The TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS has unveiled Run Perks, a new program bringing together hospitality, tourism and experience operators across Sydney from Monday 24 August through to Medal Monday on 31 August.
Among the highlights are a $25 lobster sandwich at Aria (pictured main), a race-day party at Jackson’s on George, drink on arrival and DJs all day at Jimmy’s Rooftop, the chance to watch the marathon start from the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and a fitting 42 per cent off the Sydney Big Ticket which includes Madame Tussauds Sydney, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and Sydney Tower Eye.
Now in its second year as an Abbott World Marathon Major (AbbottWMM), the TCS Sydney Marathon will welcome more than 40,000 participants from more than 140 countries on Sunday 30 August.
Run Perks takes the experience beyond the 42.195 kilometre course, inviting runners, supporters, locals and visitors to fuel up, celebrate the finish and explore more of Sydney during event week.
For many participants, especially those flying in from overseas, the TCS Sydney Marathon is their way into the city, a trusted guide to where to eat, shop and explore.
Run Perks makes that easier than ever, using the runner's location to surface the best offers around them as they move through Sydney across race week.
It reflects a growing movement across the AbbottWMM to connect runners and locals with the cities they run in. Participating venues stretch from Circular Quay and The Rocks to Barangaroo, Potts Point, Paddington, Neutral Bay and Mosman, adding another layer of energy to the city throughout the event week.
Almost every offer is open to everyone, with no race bib or finisher’s medal required.
Most can be accessed through the Official Smart Map hosted with the TCS Sydney Marathon event app, and many continue throughout event week to Medal Monday, giving visitors another reason to stay in Sydney and locals another way to be part of the marathon.
Participants can open the map from anywhere on course, with local deals appearing based on their current location.
Minister for Sport and Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said: “The TCS Sydney Marathon brings tens of thousands of visitors to Sydney, creating a significant opportunity to share the benefits of this world-class event with businesses and communities across the city.
“Run Perks means more runners staying longer and spending locally, at our pubs, cafes, restaurants, and tourism operators right across race week. That's a great result for Sydney.
“This is what major events do, bring people together, support local jobs and businesses, and create opportunities that extend well beyond the course and race day to strengthen our visitor economy and showcase the very best of Sydney to the world.”
TCS Sydney Marathon Race Director Wayne Larden said: “Race week belongs to the whole city, and Run Perks is our way of making sure everyone can be part of it, whether you’re running on Sunday, cheering from the sidelines or simply out enjoying Sydney that weekend.
“Crossing the line at the Sydney Opera House is a moment our participants never forget, and Run Perks lets them carry that celebration out into the bars, restaurants and experiences that make this city so special.
"We’re proud to bring so many of Sydney's much loved venues and operators together behind this event. Their support will help create the energy and sense of occasion that defines the world’s great marathons, while making race week feel welcoming, inclusive and unmistakably Sydney.”
Learn more about the Run Perks program here.
The TCS Sydney Marathon is supported by the NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. The event is owned by Athletics Australia and managed by Pont3.
