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Bucket List / Fitness Goals / Complete The World Marathon Majors

Sydney Marathon

Still to do

Run across the Sydney Harbour Bridge and finish beside the Opera House, in the newest of the World Marathon Majors.

Sydney Marathon
Photo: Grahame Edwards – a staff member of the City of Sydney Council, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The adventure

The Sydney Marathon has one of the most spectacular settings in running. It begins in North Sydney and sends you straight onto the Sydney Harbour Bridge, with the whole harbour spread out on either side and the roads closed to traffic. From there the course winds through the city and along the waterfront, with plenty of chances to see the skyline from new angles.

The final stretch takes you towards the Opera House, its white sails growing larger as the crowds build. Crossing the line at the edge of the harbour, after travelling halfway around the world, is a fitting reward. Since joining the majors in 2025 the race has grown fast, and its late-winter date means cool, often sunny mornings that are ideal for running.

Why it’s epic

  • Sydney became the seventh World Marathon Major in 2025.
  • The race grew out of the Sydney 2000 Olympics, with the first edition held in 2001.
  • The start sends runners straight across the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
  • The finish line sits right next to the Sydney Opera House.

What it is

Sydney became the seventh World Marathon Major in 2025. The course crosses the Sydney Harbour Bridge and finishes by the Opera House.

How to do it

Enter the ballot or take a charity or tour operator place.

Top tip

It would also tick off Oceania for my marathon on every continent.

Need to know

  • Ballot entry has become very competitive since the race became a major, so look at charity and tour operator places too.
  • UK visitors need an eVisitor or ETA visa before travelling to Australia.
  • The time difference with the UK is around nine hours in late August and September, so arrive early to beat jet lag.

Plan this trip

Rough cost
£2,000 to £5,000 per person, including flights from the UK
Time needed
A week including travel
Best time to go
Late August or September
Fly into
SYD airport

Long-haul flights to Australia are the biggest cost, with harbourside hotels adding more.

Make it happen

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Why it’s on my list

Not done yet. If you’ve done it and have tips, tell me about it.

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