A record 40,000 runners and wheelchair athletes from more than 140 countries will join the starting line at the TCS Sydney Marathon on 30 August 2026.

The largest marathon in Australia and only Abbott World Marathon Major (AWMM) event in the Southern Hemisphere has delivered strong results for the NSW visitor economy.

Initially estimated to inject $300 million into the state’s visitor economy over a decade, the TCS Sydney Marathon generated more than $100 million during its first year as a Major. The event is expected to surpass that figure in its second year.

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 surge in interest was driven by a significant rise in international applications, reflecting Sydney’s growing global profile since joining the AWMM.

Minister for Sport and Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said: “The Sydney Marathon draws thousands of participants and supporters, including the world’s elite professional athletes, from across the country and the world, and the benefit of this to the local economy is enormous.

“Sydney Marathon doesn’t just fill the city’s streets – it fills our hotels and cafes, our restaurants, bars, pubs and clubs, supporting thousands of businesses and jobs across the visitor economy.

“The 2025 event alone generated more than $100 million in visitor expenditure, highlighting the significant economic value the marathon delivers for the state.

“In its second year as an Abbott World Marathon Major, it showcases Sydney as a truly global city and one of the greatest stages on earth for major international events, placing it amongst the most iconic marathons cities of the world.”

This year’s event has expanded to include an entertainment and cultural program, with free events and live music bringing the city together to celebrate.

On Friday 28 August, the TCS Sydney Marathon's opening ceremony will be held at the Sydney Opera House Forecourt, giving fans their first look at the world's top elite athletes, led by the reigning world champions in both the women's and men's marathon, alongside one of the strongest Australian fields the event has seen.

On race day, the course will become a festival, with two music stages bringing free, all-ages live entertainment to the route.

The SCG Stage at Driver Avenue and a second stage at Mrs Macquarie's Chair will deliver vibrant locations for public can pick their spot, settle in and soak up a celebration only Sydney can deliver.

Sydney Marathon a winner for accommodation hotels

Accommodation Australia NSW said occupancy rates for the 2026 TCS Sydney Marathon weekend were fast approaching a ‘personal best’ for Sydney’s hotels.

Forward bookings figures provided by CoStar Group show predicted occupancy in the Sydney CBD at 87.2 per cent, just behind the record breaking 92.8 per cent at this time last year, with a few days to go.

Accommodation Australia NSW General Manager Stacey McBride said: “The race will bring an estimated $120 million into the visitor economy and now that it is a World Major it seems to be growing every year.

“The Sydney Marathon course is one of the most beautiful in the world. It will be an experience few runners forget and one they will hopefully want to repeat again and again.

“The event brings a global spotlight with a broadcast audience of more than 20 million viewers, which will not only bring visitors to Sydney but the rest of NSW as well.”

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.