When the Sydney Marathon was officially inducted as the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major in late 2024, the running community knew things would change. But few predicted the sheer scale of the “Sydney Surge” currently taking place. As we look toward the August 30, 2026 race date, the numbers coming out of Australia are nothing short of historic.
The 123,000-Person Lottery: By the Numbers
The ballot for the 2026 TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS officially closed with a record-shattering 123,000 applications. To put that in perspective:
- 56% increase in total applications compared to 2025.
- 75% jump in international interest, with runners applying from 162 different countries.
- 40,000 Finishers: To meet this demand, Race Director Wayne Larden has confirmed the event is scaling up to target 40,000 finishers—nearly doubling the field size from its candidacy years.
A New Home for the Expo: Sydney Olympic Park
In a major logistical shift for 2026, the TCS Sydney Marathon Running Show is moving to the Sydney Showground at Sydney Olympic Park.
- Why the move? The previous venue simply couldn’t handle the “Major-sized” crowds. The new location offers wider walkways and more exhibitor space for the latest running tech.
- The Connection: This move is symbolic. Sydney Olympic Park was the finish line for the 2000 Olympic Marathons. By picking up your bib here, you are literally standing on the ground where the event’s legacy began.
- Travel Tip: In 2026, all registered participants will receive free public transport (trains, light rail, and ferries) to and from the Running Show.
The “Olympic-Grade” Course Upgrades
Sydney hasn’t just grown in size; it has grown in speed. Recent course refinements have transformed it into a world-class PR course:
- The Start: Mirroring the 2000 Olympics, the race begins on Miller Street in North Sydney.
- Removing the “Tight Bits”: Organizers have eliminated the narrow U-turns around Darling Harbour and Pyrmont, replacing them with long, straight stretches on Anzac Parade.
- The Final Kick: Gone is the grueling uphill at Moore Park Road at Mile 22 (35km). Instead, runners enjoy a flatter, faster last 6km push toward the iconic finish at the Sydney Opera House Forecourt.
Missed the Ballot? How to Get In Now
While the general ballot closed in October 2025, your “Seven Star” journey isn’t over. There are three remaining pathways for 2026:
- The Charity Program: Headline partners like Running for Premature Babies and the We Run Foundation still have guaranteed entries for those willing to fundraise.
- Official Travel Partners: Agencies like Marathon Tours & Travel offer packages that include guaranteed entry, though these are selling out at a record pace.
- Seven Rewards: Sign up for the official mailing list; organizers occasionally release small blocks of entries through partner promotions and loyalty rewards.
The Road to the Nine Star Medal
Sydney is currently the “Seventh Star,” but it won’t be the last. With Cape Town and Shanghai currently in the candidacy phase, the Abbott World Marathon Majors is already planning the transition to a Nine Star Medal. Sydney finishers from 2025 and 2026 will be the first to have their results counted toward this future milestone.
