TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS

START GROUP 3
RED ASSEMBLY AREA

START GROUP 3 - RED ASSEMBLY AREA

With a record-breaking 35,000 participants running this year's marathon, it's more important than ever to follow the guidelines we've provided.

If you are in Start Group 3, and are assigned to the Red Assembly Area, this is your start time and location to ensure you're ready to start the 2025 TCS Sydney Marathon.

Start Group	3
Assembly Area	RED
Nearest Train Station	North Sydney Station
Nearest Metro Station	Victoria Cross Station
Arrival Time	6:30am
Enter Start Chute	7:05am
Start Time	From 7:41am*

Start Venue Approach via Public Transport

For all runners in Start Group 3, Red Assembly Area:

Catch the Sydney Metro and disembark at Victoria Cross Station - follow the signage and staff directions to the start venue, which is approximately a 750m (12min) walk away via Denison St and Walker St.
Alternatively, you can also take the train and disembark at North Sydney Station, which is approximately a 1km (18 mins) walk away via Walker St.
Public transport is included for all participants. Make sure your race bib is visible to transport staff when boarding service.

Download Route to Start Area

2621-D Runner Experience Start Venue Approach A4 2025_01 (1).png

Approaching North Sydney Oval

Accessing your Red Assembly Area

See map for the most direct route to your assembly area entry. We strongly encourage you to follow this map and only use the entry route provided.

Access map for Red Assembly Area

2621-D Runner Experience Red Assembly Map A4 2025_04 (1).png

Getting to the Start Line

Recommended Public Transport Options:

Plenty of extra early-morning transport services will be running to get you to the new start venue at North Sydney Oval. Plan ahead using the transportnsw.info 'Trip Planner'.

Please note, public transport is included for all participants as part of an integrated ticketing arrangement with Transport for NSW. Make sure your race bib is visible to transport staff when boarding service.

The nearest train station to the start venue is North Sydney Station. Alight at North Sydney Station and follow the signage and staff directions to the start venue, which is approximately a 1km (18 mins) walk away via Walker St.

You can also connect with Metro services for a faster trip to stations near the start venue (see below “Metro” instructions).
The nearest metro station to the start venue is Victoria Cross Station. Alight at Victoria Cross Station and follow the signage and staff directions to the start venue, which is approximately a 750m (12min) walk away via Denison St and Walker St.

If you’re coming from the city connect with Metro services in the CBD from Central, Gadigal, Martin Place or Barangaroo Metro Stations. Metro services depart every 4 minutes, offering the most efficient route to the start.

If you’re coming from the North change at Chatswood or Epping to join the Metro. From the South or West change at Sydenham or Central to join the Metro. From the East, change at Martin Place to connect with Metro services.
Be aware that due to the event road closures, bus services will be heavily impacted. The closest stops to the start area will be around Crows Nest - change for Metro services to Victoria Cross to get within short walking distance of the start area. Limited buses will make stops along Falcon St near St Leonards Park. Plan ahead using the transportnsw.info 'Trip Planner'.
Catch the Light Rail to Central to connect with Metro services to Victoria Cross or Trains to North Sydney Station. Be aware that L3 Kingsford line services will be affected due to major road closures in the South East and light rail services will not be operating from Kingsford after 6:00am. If you are travelling after this time you will need to catch L2 Randwick line services from Randwick to the city instead.
Please note that we strongly suggest taking public transport on event day due to the amount of road closures in place around North Sydney.

Accessible Drop-Off

If you require assistance due to a disability, an accessible drop off is located in the North Sydney Boys High School car park on Falcon St, North Sydney. Vehicle access to the Accessible Drop Off Entrance will be from the Westbound lane only.

View map

Race Bib Explanation

Start Group 3, Red Assembly Area (Chute Entry A)
Start Group 3, Red Assembly Area (Chute Entry B)

The illustration shows your Start Group (number 3 on the left), your Assembly Area (red indicating this is the Red Assembly Area), your entry chute (where you will enter the start chute from your assembly area) and your bib number (which you can share with friends and family for tracking via the official TCS Sydney Marathon event app).

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

In order 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.

For Start Group 3, Red Assembly Area - you should arrive at 6:30am.

Please avoid arriving too early - this will greatly help our operations on the day and ensure the best start area and start line experience.

Participants in Red Assembly Area will begin to be corralled from 7:05am into their respective chute entry (either Chute A, or Chute B, which is indicated on your race bib).

Please ensure you are in your designated assembly area to avoid delays.

You will have colour coded bibs this year to help identify which start group, assembly area and chute you should enter. An example of this is shown below. Volunteers and staff will assist you.

Please ensure you enter through your allocated chute. For the Red Assembly Area, there are entry chutes A and B. Please refer to your race bib for your entry point and follow instructions and signage into the correct entry point.

STRICTLY NO CHANGES TO YOUR ASSIGNED ASSEMBLY AREA OR CHUTE ENTRY
Participants will only be allowed into their assigned assembly area and entry chute indicated on their race bib.
Start Group 3 will start from at 7:41am.

Announcements and volunteers will assist you entering the start chute from your Red Assembly Area.
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, August 28th to Saturday, August 30th.
NO BAG DROP AT START VENUE
If you wear an old jumper, please put it in one of the collection bins either on your way into the start chute or within the start chute. Jumpers will be collected by volunteers and donated to charity.
THERE WILL BE NO BAGS ACCEPTED AT THE START VENUE.

Important Race Day Information

Additional Suggestions

Stay Informed

Follow the official TCS Sydney Marathon social media channels and Official App for live updates on race day.

Secure your 2026 entry through our Official Travel Partners

Travel with one of our Official Travel Partners to guarantee your entry through specially curated travel packages. These packages are ideal for runners and friends and family, providing a seamless marathon weekend experience. Select a Travel Partner that supports your region.

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