Question 1

How old do I need to be to volunteer?

Accepted Answer

The minimum age is 14 years old; all persons between the ages of 14 to 16 must have the application form agreed to by their consenting parent/guardian. Unfortunately, persons under 14 are ineligible to volunteer for any position at the TCS Sydney Marathon. Those between the ages of 14 to 16 must also have an event day supervisor (parent/guardian) present on the day. This person is responsible for the underage volunteer and must also be registered as a volunteer themselves.

Question 2

How do I register to be a volunteer?

Accepted Answer

The volunteer roster is OPEN! You can choose your shift here.

Subscribe to our mailing list to be the first to hear about volunteer registrations opening.

Question 3

How do I select a shift?

Accepted Answer

The volunteer roster is open, apply here! Please follow the steps below to choose a shift:

1. Sign into your Pont3 Volunteer Portal account.
2. Scroll down on the dashboard/homepage and select “Apply Now” for the relevant event (TCS Sydney Marathon / Medical Team / Pre-Event).
3. “Select” any of the available shifts and hit “Apply”. For details on each shift, click on the information icon next to the role.

Once your shift is confirmed, it will appear on your dashboard under “Upcoming Shifts”. You can click on each shift for all details such as date and times, responsibilities, meeting point, etc.

Question 4

Can I volunteer at the same location and in the same role as my friend(s) or family member(s)?

Accepted Answer

Of course – groups are encouraged!

Email volunteers@sydneymarathon.com to reserve your preferred group role.

Have friends volunteering? Let us know your volunteering together, and we will help to accommodate.

Question 5

How do I know what location & role for which I will be registering?

Accepted Answer

Follow the links below for event location and role options. You will be able to choose your preferred role/location when you apply to volunteer. We will do our best to allocate accordingly; however, we cannot always guarantee first preferences.

- Pre-event Roles & Responsibilities
- Venue Roles & Responsibilities
- Course Roles & Responsibilities
- Medical Roles & Responsibilities
- Event Services Roles & Responsibilities

Question 6

What should I take into consideration when choosing a location?

Accepted Answer

The event has an early morning start, with shift times starting as early as 3:00am.

You will need to consider your start time and transport to your meeting location when choosing a shift. Please note that extensive road closures will be in place for the event.

Public transport is encouraged and is included as part of joining our volunteer team.

Question 7

Will I get my first preference of location & role?

Accepted Answer

You will be able to choose your preferred role/location when you apply to volunteer. We will do our best to allocate accordingly; however, we cannot always guarantee first preference, as we have a large number of roles that need to be filled.

Question 8

How do I register to be a Team Leader or Volunteer Support?

Accepted Answer

If you have experience working or volunteering at an event (especially running events), we would love to consider you for a team leader/volunteer support role. Team leaders and volunteer support will have increased responsibilities and will guide a team of volunteers on event day.

Please indicate this on your application form and contact the volunteer manager at volunteers@sydneymarathon.com to express your interest and briefly outline your experience in a similar role.

Question 9

How will I know if my shift application form has been received?

Accepted Answer

Once you have submitted your application form, you should automatically receive a confirmation email stating that we have received your application.

Question 10

When will I receive the final details for the day?

Accepted Answer

Shift details, such as meeting location and shift time, will be available when choosing your shift. Please note that details may be subject to slight changes. Any changes to your shift details will be communicated as soon as possible.

Additional information such as transportation to/from your shift, training, key contacts, and more will be shared in August.

Question 11

Do you have to have any training for this event?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there will be an online briefing/training session held in early- to mid-August. If you are placed in a role as a volunteer support or team leader, the training session is mandatory. If your role is as a crew member, the training sessions are highly recommended. You will only be required to attend 1 training session (unless you are volunteering both at Expo and on event day). This training session will brief you on the event, your role and also give you the chance to ask any questions you may have.

Exact dates and times for information sessions will be communicated when you sign up for your shift.

Question 12

What time will my volunteer shift start?

Accepted Answer

Shift times will be available when choosing your shift. Shift times may be subject to a slight change before event day, but any changes will be communicated with alternate shift options.

Shifts generally start and finish anywhere between 3:00am – 4:00pm.

Question 13

How long will my shift be?

Accepted Answer

Your shift length will depend on your location on the course or in a venue. Shifts are approximately 6-9 hours in duration, including set up, pack down, and clean up. Lunch packs are provided to all shifts over 6.5 hours.

Question 14

How do I get to site?

Accepted Answer

You will need to make your own way to your volunteer location. Some areas will have parking nearby, but remember that there are extensive road closures on event day. Please check the websites below for updates on transport and road closures, and plan your trip carefully to ensure you arrive on time at the right location. The use of public transport is free for our volunteers.

More information on public transport and parking options will be available in August.

Please visit www.transportnsw.info and www.livetraffic.com.au for more information.

Question 15

What should I wear on the day?

Accepted Answer

You will be given a volunteer t-shirt and a cap to wear - you will need to collect these from your volunteer support/team leader on arrival at your volunteer site. We ask that you wear comfortable black pants or shorts and closed-toed shoes such as joggers.

Question 16

What food/refreshments will be provided on the day and what should I bring with me?

Accepted Answer

A snack pack will be provided to all volunteers, so ensure you collect this from your volunteer support/team leader on the day. Feel free to bring additional food and drink, but remember that there is no storage for personal belongings, so only bring what is necessary.

Question 17

Is there anywhere to store personal belongings?

Accepted Answer

No, there is nowhere to store your personal belongings at the event so please only bring what is necessary.

Question 18

What is the cut-off date for volunteer registration?

Accepted Answer

Volunteer registration is open until the day before the TCS Sydney Marathon – Saturday 29th August 2026 (or until all shifts are filled). All volunteers must register before attending their shift so we can ensure you are covered by relevant insurance in case of an incident (if applicable).

Question 19

Will I have other volunteers working with me?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you will have other volunteers working with you. The only time you might be by yourself is if another volunteer is taking a short meal break or if you are a course marshal.

Question 20

What recognition will I receive?

Accepted Answer

In addition to the gratitude of 40,000+ participants, you will receive an official Certificate of Appreciation so you can add your event experience to your CV.

Question 21

What do I get for volunteering?

Accepted Answer

Other than having a great time and meeting new people, all volunteers will receive the following:

- Receive an event cap
- Receive an exclusive volunteer t-shirt
- Receive an exclusive volunteer Jacket (event day volunteers only)
- Receive a limited edition volunteer pin
- Receive a snack pack
- Receive a lunch pack (Shifts over 6.5 hours)
- Receive a Certificate of Appreciation for volunteering
- Public transport included (for volunteer shifts from Thursday to Sunday)

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