Runners crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge

TCS Sydney Marathon Volunteer Program

Volunteer FAQs

TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We engage over 4,000 volunteers to assist us with various tasks for the Volunteer Program prior to the event at the TCS Sydney Marathon Running Show, presented by ASICS (Event Expo) and on Event Day. It is the invaluable support both in the lead up to, and on the event day, that is a major contributor to the enjoyment of the many participants who register for the event.

For questions regarding volunteering with for the TCS Sydney Marathon and TCS Sydney Marathon Running Show, presented by ASICS, please read through the Frequently Asked Questions outlined below or contact the Volunteer Management Team: volunteers@sydneymarathon.com.

Pre-Event Day

Event Day

Benefits of Volunteering

The volunteer roster is scheduled to open in late May (subject to change). You can register your interest to volunteer at the TCS Sydney Marathon here.
Subscribe to our mailing list to be the first to hear about volunteer registrations opening.
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. Persons under 14 are ineligible to volunteer at the TCS Sydney Marathon. All persons between 14 to 16 years of age must also have an Event Day Supervisor (parent/guardian) to be present on the day; this person is responsible for the under-aged volunteer and must also be registered as a volunteer.
The volunteer roster is scheduled to open in late May (subject to change). When the roster opens, please follow the steps below to choose a shift:

Sign into your Pont3 Volunteer Portal.

Scroll down on the dashboard/homepage and select “Apply Now” for the relevant event (TCS Sydney Marathon / Medical Team / Pre-Event).

“Select” any of the available shifts and “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.
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.
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
The event has an early morning start with shift times starting as early as 3:00am (based on 2024). You will need to consider your start time and how to get to your meeting location when choosing a shift. Please note that extensive road closures will be in place for the event.
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 as we have a large number of roles that need filling.
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 & Volunteer Support will have increased responsibility 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 show your interest and briefly outline your experience in a similar role.
Once you have submitted your application form you should automatically receive a confirmation email stating we have received your form.
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.

Additional information such as transportation to/from your shift, training, key contacts, and more will be shared across August.
Yes, there will be an online briefing/training session held early in 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 a crew member, the training sessions are highly recommended. You will only be required to attend 1 training session. This training session will brief you about the event and your role and also give you the chance to ask any questions you have about the event or the day.

Exact dates and times for information sessions will be communicated with individuals in a shift from late July / early August.

Shift times will be available when choosing your shift. Shift times may be subject to a slight change, however and changes will be communicated with alternative shift options.

Shifts generally start and finish anywhere between 3:00am – 3:00pm.
Your shift length will depend on your location on the course, or the venue and which events pass your location. Shifts are approximately 6-9 hours in duration including set up, pack up, and clean up.
You will need to make your own way to your location. Some locations have parking nearby. Remember that there are many road closures on this day so please keep an eye out on the websites below for updates on transport and road closures relating to the event on Sunday, 31 August 2025. Plan your trip carefully to ensure you arrive on time at the right location. When you receive your shift, you will also receive Public Transport & Parking options.

Please visit www.transportnsw.info and www.livetraffic.com.au for more information.
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 sift. We ask that you wear black comfortable pants or shorts and closed-toed shoes such as joggers.
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 nowhere at the event to store personal belongings, so only bring what is necessary.
No, there is nowhere to store your personal belongings at the event so please only bring what is necessary.
Volunteer registration is open until the day before the TCS Sydney Marathon – Saturday 30th August 2025. All volunteers must register before attending their shift so we can be sure that you are covered by relevant insurance in case of an incident (if applicable).
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.

You will receive an official Certificate of Appreciation and thank you by email after the event. Your event experience will be valuable on a CV. Participants always value the contribution of our wonderful volunteers.
Other than having a great time and meeting new people, all volunteers will receive the following:

A volunteer t-shirt

An event cap

A snack pack

Bottled water

Certificate of Appreciation

Free public transport (TCS Sydney Marathon Running Show and race day)

TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS

More Information

For more information, please visit the TCS Volunteers webpage or email the Volunteer Management team at  volunteers@sydneymarathon.com.

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