How to register and participate in the Sydney Marathon?

After 3 years of hard work by the organizers, course modifications, and event organization improvements, the marathon finally earns its golden letters! The TCS Sydney Marathon proudly stands as one of the elite marathons worldwide, a prestigious title that now makes it an internationally renowned event.

Why the TCS Sydney Marathon as the 7th World Major? What makes it so special? It is the first marathon in the southern hemisphere to join this very exclusive group 👑, set to attract crowds on a fast course through the major landmarks of the city! 🥳

Too many entries and not enough bibs for the World Majors?

For several years now, there has been a surge in registration requests for the World Marathon Majors 🏅, resulting in a shortage of bibs each year. The TCS Sydney Marathon is no exception! 🤓 However, the organizers are now experienced and have adopted the same ticketing model as other World Majors 🗓️. So it's still possible to try and secure that coveted spot at the starting line, and we'll explain everything you need to know to register and finally get that sought-after bib! 🤩

1/ The lottery: could this be your lucky day? 🎯

It's time to tell yourself "this time, it's the one"! ✨ Yes indeed, after the announcement of its inclusion in the World Majors circuit for 2025, registrations were swamped! 🤯 The organizers, like their predecessors, have created a lottery system that allows runners from around the world to try their luck for a spot 🎫. Lottery registrations open early December and close at the end of the month 🗓️. But how does it actually work? You just need to register online and hope for a stroke of luck! 🤞 If you're among the lucky ones, a notification 🔔 will reach you a few weeks later confirming that you'll be at the start, ready to explore the beautiful streets of Sydney ! 🌏 Certainly, the lottery is a game of chance, but the odds are encouraging: about 10% of entrants manage to secure their prized bib each year 🤯. Given the tremendous popularity of this event, that's an impressive number of runners, so why not you? 🫵 This system guarantees everyone a genuine opportunity and puts all participants on equal footing 🙌. As they say, "nothing ventured, nothing gained" 😈, so, what are you waiting for to try your luck? 🍀 Hurry and register on the official marathon website.



Photo Credit: TCS Sydney Marathon

2/ Charity Programs: "Run For Charity" 💰

This option is perfect for runners with a big heart who want to support a charity of their choice 🎗️. It's quite easy to get a bib through this program 😉. By choosing to support a charitable organization based in Australia or internationally partnered with the event, you'll easily find yourself at the starting line 🚩. You are free to choose the cause you will support by creating a fundraiser directly on the TCS Sydney Marathon website. You'll need to commit to raising a minimum amount of donations that will go entirely to the organization 🪙. This amount may vary, but it often hovers around $2,400. This way of registering is ideal as it reinforces the spirit of solidarity and allows organizations to advance research or improve actions helping those in need 🤗.

Photo Credit: TCS Sydney Marathon

3/ Sports Travel Agencies: Less Hassle, More Fun 😮‍💨

If you want to skip the lottery 🥵, this alternative might catch your interest! Designed for marathon enthusiasts 🏃‍♂️ and globe-trotters 🛬 who love to arrive and enjoy perfectly organized trips, all-inclusive packages are highly sought after. While they may be more expensive than organizing your trip independently 💲, travel agencies working with the event offer a comprehensive package: bib, accommodation, and sometimes even flight. It is probably the simplest and least stressful option, but you must book well in advance as they sell out quickly! 🥐 Be sure to go through an official agency to avoid ending up with a generic bib 😆. The official organization site for the TCS Sydney Marathon even offers departures from several countries! 📍 So, you just need to mark your calendar 😝.

But is there a 100% sure method? 🤔

Unfortunately, we don't have a magic formula up our sleeve! 🤷‍♀️ Each option has its perks: the lottery for the lucky ones 🍀, the Run For Charity program for big-hearted runners 💓, and the tour operators for marathoners seeking peace of mind and vacation vibes 🧳. Finding your bib is a bit like finding Nemo in the ocean... But with a little persistence, you'll get there! 🐠 We've heard whispers that you should head to P.Sherman 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney... 🤫 Anyway, what is certain is that once you cross the finish line in front of the Sydney Opera House 🏁, you will know every effort, every training, and every step to secure that coveted bib was worth it! 💪

So, now that you know everything, go ahead and take your chance to join the TCS Sydney Marathon! 😉