The TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS has experienced unprecedented interest in the ballot for the 2026 event, with demand from Australian and international participants reaching record levels.

The extraordinary response highlights Sydney’s growing global appeal and reinforces its reputation as one of the world’s most sought-after marathon experiences. More than 123,000 runners entered the 2026 ballot, representing a 56 per cent increase on 2025, the highest in the event’s history.

The remarkable surge in interest was driven by a significant rise in international applications, reflecting Sydney’s growing global profile since joining the Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM).

The TCS Sydney Marathon has rapidly become one of the fastest-growing marathons in the world, driven by record increases in participants, international demand and spectator engagement on course.

NSW Minister for Sport and Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said: “The TCS Sydney Marathon is now firmly established as one of the great global sporting events, and a source of pride for our state.

"The overwhelming success of our first year as an AbbottWMM confirmed Sydney’s place among the great global sporting cities, with thousands of interstate and international visitors filling our streets, hotels, restaurants and venues.

“The extraordinary growth we’re seeing reflects the power of this event to showcase Sydney on a global stage. Marathon week transforms the city into a festival of sport, culture and community, with images of runners crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge and finishing at the Sydney Opera House broadcast around the world, reminding everyone that Sydney is a spectacular place to visit and an unrivalled host for world-class sporting events.”

The 2026 TCS Sydney Marathon will take place on Sunday, 30 August 2026, with increased capacity targeting 40,000 finishers, reinforcing its reputation as Australia’s largest marathon and the pinnacle distance running event in the Southern Hemisphere.

TCS Sydney Marathon Race Director Wayne Larden said: “2025 was a landmark year for the TCS Sydney Marathon and for Australian sport.

"The city embraced the marathon in spectacular fashion, with record participation, hundreds of thousands of spectators and incredible global attention. In 2026, we’re proud to build on that momentum by expanding capacity toward our goal of 40,000 finishers.

“This year’s ballot attracted unprecedented international interest, with the highest number of entries coming from overseas runners. It’s clear that Sydney has become a true global drawcard, inspiring people from all corners of the world to experience our city and the unmistakable spirit of Australia’s marathon.”

The 2025 event saw a record breaking 32,963 runners cross the finish line from 117 countries, cheered on by hundreds of thousands of spectators along one of the world’s most spectacular courses.

Destination NSW CEO Karen Jones said: “The TCS Sydney Marathon has captured the imagination of runners and spectators from across Australia and around the world, reinforcing Sydney’s reputation as a leading global destination for major sporting events.

"Beyond the race itself, the marathon delivers significant value to the NSW visitor economy, with many interstate and international participants extending their stay to explore our incredible regions - generating strong economic benefits for local communities across the state.”

Over 4000 participants etched their names into history this year, racing their seventh AbbottWMM. The 2026 race provides another opportunity for participants to start their AbbottWMM journey or continue to build their legacy by adding a coveted TCS Sydney Marathon star to their collection.

The TCS Sydney Marathon Candidacy Club continues to reward the loyalty of runners who supported Sydney throughout its journey to becoming an Abbott World Marathon Major.

The program recognises local, interstate and international runners who took part in the 2022, 2023 or 2024 events, offering them guaranteed entry as a thank you for their commitment and belief in Sydney’s marathon during its candidacy years.

It stands as a celebration of the community of runners who helped shape the event’s success and growth on the global stage. With the 2026 ballot now closed, runners can still secure a place on the start line through the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS Official Charity Partner Program, supporting a range of important causes, or via the Official Domestic and International Travel Program, which offers race packages that combine entry with accommodation and travel options.

The TCS Sydney Marathon is supported by the NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. The event is owned by Australian Athletics and managed by Pont3.

Learn more here.