Got a question? Please see a list of our Frequently asked questions below.
Event Information
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When is the 2023 Sydney Marathon?
The 2023 Sydney Marathon is set for Sunday, 17 September 2023.
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Who can enter the event?
Anyone can enter the event and as there are four different distances to choose from, whether you are an elite athlete, club runner, gym member, or simply someone who enjoys a social walk or jog there is a run to suit all fitness levels. All event courses go over the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
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What is the minimum age to enter the Sydney Marathon & Sydney Marathon 21.1km (Half Marathon)?
All entrants must be aged 18 years or older on event day to participate in the Sydney Marathon. All entrants must be aged 15 years or older on event day to participate in the Sydney Marathon 21.1k. There is no age restriction for participating in the Sydney Marathon 10k and the Sydney Marathon Family Run 3.5k.
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How do I apply for a preferred start?
Runners wanting a preferred start must register online and fill out a preferred start application form. Preferred Starts are subject to availability and are allocated on a first-served basis, so it is recommended that you apply early to avoid disappointment.
As a guide, preferred starts will be offered to athletes running under the following times;
Preferred Athlete Start Times 10km
Half Marathon Marathon Male 35 mins 70 mins 2 hrs 40 mins Female 40 mins 80 mins 3 hrs 05 mins -
What does my entry fee cover?
In addition to a great day out with your friends and family, your event fee goes towards staging one of the most challenging events in Sydney. This includes your race bib, extensive road closures, policing and other vital infrastructure to ensure that we can run a safe and successful event for participants and non-participants in Sydney.
Each entrant will also receive public transport to and from the event by showing their race bib. Each finisher will receive a quality commemorative medal. Full Marathon finishers will also receive a finishers T-shirt for their efforts.
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Who owns the event?
This event is owned by Athletics Australia, a not-for-profit organisation responsible for managing the sport of athletics in Australia. Profits from the event go back into the community through Athletics Australia’s programs.
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Why was the event started?
The Sydney Marathon is the sole remaining participant legacy of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. It started in 2001 when the NSW Government approved the continuation of a marathon in Sydney to promote fitness and health for the NSW community and to position Sydney as an international tourist destination. Twenty years on and the Sydney Marathon is one of the most spectacular running events and marathons in the world.
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Will the event be broadcast on TV?
The Sydney Marathon will be screened live on Channel 10 commencing at 7:00am and internationally on Eurosport Asia, Fuji TV in Japan and selected free to air channels in China.
The broadcast can also be watched live on our official Facebook page.
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How do I enquire about sponsorship opportunities?
Please email info@sydneymarathon.com. To be able to assist us with your enquiry, it would be beneficial to include the below;
- What is the product / service or the industry of your organisation?
- What is the expected level of investment ($)?
- What is the expected length of involvement (year/s)?
- How do you believe your organisations objectives & strategies align with that of the Sydney Marathon?
- Who is your target market/ demographic?
Have you been involved with events at a sponsorship level previously? If yes, what events? - What are you hoping to achieve through this sponsorship?
Registration & Entry Information
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How do I register for the 2023 event?
Entries to the 2023 event are now open – click here.
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Where do I get a paper entry form?
If you would like an entry form sent to you via the post, please email the Sydney Marathon office with your postal address and number of copies required.
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How do I pay for my entry?
We accept valid Visa or MasterCard credit cards. Money orders and cheques are also acceptable and should be made payable to Pont3 Pty Ltd (address for mailing is on the entry form). We request that you do not send cash in the mail.
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Do I need to register a child to participate?
Yes, all entrants regardless of age must be fully registered online to be allowed on course due to safety regulations and they will be provided with a chest bib to wear for identification. Please note that for the safety of the child, all children under 5 must enter the C group along with their guardian.
Children under the age of 2 years can register for FREE up until 31 August 2023.
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I have already registered; how do I edit my online entry?
Please email our customer service team info@sydneymarathon.com for assistance.
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Where do I collect my race bib?
All race bibs will need to be collected from the Sydney Running Show. For location and opening times, please see the Sydney Running Show page.
Event Changes
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Can I change events?
We understand that injury or illness may sometimes interrupt your training and ability to run in your chosen event on the day.
To request a Race Change*, email info@sydneymarathon.com with the details below:
- Confirmation number
- First Name (as on the entry)
- Last Name (as on the entry)
- The distance you are currently registered in
- The new distance you want to change to
All Race Change requests after 7 September 2023, will need to be completed in person at the Sydney Running Show. Online requests will not be accepted after 7 September 2023.
*Please note all race changes are subject to a $10 change fee, as per the participant agreement, as well as race differential (if applicable).
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Can I transfer my entry to another person?
To request a Name Change*, email info@sydneymarathon.com with the details below:
- Confirmation Number
- First Name (as on the entry)
- Last Name (as on the entry)
- The distance you are registered in
- The new participant’s name
- The new participant’s email address
Online name transfers are available until 7 September 2023; Name transfers will not be accepted after this date.
*Please note all name changes are subject to a $20 change fee, as per the participant agreement. The transfer fee will be issued to the new participant to complete the transfer.
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Can I obtain a refund?
Entry fees are non-refundable for non-starters and non-finishers as per the event’s terms and conditions agreed to at the time of registration.
75% of entry fees are refundable prior to 31 July 2023.
After 31 July 2023, we do not offer refunds.
Team Information
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Can I enter a team into the Sydney Marathon?
Yes, team registrations are available for the Sydney Marathon.
Event Day Information
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Where is the start and finish areas?
The start area is located at Bradfield Park, Milsons Point – under the northern end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and adjacent to Milsons Point train station.
The finish area for the Marathon and Half Marathon and 10km will be at the Sydney Opera House and the Family Run will finish at the Royal Botanic Gardens (next to the Conservatorium of Music).
The Recovery Village will be in the Royal Botanic Gardens, located in Tarpeian Way off Macquarie Street, approximately 300m from the Sydney Opera House.
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What time should I arrive at Bradfield Park?
It is strongly recommended that you be at the Start Area (Bradfield Park, Milsons Point) at least one (1) hour before the start of your race. This way you have time to use the facilities and become familiar with the start area. Please familiarise yourself with the Start Zones (A, B or C indicated on your Chest Bib) shown in the start map of the Event Guide (available early September online). Start times are below:
6.00am – Sydney Marathon 21.1k
6:55am – Sydney Marathon wheelchairs
7.00am – Sydney Marathon
8.00am – Sydney Marathon 10k
9.00am – Sydney Marathon Family Run 3.5k
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How do I get to the start venue - Bradfield Park?
It is advised that all participants take public transport to the event, to avoid the large number of road closures that will be in place throughout event day, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge closing from 4am-11am. Please visit the traffic and transport page for more information.
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Is there any scheduled trackwork for event day?
Please visit the traffic and transport page for more information about public transport and road closures on event day.
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Is there parking available?
Domain Car Park
Domain Car Park will open at 5am and the special rate of $15 for the day appliesCook + Phillip Car Park (has limited space and generally used by Course Marshals in the area)
Cook + Philip Car Park will open at 4.30am at the special rate of $10 for the day. -
What can I expect to find at the start?
You will find toilets, meeting points, coffee, water, Help Desks and sponsor activities.
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What is the predicted weather for event day?
For information on Sydney climate click here >>
Course
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Where can I find course maps for all four distances?
You can find the Sydney Marathon course maps here:
Sydney Marathon >>
Sydney Marathon 21.1k >>
Sydney Marathon 10k>>
Sydney Marathon Family Run 3.5k >> -
Are the courses certified?
The Sydney Marathon, Sydney Marathon 21.1k and the Sydney Marathon 10k courses are AIMS Certified accurate courses. The Family Fun Run is not certified but an approximate distance.
All events however are run under World Athletics rules.
- Sydney Marathon – 42.195km
- Sydney Marathon 21.1k – 21.0957km
- Sydney Marathon 10k – 10km
- Sydney Marathon Family Run 3.5k – 3.5km (approx)
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What will I find along the course?
Drink stations will be found throughout all courses except the Sydney Marathon Family Run 3.5k, and at the finish line for all entrants.
At each drink station there will be water. Portable toilets can be found at every drink station, please see the event pages below for exact locations.
Both Sydney Marathon 21.1k and Sydney Marathon participants will have access to electrolytes (indicated on the course maps).
GU Gels are only available for Sydney Marathon participants at selected drinks station (we suggest carrying additional gels with you) kilometre markings will be placed at every 1km on course.
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Will medical support be available along the course?
St John Ambulance teams will be located on all courses at various locations. If you are feeling unwell, please report to the nearest official (who will have a radio) or medical personnel as soon as possible. If you see any fellow participant in distress, please report the incident to nearest official or St John Ambulance team member. If it is an emergency, please dial “000” and report the exact location of the incident.
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Will there be a finish line drink station and are there any special arrangements for the marathon?
A designated marathon only refreshment station will be located after the finish line at the dedicated Sydney Marathon Recovery Zone.
An additional drink station will be located in the Recovery Village located in the Royal Botanic Gardens.
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What is the official electrolyte drink & gel?
GU Energy Gel is the Official Gel and will only be available at selected refreshment stations along the Marathon course (GU and water).
If you rely on gels as part of your hydration plan, we strongly recommend you carry your own gels with you as we cannot guarantee they will be available when you reach the drink stations.
Electrolyte will be provided on course by Gatorade.
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Will there be pace makers/pace setters and how will I identify them?
To assist you in achieving your personal best, pacemakers will be provided by Sydney Striders in both the Sydney Marathon and Sydney Marathon 21.1k
Make sure you listen to the PA announcements on event morning as to the location of your pacemaker. Each pacemaker will be holding a coloured flag and will wear an identifiable “Sydney Striders” green and white singlet. The pace time will be marked on the back of the singlet as well as the flag.
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Can I have my own personal refreshments?
Personal refreshments are available for ELITE Marathon runners only.
Personal refreshments must be handed in to the Sydney Running Show between 8am – 2pm on Saturday 17 September 2022 ONLY and will be placed at Drink Stations marked by you on each bottle.
Drinks cannot be left outside of these times.
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Can I run headphones / earphones?
While the Sydney Marathon discourages the use of headphones while participating, though we do not impose a ban on wearing headphones on course. The use of headphones can impede an individual’s ability to hear marshals or other course officials. Participants who choose to wear headphones on course do so at their own risk and must pay attention to officials and other participants throughout their event.
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Does the Sydney Marathon event app have live tracking?
Yes, the event app has two types of tracking. Live Tracking, and GPS tracking.
The Sydney Marathon uses Live Tracking technology, and updates based on a particular runner’s location as they pass various split points across the course.
The Half Marathon, 10k Bridge Run, and the 3.5k Family Run do not use the same method as the Sydney Marathon.
For the latter three events, you will need to enable GPS tracking, visit here for more info about how to enable GPS tracking on your device.
The event app will be available to download closer to event week.
Merchandise
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I have already registered; how do I receive a Early Bird singlet?
Singlet availability for 2023 is TBC.
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Where can I purchase Official Event Merchandise?
Official Event Merchandise will be available for purchase online during registration or on the Online Shop. We anticipate official merchandise to be available in June 2023.
Once merchandise is available online, items will be posted until 1 September to Australian address only. If you purchase after this date or if you are an International entrant, you must pick up your merchandise items from the Sydney Running Show.
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If I purchase my Event Merchandise online pre-event, when can I expect it to be delivered?
The stock is expected to be distributed from early September. All orders will be sent via registered post to an Australian address only. To check or update your delivery address, please log in to your account here.
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I have an overseas address; how do I receive my Merchandise?
If you have an address that is not in Australia, your items will need to be collected from the Sydney Running Show.
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Can I exchange my merchandise?
Yes, exchanges can be made at the Sydney Running Show. Please note, exchanges are subject to availability.
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Who can I contact if I have any inquiries about my Event Merchandise?
If you require any assistance or further information about Official Event Merchandise, please submit a Merchandise Enquiry.
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Can I purchase an iTab for the 2023 Sydney Marathon?
Yes. These can be purchased during your registration for $14.95 or through the Online Shop (coming soon) if you did not purchase at the time of registration.
Alternatively, you can add an iTab to your registration through your dashboard. Instructions on how to do this, can be downloaded here.
iTabs wil be posted to your nominated address 6 weeks after the event.
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When should I expect to receive my iTab for the 2023 Sydney Marathon?
The iTab will be posted post-event to the address provided during the registration. To check or update your address, please log in to the Dashboard here. iTabs are dispatched 6 weeks post event and can be expected to arrive by 26 October 2023.
For any further questions, contact info@mysportingtimes.com To order your iTab, please go to your individual result page and click the purple “order your iTab” button on the right-hand side of the page.
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I am an overseas entrant, how will I receive my iTab?
The price of the iTaB includes worldwide shipping. Please ensure your address is entered accurately to ensure the iTab reaches you!
Results
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Why are results based on Gun Time and not Net Time?
The results are based on Gun Time as per the World Athletics rule 165 part 24 (below). The Sydney Marathon is run under these rules because the official results from partaking in the event can be used for selection into International and Olympic events.
However, net times are also provided for participants who would like to know the true (net) time it took for them to run from the start line to the finish line. This is provided for personal use only.
Rule 165, part 24
Transponder System
24. The use of Transponder Timing Systems approved by World Athletics in events held under Rules 230 (races not held completely in the stadium), 240 and 250 is permitted provided that:(a) None of the equipment used at the start, along the course or at the finish line constitutes a significant obstacle or barrier to the progress of an athlete.
(b) The weight of the transponder and its housing carried on the athletes’ uniform, bib or shoe is not significant.
(c) The System is started by the Starter’s gun or synchronised with the start signal.
(d) The System requires no action by an athlete during the competition, at the finish or at any stage in the result processing.
(e) The resolution is 1/10th of a second (i.e. it can separate athletes finishing 1/10th of a second apart). For all races, the time shall be read to 1/10th of a second and recorded to the whole second. All read times not ending in zero shall be converted and recorded to the next longer whole second, e.g. for the Marathon, 2:09:44.3 shall be recorded as 2:09:45.
Note: The official time shall be the time elapsed between the firing of the starting gun and the athlete reaching the finish line.
However, the time elapsed between an athlete crossing the start line and the finish line can be made known to the athlete but will not be considered an official time.
Fundraising
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How much has been raised over the years?
We are delighted to report that the Sydney Marathon has fundraised over $23 million for charitable causes since its inception.
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What is the ‘Run for Free’ Initiative?
Run for Free is a fundraising initiative where if you fundraise $500 for the charity of your choice in the 2023 Sydney Marathon, the cost of your ticket is rebated to you, meaning you’ll run for FREE!
For more information about this initiative, click here
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Who do I contact if I need fundraising support?
Our fundraising partner is Grassrootz. If you have any questions to do with your fundraising page, you can contact them using live chat (if you are logged in) or by emailing support@grassrootz.com.
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How do I claim the Run for Free rebate?
Once you hit $500 on your individual Grassrootz Fundraising Page, you’ll receive an email with a link to claim your Run for Free rebate. Fill out the form linked to that email and the charity you have fundraised for will be notified, and then responsible for rebating the cost of your ticket to you so you can run for free. You will need to claim your rebate by 17 September 2023. If you don’t claim your Run for Free rebate by that date, then the charity that you fundraised for will no longer be responsible for rebating you the cost of your ticket.
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I am a charity organisation, and I would like to submit a charity application/tender to be an official partner of the 2023 Sydney Marathon.
For more information or for an application form please contact info@sydneymarathon.com
Media
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How do I apply for a Media Accreditation for event day?
For information regarding media accreditation, please email info@sydneymarathon.com.
Participant Agreement
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2023 Participant Agreement
To view the 2023 Participant Agreement, click here.