TCS Sydney Marathon Volunteer Program
Volunteer with us
Volunteer with us
Why you should volunteer with us!
We engage over 4,500 volunteers to assist us with various tasks for the Volunteer Program both in the lead up to, and on the event day. Volunteering is a major contributor to the enjoyment of the many participants who register for the event and this is your chance to be involved!
Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and meet like-minded people. Be part of the team for the very first Abbott World Marathon Major in Australia - the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS - on an Abbott World Marathon Major! Get involved on Sunday, August 30th 2026.
Registrations for 2026 will be opening next year, and more information on how to get involved is coming soon. Stay tuned!
Types of Volunteer Roles
Is volunteer experience required to apply?
No experience is required for most roles – just positive energy, a friendly attitude, and willingness to work within a team and take directions from other volunteers, team leaders, and supervisors.
What are the perks?
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Receive a free hat
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Receive a free t-shirt
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Receive refreshments during your shift
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Earn volunteer points for every shift and climb the Pont3 Volunteer Leaderboard!
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Be part of the success of the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major - the TCS Sydney Marathon!
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Meet like-minded people and make new friends
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Learn new skills in a supportive environment
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Receive a Certificate of Appreciation for volunteering
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Want to run the TCS Sydney Marathon in 2026?
To show our appreciation of the wonderful TCS Sydney Marathon Volunteers, every race day volunteer will be eligible for an entry into an exclusive TCS Sydney Marathon Volunteer Ballot (terms and conditions apply).
Exclusive TCS Sydney Marathon Volunteer Ballot Terms & Conditions
Anyone who completes a volunteer shift at the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS on Sunday, 31 August 2025 will be eligible for an entry into an exclusive ballot into the 2026 TCS Sydney Marathon (marathon distance). Entries are non-refundable and non-transferrable – only the person who volunteers is eligible for the entry into the ballot. Details to enter the ballot will be shared after the 2025 TCS Sydney Marathon – entries will only be valid in line with these Terms & Conditions and the entrant must agree to the 2026 TCS Sydney Marathon Participant Agreement. Please note - an entry into the ballot does not guarantee an entry to participate in the event. Should you be successful in the ballot, you must still pay the applicable registration fee to secure your position. Over 18s only.
What was the highlight of your 2025 TCS Sydney Marathon run?
"Crossing the finish line of my first ever marathon was unforgettable. It felt like a dream come true after months of training and preparation. The cheers from the crowd and the feeling of finally achieving something I once thought was impossible made it an emotional and proud moment."
How has volunteering helped your prepare to run?
"Volunteering gave me a new understanding of just how much goes into race day and how everything comes together on the day. I’ve always appreciated the role volunteers play but this really reinforced for me how vital they are to how the day goes, from their supportive smiles on the course to help and guidance at the start and finish!"
Do you have any advice for volunteers thinking about entering the 2026 Volunteer Ballot?
"Absolutely go for it! Volunteering is such an inspiring experience, and you might surprise yourself with what you can achieve."
Do you plan on volunteering again now that you've participated in the event?
"Yes, I would love to volunteer again. The energy on race day is amazing, and it’s so rewarding to give back and support others chasing their marathon goals - just like volunteers once supported me."
What was the highlight of your 2025 TCS Sydney Marathon run?
"Completing my first marathon — Sydney’s first year as a World Marathon Major, in one of my favourite cities I’ve learned to call home. Feeling the genuine support of my fellow Pont3 volunteers — the very reason I was inspired to be on this journey."
How has volunteering helped your prepare to run?
"The spirit of volunteering gave me confidence; I knew that whatever happened out there, a vollie would be ready to help — cheering, offering support, or simply reminding me that I wasn’t doing it alone. The community made me feel safe, and it’s something I carried with me throughout the marathon."
Do you have any advice for volunteers thinking about entering the 2026 Volunteer Ballot?
"If you feel it in your heart to do it, go for it. The journey will challenge you, but it will also reward you in ways you can’t imagine. The vollie team will always feel like family, cheering you on every step of the way. And if you want to stay inspired, run for a cause close to your heart. It’s an incredible way to grow, while also giving back."
Do you plan on volunteering again now that you've participated in the event?
"100%. Volunteering will always have a special place in my heart. Every time I’m out there, I learn something new — about teamwork, about people, and about myself. It’s humbling to meet so many diverse individuals, all united by a single purpose: to make the event safe and memorable for everyone.
What was the highlight of your 2025 TCS Sydney Marathon run?
"Despite having an MCL injury, I’m incredibly proud of myself for standing at the start line. That moment alone was a victory — it reminded me how much determination matters."
How has volunteering helped your prepare to run?
"Through volunteering, I met many experienced runners and learned a lot from their marathon preparation and race-day strategies. Their insights gave me confidence and helped me approach my own race with a better mindset."
Do you have any advice for volunteers thinking about entering the 2026 Volunteer Ballot?
"Take full advantage of your second chance in the volunteer ballot! Volunteering is a rewarding way to be part of the marathon community before you even start running."
Do you plan on volunteering again now that you've participated in the event?
"Absolutely! If I’m not lucky enough to be selected to run the 2026 Sydney Marathon, I’ll definitely volunteer again on race day. It’s such a meaningful way to stay involved and support other runners on their big day."
What was the highlight of your 2025 TCS Sydney Marathon run?
"Crossing the Harbour Bridge and realising, “Hang on… I’m actually doing this.”
Then hearing the crowd near the finish that mix of chaos, cheers, and pure energy that was unreal. Felt like I was in a movie for a moment there."
How has volunteering helped your prepare to run?
"Volunteering gave me the best behind the scenes education you could ask for.
You see every part of the race the nerves, the smiles, the cramps, the triumphs.
It taught me patience, pacing, and that every cheer really does matter (so I made sure to return the favour this year)."
Do you have any advice for volunteers thinking about entering the 2026 Volunteer Ballot?
" Do it. You’ve already got the insider knowledge now you just need the shoes.
You’ll go from handing out cups to chasing them down yourself, and trust me, that feeling of running the same course you once helped others through? Top tier."
Do you plan on volunteering again now that you've participated in the event?
"Absolutely. It’s too good not to. There’s something about giving back to the event that gave you so much plus, I reckon I owe a few high-fives and cheers to the next lot of runners!"
From Giving Back to Going the Distance: Meet the volunteers who became 2025 TCS Sydney Marathon finishers!
How do I get involved
Subscribe below to stay tuned to the latest information.
If you are a group/club member or a charity/business (minimum ten people) who would like to volunteer together as a group, please email us for more information.
If you have any questions, check out our FAQs page or email our team:
volunteers@sydneymarathon.com
Check out our other General Volunteer Roles! Or, if you have experience in the medical field, check out our Medical Volunteer Roles!
What type of roles are available?
There are a number of pre-event roles supporting elite athletes from Monday 11th September up until event day, as well as a large array of positions available during the Sydney Marathon Running Show (Thursday 14th September 2023 to Saturday 16th September 2023) and the Sydney Marathon event day (Sunday 17th September 2023).
Volunteer Role Breakdown
Are you interested in volunteering but unsure about what role you want to fill at the event? Check out our Pre-Event, Running Show, Venue, and Course Volunteer positions here!
Volunteer Role Breakdown
Are you interested in volunteering but unsure about what role you want to fill at the event? Check out our Pre-Event, Running Show, Venue, and Course Volunteer positions here!
Volunteer With us
How do I get involved
Subscribe below to stay tuned to the latest information.
If you are a group/club member or a charity/business (minimum ten people) who would like to volunteer together as a group, please email us for more information.
If you have any questions, check out our FAQs page or email our team:
volunteers@sydneymarathon.com
Not ready to create an account? Subscribe to our mailing list!
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.
Secure your 2026 entry by running for a purpose with our Charity Partners
Missed out on Ballot? Run for purpose with our headline charities; Running for Premature Babies and We Run Foundation, or choose from our Official Charity Partners.
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