countries are represented in the 2026 field.
Race weekend has already generated an unusual talking point after an incorrect stadium appeared on the finisher medal. The Sydney Marathon medal mistake explains how the pre-race error emerged.
For runners following other major 42.195km events this year, the Paris Marathon 2026 results offer a look back at another major international road race from the 2026 season.
Anyone attending in Sydney should now prioritise four things: collect the bib before Saturday’s deadline, confirm the correct start group, plan public transport and set up live tracking before race morning.
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