Your Ultimate Guide to the TCS Sydney Marathon: A Historic Major Awaits!

In partnership with

Today’s newsletter is going to be a little different. Today, we are sharing some practical advice - a guide - for those of you that are going to run the TCS Sydney Marathon at the end of this month. This guide is written by Letty, host of the Marathon Running Podcast and YouTube Channel, with the help of many others.

So let’s get started: The TCS Sydney Marathon is making history as it steps onto the global stage as an Abbott World Marathon Major, anticipating 35,000 participants from 113 countries and drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators. This comprehensive guide is available as a podcast as well as a YouTube Video below.

The purpose of this guide is to provide you with all the essential information to feel completely comfortable and super excited about your Sydney Marathon experience. For an even deeper dive into these topics, be sure to watch our full YouTube video guide or listen to the Marathon Running Podcast!

Insights from an All-Star Expert Panel

This guide compiles invaluable insights drawn from an all-star panel including the Race Director 👑, the Head Coach 🧠, representatives from ASICS Australia 👟, an Official Pacer ⏱️, the Admin of the Facebook Support Group 🤝, an Ambassador 🇦🇺, and an amazing runner from the logistics team 🚦.

From Race Director Wayne Larden

According to Race Director Wayne Larden, his primary message for all international runners is to read official information, especially regarding race day logistics and the Expo. He advises participants to prepare well, hydrate, get good sleep, and most importantly, to "not stress" and simply "come and enjoy the race, enjoy Sydney and have a good time". Wayne hopes runners will fondly remember Sydney's beautiful city, the interesting course, and the friendly locals, wanting to return for future "fun" major experiences. For tourists, he recommends Taronga Zoo, Manly Beach, Bondi Beach, exploring city restaurants, and suggests visiting the Hunter Valley Wine region or the Blue Mountains for relaxation, also highly recommending a sunset harbor cruise.

Essential Pre-Travel Tips for a Smooth Journey

Ensure a seamless trip to Australia with these crucial preparations:

• Visas: Most international visitors will need a visa. Apply well in advance via the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website, as processing can take days or weeks.

• Customs & Entry: Australia has very strict biosecurity laws. You must declare all food, plant, or animal products. Check the Australian Border Force website for prohibited items.

• Power Outlets: Australia uses Type I power outlets (three flat pins) and operates on 230 voltage. Bring a universal travel adapter, ideally one with USB and USB-C plugs.

• Phone Plan & Banking: Ensure your phone plan includes international texting/calling or an international data plan (e.g., e-sim) for using maps. Notify your bank that you'll be traveling to prevent your cards from being flagged.

• Packing Pro Tips: Pack layers, like a fleece or packable puffy, for warmth. Bring throwaway clothing for the starting line, as discarded items are usually donated to charity. Crucially, pack your running shoes in your carry-on for peace of mind, in case checked luggage is lost.

Navigating Sydney & Your Stay

For convenient access to race logistics, the expo, and post-race celebrations, staying in the Central Business District (CBD), including areas like Circular Quay or The Rocks, is highly recommended. These locations offer incredible convenience, though hotels tend to fill up during marathon week, so booking early is advised.

Sydney boasts an excellent public transport system (buses, trains, metro, ferries, light rail). Payment is easy by simply tapping on and off with a credit card or an Opal card. Best of all: all participants get free public transport on marathon day! Plan your trips using apps like Rome2Rio or Google Maps, or by visiting transportnsw.info.

The Sydney Marathon Weekend: Events & Elite Field

The marathon weekend is packed with events for runners of all distances:

• Saturday, August 30th, 2025: 5K Mini Marathon – Kicking off at 7:30 AM on Macquarie Street in the Sydney CBD, finishing at the iconic Opera House. It has a course time cutoff of one hour and 10 minutes. Good news: it's still not sold out, so you can still register!

• Sunday, August 31st, 2025: 10K Marathon – Begins at 8:45 AM from Miller Street in North Sydney, finishing at the Conservatorium of Music. It has a course cutoff time of one hour and 40 minutes.

• Sunday, August 31st, 2025: Full 42.195km Marathon – The main event, starting at 6:15 AM for the Elite Wheelchairs and 6:30 AM for the main marathon runners.

The TCS Sydney Marathon is set to feature an exceptionally strong elite field:

• Men's Elite Field: Described by Race Director Wayne Larden as "not just star-studdedly fast but exceptionally deep", it's headlined by the "greatest marathoner in history" Eliud Kipchoge! The field includes 19 athletes who have run under two hours and seven minutes, tying the 2023 and 2024 Tokyo Marathon for the most sub-2:07 runners in a major marathon since the Tokyo Olympics. Australian national record holder Brad Robbins (PB 2:07:31) and Olympian Liam Adams (PB 2:08:39) will also compete.

• Women's Elite Field: Equally impressive, featuring two of the fastest women in marathon history: Sifan Hassan (PB 2:13:44) and Brigid Kosgei (PB 2:14:04). Australia’s Jessica Stenson (PB 2:22:56) and Lisa Waidman (PB 2:23:15) lead the strong local contingent.

Race Logistics & Insider Tips from Ben Rock (Ambassador & Facebook Group Admin)

Ben Rock, a TCS Sydney Marathon Ambassador and founder of the incredibly helpful TCS Sydney Marathon Support Group on Facebook, offers vital advice:

• When to Arrive: Give yourself a couple of days to acclimatize to avoid jet lag impacting your race.

• Getting to Start: Use the Sydney Metro. The participant guide will specify which of the two stations (Victoria Cross or Crows Nest) to use for arrival at North Sydney Oval. The area provides bathrooms and water fill-up stations.

• Book Activities Early! Popular attractions will fill up with thousands of international visitors.

• Spectator Advice: Spectators are strongly advised NOT to come to the start area to avoid congestion. The best viewing opportunity is often along the course at North Sydney station.

• Bag Drop: There is NO bag drop at the start line! Any bag needed for the finish must be dropped at the Expo.

• Post-Race Celebrations: Sydney, known for its celebratory atmosphere, has many opportunities to enjoy the moment. The historic The Rocks district with its pubs and restaurants is expected to be a prime hub for post-marathon festivities.

The TCS Sydney Marathon Running Show (The Expo)

Your essential hub for bib pickup and pre-race excitement, presented by ASICS:

• Location: Conveniently located at the International Convention Centre (ICC Sydney) on Level 4 at 14 Darling Drive.

• Hours: Thursday (9 AM-8 PM), Friday (8 AM-8 PM), and Saturday (9 AM-4 PM).

• Getting There: Easy via public transport (trains, metro, light rail, ferries, buses). Remember your Opal card or contactless payment.

• Experience: Designed for a clear flow from bib pickup to vendors, featuring speakers, pacer team meet-and-greets, and souvenir shopping. Insights from Nathan Pope, ASICS Running Expert, are available here. Remember: "nothing new on race day!"

Mastering the Course with Head Coach Benjamin Lucas

The TCS Sydney Marathon course, presented by ASICS, has an overall elevation gain of 313 meters and an overall loss of 396 meters, resulting in a net downhill of 83 meters. Head Coach Benjamin Lucas guides runners through the entire race in 5km increments so you can visualize every step! The course features an easier run during the early stages, an extension of Anzac Parade, one beautiful loop of Centennial Park, and a revised Moore Park Road section for a fast last 6km push to the finish line.

On-Course Support:

• Electrolytes: Will be located at the 5km, 10km, 15km, 20km, 25km, 30km, 35km, and 40km drink stations, indicated by the "W+" icon on the course map. They will also be at the Finish Line recovery area.

• GU Gels: Available at the 20km and 30km drink stations, indicated by the "E" icon. Note: supply is limited and not guaranteed, so carrying your own is strongly recommended if critical for your nutrition plan.

• Water: Available at all drink stations along the course.

Pacing Strategies with Official Pacer Damon Lynch

Get ready to run your best race with the help of Sydney's 120 pacers! These pacers will be available in five-minute increments, starting from a 2:40 marathon finishing time all the way up to 7 hours. Insights from Damon Lynch, an Official 3:45 Pacer, reveal exact pacing strategies. Rest assured, the official pacers follow strict guidelines, they will not bank time or engage in similar strategies, ensuring a consistent pace. You will be able to finish the course even if on the sidewalks.

Practical Race Day & City Insights from Michael Young

Michael Young, Lead Convoy Controller, brings extensive experience, having run the Sydney Marathon since 2000 and seen its growth to 34,000 participants. His helpful insights include:

• Culture: Australians are "very relaxed," open, and welcoming.

• Sydney Charm: An "outdoor country" with stunning harbour, beaches, and Blue Mountains. Running over the Harbour Bridge at sunrise and finishing at the iconic Opera House are "unbelievable" experiences.

• Weather: Last day of winter; expect cool starts (6:15/6:30 AM). Temperatures may reach 16°C (55-65°F), usually "nigh on perfect." Pack layers for varied temperatures.

• Top Sightseeing: Taronga Zoo (ferry), Bondi Beach & Coogee-Bondi walk, Opera House & Opera Bar, Harbour Bridge (walk/climb), Blue Mountains.

• Navigation: Public transport is "very safe" and "very easy to use" (tap-on/tap-off with card). Locals are helpful.

• Post-Race: Opera House finish ideal for selfies. The Rocks, Circular Quay, and Barangaroo are prime celebration spots.

• Pre-Race & Shakeout: Michael plans a 5km Shakeout run on Saturday, covering the tough last 3km (Sydney's "Heartbreak Hill" at 39.5km).

• Spectator Spots: Easy to see runners twice. Key spots: The Rocks (10-14K, "party zone") and Oxford Street / Pride Corner (15-18K).

• Final Advice: Come with an open mind, prepare thoroughly. The challenging course, like Boston, demands preparation but can yield a PB.

So, prepare thoroughly, embrace the excitement, and get ready to conquer the historic TCS Sydney Marathon! For all these insights and more detailed explanations from our experts, be sure to listen to the full episode on the Marathon Running Podcast or watch our comprehensive video guide on YouTube!