The Sydney Marathon is a big deal—and not just for runners. The whole city turns it on. It’s all about early starts, harbour views, and thousands of people moving through some of the most iconic parts of town. You’ll kick off north of the bridge and finish right in front of the Opera House, with music, support crews and locals cheering you on the whole way. For one morning, Sydney clears the streets so you can take over. You don’t get that every day.

The Sydney Marathon is happening on Sunday 31 August 2025. The start time for runners is 6:30am, with wheelchair athletes kicking off at 6:15am.

The full 42.195km course starts in North Sydney and ends at the Opera House. If you’ve ever driven over the Harbour Bridge, imagine what it’s like to run it. No cars. Just you, the sound of your steps, and Sydney waking up with you.

You’ve got seven hours to finish. That’s plenty of time to enjoy the course, take in the views, and soak up the crowd support. It’s a proper celebration of sport, with 35,000 runners and supporters making a day of it.

There’s more than just the marathon. You can also sign up for the Sydney Marathon 10km on the same day (Sunday, 31 August). You’ll start at 8:45am in North Sydney, run over the Harbour Bridge, and finish up at the Conservatorium of Music. Perfect if you want a shorter but still epic run.

Or, kick off your weekend with the Sydney Mini Marathon on Saturday, 30 August 2025. This brand new 5km course starts in the CBD and finishes at the Opera House.  It’s perfect for families, first-timers, or anyone keen to soak up the buzz without the big distance.

Here’s what you’ll pay to be part of the action in 2025:

The Sydney Marathon kicks off in North Sydney and finishes at the iconic Opera House. After you cross that line, the last thing you’ll want is a long hike to your bed. Staying close means you can swap your running shoes for a cold drink or a hot shower in minutes. Plus, you’ll score some of the best harbour views going around. 

Here are our top picks near the finish line:

It’s normally packed with traffic. But on marathon morning, it’s all yours. The view, the breeze, and the sunrise all feel unreal.

Maybe we’re biased, but there’s nothing quite like crossing the line at one of the most famous landmarks in the world.

Sydney’s now one of the big seven alongside cities like Tokyo, Berlin, and New York. The only one in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s a big deal, and you can expect the whole city to turn up for it.

The route takes in the city’s best sights (Circular Quay, The Rocks, Hyde Park), but it’s also been smoothed out over the years. You’ll find fewer turns, an earlier start, and a much better flow.

Locals line the course. DJs, MCs, and live acts pop up in all the right places. The energy helps push you through the toughest parts.

There’s a mix of flats and gradual climbs, so make sure you throw in some hill work. And get used to running early. Race day starts before sunrise.

Sydney Marathon Run Clubs are free and friendly. You’ll find one in most cities, and they’re a great way to stay on track. Plus, you’ll recognise a few faces on race day.

Don’t rely on course gels; they’re limited. Bring what you know works for you. Test it all in training, right down to your socks.

Give yourself time to settle in. Walk around the city, collect your bib at the Running Show, and stretch your legs with a stroll through the Botanic Gardens. There’s heaps to see, even before the race starts.

To run the full marathon, you’ll need to be 18 or over on the day. Prams, scooters, and handcycles are a no-go, but push wheelchairs are allowed in the last start wave.

You’ll need to register online and choose your expected finish time to be placed in the right wave. You can tweak that time closer to race day if needed.

Bib pickup is in person at the TCS Sydney Marathon Running Show (ICC Sydney, 28–30 August). Bring along ID that matches your registration.