Sydney Marathon: Guide to the Ballot, Course and How to Get In
The Sydney Marathon has been one of the World Marathon Majors since 2025, and in 2026 it brought together more than 40,000 runners from over 140 countries. It crosses the Harbour Bridge and finishes at the Opera House, making it one of the most spectacular finishes in the world. This guide covers what the official website says: date, course, how the ballot works, the international fee and alternative routes in.
Sydney Marathon 2027 key facts
According to the official TCS Sydney Marathon website:
| Item | 2027 edition |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday 29 August 2027 |
| Start | Miller Street, North Sydney |
| Finish | Sydney Opera House |
| Mass start time | 6:30, with group times confirmed before the race |
| Time limit | 7 hours |
| Elevation | 313 m of total climbing and an 83 m net drop, based on the 2026 course |
| Label | World Athletics Platinum |
| Participants in 2026 | Over 40,000, from more than 140 countries |
The course crosses the Sydney Harbour Bridge, loops through Centennial Park, passes through the Royal Botanic Garden and finishes by the Opera House.
How to get a place from abroad
The 2027 ballot
According to the official sign-up page, general public places are allocated by ballot:
- Applications: 29 September to 19 October 2026, until 10:00 Sydney time.
- Results: 3 November 2026, by email, whether you are selected or not.
- Payment: charged to your card on 3 November if you get a place.
The order of application does not matter, as it is a random draw.
International entry fee
The official website is not entirely consistent: the sign-up page lists 330 Australian dollars for international runners and the FAQ page says 340, plus a mandatory carbon levy. Confirm the amount when you enter.
If you miss out in the ballot
The organisers offer alternatives through their travel and charity programmes, and tell unsuccessful applicants about them. Charity places are managed from the Run for Charity page.
And if you already have three Majors stars, you can enter the circuit’s draws; I explain it in the guide to the World Marathon Majors.
Other things to know before you apply
- If you hold a deferral from a previous edition, do not enter the 2027 ballot: according to the FAQ, you would forfeit your deferral. The organisers will contact deferral holders after the November 2026 draw.
- Applications for the High Performance Program are closed, and unsuccessful applicants are automatically considered in the ballot.
- The Mini Marathon is held on Saturday 28 August, the day before the marathon.
- Duo teams and non-elite racing wheelchairs use a separate application process.
Tips for preparing for Sydney
- It is run at the end of August, so for runners in Europe your preparation falls in summer. There are guidelines in the guide to running in the heat and cold.
- The start is early: plan breakfast and getting there in good time.
- The trip from Europe is very long with a big time difference: arrive several days early. There are tips in the guide to travelling to a race.
- The course has some climbing: train on hills; there are ideas in the guide to hill training.
- Start calmly; the strategy is in the guide to the negative split.
Conclusion
The 2027 Sydney Marathon is on Sunday 29 August, from North Sydney to the Opera House, with a 7-hour limit. From abroad you can apply for the ballot until 19 October 2026, and if you miss out, the organisers offer alternatives through their travel and charity programmes. International entry is around 330-340 Australian dollars.
FAQ
When is the 2027 Sydney Marathon?
Sunday 29 August 2027.
When is the ballot?
Applications for 2027 are open until 19 October 2026 and results are sent on 3 November.
How much does the Sydney Marathon cost for an international runner?
Between 330 and 340 Australian dollars depending on which official page you check, plus a carbon levy.
What is the time limit?
7 hours.
Where does the Sydney Marathon finish?
At the Sydney Opera House, after crossing the Harbour Bridge.
