Question 1

When is the 2026 TCS Sydney Marathon?

Accepted Answer

The 2026 TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS will be held on Sunday, 30 August 2026.

The 2026 TCS Sydney Mini Marathon will take place on Saturday, 29 August.

Question 2

How are entries selected for the Sydney Marathon?

Accepted Answer

The TCS Sydney Marathon uses a ballot system for general public entry.

Question 3

If I am successful in the ballot, does that mean my entry is confirmed?

Accepted Answer

If successful, your bank card was charged the relevant registration fee (AUD $280 for Australian & New Zealand residents, AUD $330 for internationals, plus any optional donations) on 29 October 2025, with a confirmation email following.

Question 4

If I was unsuccessful, is there any other way I can run in 2026?

Accepted Answer

All unsuccessful applicants were provided other options on how they can enter the 2026 TCS Sydney Marathon through our Travel and Charity Programs.

Question 5

I can't find my confirmation email but my card has been charged.

Accepted Answer

Please check your junk/spam folders, then contact us by clicking here to locate your registration. Please ensure you provide the name and email you registered with.

Question 6

How can I register as an athlete with a disability?

Accepted Answer

More information on registering as a duo team, a wheelchair athlete, or requesting a guide runner can be found here.

Question 7

Can I still apply for the High Performance Program?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, applications for the High Performance Program have closed.

Question 8

Why didn't I get into the High Performance Program?

Accepted Answer

We appreciate your disappointment, but please note all decisions are final and cannot be reviewed, appealed, or altered.

We had an extremely limited number of spots available, and a high number of applicants. We hope that we can accommodate more runners in the future.

Question 9

I deferred my 2025 entry, when will I get notified about my deferral?

Accepted Answer

Our team emailed all deferrals in November 2025 with instructions on claiming their entries for 2026. At this stage, the window to claim your entry for 2026 is closed. We will be in touch with information on claiming for 2027 after this year's event.

If you have a deferral, please do not enter the 2027 ballot, as we will not be able to provide a refund if you are charged an entry fee, and you will forfeit your deferral.

Question 10

When can I apply for the 10km and Mini Marathon?

Accepted Answer

Registration for the Mini Marathon is open now. You can register for the Mini here.

As the event continues to evolve as an Abbott World Marathon Major, the TCS Sydney Marathon 10km will not feature in the 2026 program.

Question 11

How can I enter to be a pacer?

Accepted Answer

At this stage, pacer applications have closed for the 2026 event.

Question 12

What pace times are available?

Accepted Answer

In 2026, the TCS Sydney Marathon will offer pacers for the following times: 2:30, 2:35, 2:40, 2:45, 2:50, 2:55, 3:00, 3:05, 3:10, 3:15, 3:20, 3:25, 3:30, 3:35, 3:40, 3:45, 3:50, 3:55, 4:00, 4:10, 4:15, 4:20, 4:30, 4:40, 4:45, 4:50, 5:00, 5:15, 5:30, 5:45, 6:00, 6:15, 6:30, 6:45, 7:00 + sweeper.

Question 13

2026 Participant Agreement

Accepted Answer

The participant agreement for the 2026 TCS Sydney Marathon can be found here.

Question 14

Can I transfer my entry to someone else if I can't attend?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, all entries are non-refundable and non-transferrable (including name transfers, general deferrals to 2027 or downgrades to a shorter distance), per the event terms and conditions.

Question 15

Can someone else run in my name if I can't make it on the day?

Accepted Answer

Name transfers are strictly prohibited. Any participant running under someone else's name will be disqualified and banned from future events.

Question 16

Can I defer my entry?

Accepted Answer

Deferrals are only offered to expectant parents under the Pregnancy and Postpartum Policy and active service members in the Australian Defence Force under the Defence Force Policy.

Question 17

Can I update my estimated finishing time?

Accepted Answer

We reached out to all participants to update their estimated finishing time in June. At this time, no further changes can be made. Start group allocation will be available in mid-August.

Question 18

How is my finish time calculated?

Accepted Answer

The TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS is run under World Athletics rules and regulations.

Elite, Australian Championships and the High Performance Program wave will all use GUN time, with placing calculated based on GUN time.

High Performance Program seeded athletes* and all other mass participants will use NET time, with placing calculated based on NET time.

Age group awards for first-, second- and third-place finishers in each category will be calculated based on NET time.

Gun time - timed from the starter's gun.

Net time - timed from when the athlete crosses the start line.

*This is for High Performance Program athletes who don't start in the HPP wave but are starting with the general start groups.

Question 19

What are the course cut-off and redirection points?

Accepted Answer

The TCS Sydney Marathon has a course time limit of seven hours from the closure of the start line at 8:40am. Anyone who does not cross the finish line by 3:40pm* will receive a DNF as their official result.

Anyone who does not meet the intermediary course cut-offs will either be redirected (at redirection points) or will be loaded onto the sweeper bus and transported to the finish line following the final athletes. All redirected or swept athletes will receive a DNF as their official result, but redirected athletes will still be able to cross the finish line.

You can find more information on cut-off and redirection points here.

Question 20

I need to apply for a visa to Australia, can I get a support letter?

Accepted Answer

Please contact us here. Please note that entry into the 2026 TCS Sydney Marathon is not enough to satisfy the Australian government's requirements for entry into the country.

Question 21

Do you work with an official partner that offers hotels at special rates for participants?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can book your hotel with Marathon Tours & Travel to access special rates and great value at various hotels in central locations around Sydney. Book your hotel stay here.

Question 22

Where should I stay during Event Weekend?

Accepted Answer

Staying in central Sydney will keep you close to everything you need for race weekend. The Official Hotel Stays program by Marathon Tours & Travel offers participants and their supporters access to Sydney hotels at discounted rates at a wide range of properties. Book your hotel stay here.

Question 23

How do I collect my bib?

Accepted Answer

All TCS Sydney Marathon participants must collect their race bib in person at the TCS Sydney Marathon Running Show during the designated opening hours from 27 to 29 August. Participants will be required to show a valid government ID to collect their bib.

Participants in the Mini Marathon are not required to show ID, and bibs may be collected by friends or family. If someone is collecting on your behalf, please ensure that they have a copy of your bib collection email.

To make your experience as enjoyable as possible, we're asking you to book your preferred bib collection time here. Not only can you skip the crowds by attending during quiet hours, you'll also help us staff appropriately to keep everything running smoothly for an expected 85,000 crowd of participants, family and friends, and the general public across the three days.

Sticking to the time you've chosen is not compulsory. Plans change, we get it! You can cancel and rebook a new time slot - there's no need to let us know.

Question 24

Where do I need to wear my bib on race day?

Accepted Answer

To ensure an accurate time, please make sure that your race number is: Clearly visible on the front of your torso at all times. Unaltered and unmodified (do not fold, wrinkle, or iron). Pinned in all four corners (do not pierce the chip). Not covered by a jacket, running belt, water bottle, or any other item.

Question 25

Can I arrive earlier than the advised arrival time?

Accepted Answer

Please avoid arriving too early - this will greatly help our operations on the day and ensure the best start area and start line experience for you and your fellow runners. Please note that participants who arrive early to their assembly area will not be permitted access until the advertised time.

Question 26

Can I change my start group?

Accepted Answer

There are strictly no changes to start groups. Participants will only be allowed into their assigned colour assembly area and entry chute as indicated on their race bib.Announcements and volunteers will assist you in entering the start chute from your assembly area.

Question 27

Is there bag drop at the start?

Accepted Answer

Please note there is no bag drop at this year's start venue. If you need to drop your post-race items, please do so at the TCS Sydney Marathon Running Show presented by ASICS from Thursday, 27 August to Saturday, 29 August 29. NO BAGS WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THE START VENUE.  If you wear old clothing, please put it directly into the clothing truck or one of the collection bins either on your way into the start chute or within the start chute. ALL Clothing will be collected by volunteers and donated to the St Vincent de Paul Society and Red Nose Australia.

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