Sydney Marathon
Sydney, Australia · Late August / early September
The hilliest of the seven majors: a punchy, rolling course over the Harbour Bridge with a spectacular Opera House finish. Treat it like a hard-effort course — chase the experience and the Seven Star medal, not a PR.
Course
Elevation gain
310 m
Net elevation
-83 m
Finishers
~33,000
Month
August
Late August / early September
Race-day weather
Median start temp
16°C
Historical range
13–23°C
Hot-year risk
Moderate
Southern-hemisphere winter, but Sydney runs mild: ~16°C starts are typical and low-20s years happen — warmer than any other Major.
Getting in
Lottery. Newest World Marathon Major (2025) — demand and lottery pressure are climbing fast. Official site ↗
Pacing plans for Sydney Marathon
Course-adjusted splits for every common goal — not flat even splits, but pacing that matches where this course is fast and where it bites.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sydney Marathon a fast course?
It is not considered a PR course. The course drops 83 m from start to finish with 310 m of climbing along the way. We rate it 5/10 for PR potential.
What is the weather usually like at the Sydney Marathon?
The median start-line temperature is around 16°C, with a historical range of roughly 13–23°C. Southern-hemisphere winter, but Sydney runs mild: ~16°C starts are typical and low-20s years happen — warmer than any other Major.
How do you get into the Sydney Marathon?
Lottery. Newest World Marathon Major (2025) — demand and lottery pressure are climbing fast.
Is the Sydney Marathon a Boston qualifier?
Yes — the Sydney Marathon is a certified course accepted by the B.A.A. for Boston qualifying times.