Sydney
Sydney Marathon · TCS Sydney Marathon
By Global Marathon Routes editorial teamPublished Last updated
Interactive course map
aid stations: 18 · landmarks: 8Official course map
Open full size
Race facts
TCS Sydney MarathonLandmarks along the way
- StartMilsons Point
- 2 kmSydney Harbour Bridge
- 8 kmPyrmont
- 10 kmBarangaroo
- 12 kmThe Rocks
- 20 kmKensington
- 33 kmCentennial Park
- FinishSydney Opera House
Aid stations and timing points
Major stations modelled on the published course maps, plus the half marathon split. Real races place stations closer together, so treat the spacing as indicative.
Course guide
Sydney became the seventh Abbott World Marathon Majors race in 2025, taking the series to four continents. The course starts on the north shore of the harbour, crosses the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and finishes at the Opera House.
The course
The race begins on Miller Street in North Sydney and climbs gently towards the bridge. Crossing the Harbour Bridge is the defining moment of the race: the road deck is closed to traffic and the views run from the Opera House to the heads of the harbour.
After the bridge the route turns south through the city, passing Hyde Park and working through the eastern suburbs, before a section through Centennial Park that brings the only sustained hills of the day. The closing kilometres return to the harbour and finish on the forecourt of the Sydney Opera House.
| Section | KM | Character |
|---|---|---|
| North Sydney | 0 to 3 | Uphill approach to the bridge |
| Harbour Bridge | 3 to 6 | Iconic, exposed, slightly rising |
| City and Hyde Park | 6 to 18 | Flat, supported, a few turns |
| Centennial Park | 18 to 30 | Rolling park roads, quieter |
| Harbour and Opera House | 30 to 42.195 | Downhill return, scenic finish |
Aid stations and the half split
Aid stations are placed at regular intervals, with the park section carrying fewer spectators and more of the load on official stations. The half marathon split falls in the Centennial Park section, which is also where the hills and the timing mats sit.
What to watch for
- The bridge climb. The ramp onto the bridge is the first real effort of the day, and it comes early.
- Park hills. Centennial Park is not mountainous, but the rolling roads arrive in the second half.
- Southern hemisphere spring. The race runs in August or September, when Sydney weather can swing from 10 °C and rain to 22 °C and sun.
- Time zone. Most of the field travels in from overseas, so plan the arrival a few days ahead.
Records
| Category | Time | Athlete | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men's course record | 2:06:06 | Kiros | 2025 |
| Women's course record | 2:18:22 | Sifan Hassan | 2025 |
Practical notes
- Race day: August or September. The next announced edition is 29 August 2027.
- Entry: online ballot plus charity and tour operator places, with a qualifying standard for the fast waves.
- Getting there: the start in North Sydney is a short walk from North Sydney station. The finish at the Opera House is served by Circular Quay station and ferries.
- Field size: about 20,270 finishers in the 2025 edition, its first as a Major, which makes it the smallest of the seven.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to what runners ask most about this race. Every figure is checked against the official sources listed below.
When is the Sydney Marathon?
It is run in August or September. The next announced edition is 29 August 2027.
Is the Sydney Marathon a Major?
Yes. Sydney became the seventh Abbott World Marathon Majors race in 2025, taking the series to four continents.
Where does the Sydney Marathon start and finish?
It starts on Miller Street in North Sydney, a short walk from North Sydney station, and finishes on the forecourt of the Sydney Opera House, served by Circular Quay station and ferries. The course crosses the Sydney Harbour Bridge in between.
Is the Sydney Marathon course flat?
Not entirely. The approach to the Harbour Bridge climbs in the first 3 km, and the Centennial Park section brings the only sustained hills, arriving in the second half. The run back to the harbour and the Opera House is downhill.
How many runners take part?
About 20,270 runners finished the 2025 edition, its first as a Major, which makes Sydney the smallest field of the seven.
What is the weather like on race day?
The race falls in the southern hemisphere's late winter and early spring, when Sydney can deliver anything from 10 °C and rain to 22 °C and sun. Most of the field travels in from overseas, so arriving a few days early helps.
About this guide
Compiled by the site's editorial team from public race-organizer publications, course maps and results, then re-checked against the official race site before publishing. Course traces on the map follow the organizer's published course, simplified for the screen.
By
Global Marathon Routes editorial team
- Published
- Last updated
Checked against the official sources listed on this page.
Sources for this guide
Facts, dates and records on this page are taken from the primary sources below. Always confirm race-day details with the organizer.
Related links
Encyclopaedia entries for this race and the organizer's own site: history, records and background reading beyond this guide.