How to register for the Sydney Marathon?

6 and 1 make 7! The Sydney Marathon has joined the elite club of 7 marathons that belong to the prestigious World Marathon Majors. It is the first marathon to receive this title in the Southern Hemisphere, but the Sydney Marathon certainly deserves its status. In just two years, the number of participants has soared with an impressive 400% increase from 2022 to 2024. Its new course also reflects the race’s prestige: spectacular and iconic. From the start at Bradfield Park, Milsons Point, on the north shore of the harbor, to the magnificent finish on the forecourt of the Sydney Opera House, the 33,000 runners expected in 2025 will live a dream come true.

✓ Read this article to discover all the options available for registering for the Sydney Marathon.

| Sydney, in the club of 7

Today, the TCS Sydney Marathon is part of the World Marathon Majors alongside Berlin, Tokyo, New York, Lon d on, Boston, and Chicago. After several years of effort, including course and organizational changes, Sydney has established itself among the most prestigious. However, the origins of the race date back a bit further. The first edition was held on the eve of the 2000 Olympic Games, with a test marathon organized in 1999. The following year, the Olympic marathon event, which ended in Stadium Australia, made a lasting impression and served as a catalyst for the creation of a permanent event. By 2001, the Sydney Marathon became an annual race integrated into the Sydney Running Festival, a public event featuring various race formats: marathon, half-marathon, 10 km, and fun run. Its iconic course includes crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Gradually, the event grew and eventually joined the World Marathon Majors.

| The lottery: the only option?

Over recent years, the popularity of the Sydney Marathon has consistently risen, as demonstrated by the increasing number of participants. In 2022, 5,000 runners took to the starting line. Just two editions later, 25,000 runners graced the streets of this Australian metropolis. Its entry into the World Marathon Majors is expected to attract 33,000 runners in 2025 and up to 38,000 in two years. With this surge in demand, the organizers have introduced a lottery system to distribute bibs. All running enthusiasts dreaming of racing in the Land Down Under are invited to enter the lottery on the official race website. The lottery application period typically takes place in December and lasts about a month. While the lottery doesn’t guarantee a bib, the odds are fairly reasonable given the number of runners and requests. Approximately 10% of applicants receive a bib.

| What are the time standards for the Sydney Marathon?

You might be disappointed… Unlike the other 6 Majors, the newcomer doesn’t offer time qualifications for the fastest runners. At least, not yet. The organizers might introduce this qualification system in future editions. This means there’s one less way to secure a bib for the Sydney Marathon. Regardless of their level, all runners must go through the lottery along with travel agencies, or the charity program, to obtain the coveted entry. Only elite international athletes have a bypass. However, the information is somewhat unclear, including the required times to benefit from this advantage.

| Make every step count with the charity program

Like other World Marathon Majors such as Berlin, London, or Boston, the Sydney Marathon offers runners the chance to support a partner organization while racing. The benefits of participating in this “charity program” for runners are numerous. You secure a bib, raise funds for a charity, push your limits twice as hard, and enjoy an unparalleled charitable experience. Depending on the organization you support, you might gain additional perks like personalized training, gear, and more. How to participate in the program? On the official race website, you choose the cause you wish to support and commit to raising a minimum amount of donations (usually $2,500). Once you reach the required amount, your entry is confirmed. Charity bibs are limited, so we recommend planning your charitable project well in advance. For instance, at the Chicago Marathon, the charity program helps raise over $36 million !

| Travel and race in Sydney with travel agencies

For those wanting to avoid the lottery, reduce stress, and ensure an unforgettable Sydney Marathon experience, we have the solution. Just like other major running events, you can arrange your trip through a travel agency. With runners from around the globe, the Sydney Marathon has partnered with over a hundred travel agencies to offer you a complete package: bib, travel, accommodation, and sometimes sightseeing tours. Although going through an agency may be slightly more expensive than organizing the trip yourself, it will give you peace of mind before your race. For Sydney, plan for a budget of around €2,500 for an all-inclusive package.

| When to register for the Sydney Marathon 2026?

Registrations for the 2025 edition are now closed, but you can start planning for the 2026 edition. With the race held at the end of August, the lottery registration period will be in December 2025. You’ll have a month to fill out the lottery entry form. By mid-January, you’ll receive the lottery results. The luckiest among you will then have a few days to officially register for the race.

As for travel agencies, we advise planning ahead. Seats are limited, and some agencies offer packages early in the year. The same goes for charity bibs. The list of partner organizations for the Sydney Marathon is available on the official event site.

On August 31, 2025, Sydney will be buzzing! A debut with the Majors label is not insignificant. This edition is expected to gather over 30,000 runners at the starting line. Now you know all the options available for you to one day take part in the Sydney Marathon.