TCS SYDNEY MARATHON DOUBLES HIGH PERFORMANCE PROGRAM POWERED BY PORSCHE FOR 2027

1,200 guaranteed places on offer as the program expands following a landmark 2026 

 (Sydney, 11 September 2026) The TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS has today announced the return of the High Performance Program powered by Porsche for 2027, doubling in size to offer 1,200 guaranteed places to sub-elite marathon runners from around the world. 

The expansion follows a landmark 2026 event, in which 600 athletes aged between 20 and 83 and representing 56 countries were selected to race in the program. Its success has further cemented the TCS Sydney Marathon's position as Australia's largest marathon and one of the most sought-after races on the global calendar. 

Demand for the High Performance Program has been remarkable, with applications for 2026 growing from 299 in 2025 to more than 6,300, an increase of more than 2,000 per cent. Doubling the number of guaranteed places for 2027 is a direct response to that appetite, opening the door to more of the world's best sub-elite runners than ever before. 

For 2027 the program will be delivered across two groups. The fastest 600 applicants will form the High Performance Program Sub-Elite Program, with the next 600 forming the High Performance Program Good for Age Program. 

TCS Sydney Marathon Race Director, Wayne Larden said the expansion reflected both the success of the program and the event's ambition for its sub-elite community. 

"There is a whole tier of runners who train and perform at an extraordinary level, often while balancing demanding careers and lives away from the sport, and we think they deserve a world class experience," said Larden. "We want Sydney to be the destination of choice for the world's best sub-elite athletes, and offering 1,200 guaranteed places across both our Sub-Elite and Good for Age programs means more runners than ever can experience what makes this event so special alongside the world's greatest athletes and the great masses of general participants who are out there doing their thing and challenging themselves to complete the marathon often for incredible causes or personal improvement, health and general satisfaction of achieving something great themselves. 

Athletes selected into the High Performance Program will receive a guaranteed entry to the 2027 TCS Sydney Marathon, an invitation to a dedicated High Performance Program Shake Out Run during event week, and exclusive communications in the lead-up to race day from TCS Sydney Marathon Elite Athlete Program Manager and two-time Olympian Ben St Lawrence. 

The program is designed to recognise the dedication of athletes competing at the highest level outside professional sport, giving sub-elite runners a level of support usually reserved for the professional field. 

"Having raced at the highest level, I know the difference it makes to arrive at a start line feeling looked after and ready to perform," said St Lawrence. "That is what we’ve built here. From the way athletes are welcomed to the detail we put into their race-day preparation, everything is designed to help sub-elite runners run the race of their lives in Sydney." 

Applications for the 2027 High Performance Program open at 12:00pm AEST on Monday 14 September and close at 5:00pm AEST on Friday 18 September. Meeting a qualifying standard does not guarantee entry. All applications will be assessed together, with the fastest male, female and non-binary athletes who hold validated qualifying times offered places until they are exhausted. 

Applicants are also encouraged to enter the general ballot, which opens at 10:00am AEST on Tuesday 29 September and closes at 10:00am AEDT on Monday 19 October. Anyone unsuccessful in the High Performance Program will remain in the general ballot, with all outcomes confirmed in early November. 

The TCS Sydney Marathon is supported by the NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. The event is owned by Australian Athletics and managed by Pont3. 

For more information and to review full qualifying standards please visit: tcssydneymarathon.com/high-performance-program