Marathoners, it’s time to tighten your laces and ready your race packs, because the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS is making a comeback in 2026. Named one of the world’s seven most prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors in 2025, this iconic event is not to be missed, especially if you’re on a historic journey to collect a medal from every race.
What’s more, you’ll also get to pace along elite runners at the TCS Sydney Marathon. Beyond a race that sets the adrenaline pumping, the event is a celebration of community spirit and endurance, with passionate participants from all over the world making their way to Sydney annually in hopes of making history for themselves.
For first-timers, the buzz from the crowds cheering you on from the sidelines is said to be an unbeatable feeling. Whether it’s your friends, family, or even strangers who you may connect with to take you to the finish line, the TCS Sydney Marathon is said to be the race of a lifetime that will ignite the energy in you to hit your personal best.
What is the route for the 2026 TCS Sydney Marathon?
On top of its prestigious status, the TCS Sydney Marathon has long been praised for the breathtaking views that accompany runners throughout the course. With some of the most iconic landmarks being the stars of the event, it’s no wonder that many participants call this one the most scenic course you can run.
For starters, participants will gun off from the historical starting line of the Sydney 2000 Olympics Marathons before crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge for the 2nd and 3rd kilometres of the run. This is swiftly followed by spectator zones across the Sydney CBD area, where runners can find plenty of encouragement to complete the TCS Sydney Marathon within the cut-off time. To help keep the energy up, the course also features a variety of fun sites, such as the party zone right by Taylor Square.
Before long, participants will loop through the stunning Centennial Park and through to Hyde Park, where the rise of the Art Gallery Road awaits. For many, this is the perfect chance to push themselves further and harder while taking in the unbeatable views of Sydney in a running event they’ll never forget.
However, it’s perhaps the views at the end of the TCS Sydney Marathon that many runners will look forward to – and it’s not just because they would have completed one of the most beautiful runs in the world. Instead, runners will make their way downhill for the last kilometre of Macquarie St. and find themselves rewarded with the majestic views of the Sydney Opera House, where the finishing line awaits. With a 7-hour cut-off time to complete the full 42.195 distance, runners will have plenty of opportunities throughout the course to find the rhythm that works best as they make their way to the end.
Through years of hosting and learning, the course for the 2026 TCS Sydney Marathon sees a more streamlined route with tight sections removed and fewer U-turns are needed to create a better running experience. So, whether you’re chasing a faster time goal or simply want to chart an unforgettable course in your running history, the course for the 2026 TCS Sydney Marathon is set to drive you there.
How do I sign up to be a part of the iconic TCS Sydney Marathon?
Thanks to the roaring popularity of the TCS Sydney Marathon among avid marathoners, event organisers have seen over 123,000 enthusiastic participants sign up for its balloting stage this year. This meant that there were 56% more runners compared to the 2025 event, hoping to make their way to Miller Street where the race begins and cross the finish line at the Sydney Opera House Forefront.
That said, the balloting period is now unfortunately closed and lucky runners who made the cut have already been informed of the status of their application. Thankfully, there are more ways for you to be a part of this iconic marathon that everyone is raving about.
This is why we are proud to announce that Holiday Tours is the official travel agent partner for the 2026 TCS Sydney Marathon, and our exclusive hotel and race entry package by Holiday Tours is your ticket to a guaranteed spot in the run. From planning the perfect runcation to cheering you on as you race toward a historic completion, this limited-time-only package is the perfect route to signing up to be a part of the iconic marathon.
Why should I sign up for the TCS Sydney Marathon with Holiday Tours?
Now you may be wondering, why would you sign up for the TCS Sydney Marathon with us? Well, what if we told you that you’ll get more than just a guaranteed entry to the race, but also a runcation to remember?
To start, our team has already sourced the best hotels that will take you to the start and finish lines in Sydney. Being fellow marathon enthusiasts ourselves, we understand the need for this convenience to be a part of your race plans, as the last thing you’ll want is to scramble to and from the marathon venue itself.
With hotels being likely to sell out closer to the date of the TCS Sydney Marathon, you can now save yourself from the hassle of searching high and low for the best accommodation in Sydney yet. Separately, you wouldn’t have to worry about airport transfers, as your package also includes seat-in-coach transfers to and from the hotel, available from 7AM to 7PM.
What’s more, our carefully planned itinerary features plenty of time for you to pick up your race kit prior to, while leaving enough breathing room to explore the city and prepare for the main event after. First-timers to Sydney would also enjoy the Big Bus Night Tour that’s included in your package, giving you a glimpse into this fantastic destination after sunset. While onboard, you’ll hear a variety of stories from the experienced local guide and perhaps even pick up a tip or two about how to make your trip in Sydney a fulfilling one.
Combine your TCS SYDNEY MARATHON RUNCATION with an adventure around Sydney
But why end your trip immediately after the TCS Sydney Marathon when you can extend your stay to experience all that the city has to offer? With optional tour add-ons at special prices exclusive to guests of the hotel and race entry package, you’ll be set for a side quest on your adventures in Sydney with Holiday Tours.
From exhilarating climbs to stunning views to remember Australia by, these activities are the perfect way to complete your trip in Sydney and return home with bragging rights for days.
Climb to the Summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Opened in 1932, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is perhaps one of the most iconic staples that defines Sydney’s city skyline. While typically open to cars and rail traffic, TCS Sydney Marathon runners will fondly remember the bridge as a spot they’ve run across earlier in the route. But now that you’ve run across it, it’s time to add another memory of the Sydney Harbour Bridge by climbing to the peak of this Australian landmark.
Photo by Jeremy Manoto on Unsplash
Measuring 134 meters above sea level, guests will be able to ascend the upper arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge as guided by the dedicated Climb Leader while listening to the stories they have to share. Upon reaching the top, you’ll be rewarded with unobstructed views of the Sydney skyline and even the Blue Mountains on a clear day. For many, this panoramic view is always well worth the 3-hour excursion that includes the gradual ascent to the top and time to soak in the sights at the peak. However, it’s recommended that you have a decent level of fitness to conquer this feat and be prepared with comfortable shoes to take on the climb.
Three climb sessions are available to the adventurous holidaymakers daily, with the Day Climb departing in the morning for those early birds in you. If you prefer a more romantic adventure, the Twilight Climb that takes you up the summit between 2.35PM and 5.55PM (depending on the time of year) will see you taking in the golden glow of the sunset while you’re atop the bridge.
For unbeatable views of Sydney after dark, there’s no denying the beauty the Night Climb brings. Setting off after sunset, this is when you’ll soak in Sydney’s skyline and see it illuminated by the warm lights of the city’s skyscrapers and beyond.
Escape to the Blue Mountains for breathtaking views
Photo by Michael Pohl on Unsplash
Set a little under an hour outside the Sydney city centre, the extensive mountainous range of Blue Mountains is where you’ll want to be to take in breathtaking views of sandstone ridges and be enveloped by lush greenery. With walking tracks looping around verdant valleys and cliffs, this escapade brings you closer to the outdoors for an epic experience in the wilderness.
Fans of wildlife would truly enjoy this trip with Holiday Tours, as you’ll find yourselves up close and personal with Australia’s iconic friends, such as the kangaroos and koalas. As there are plenty of opportunities for pictures with the native animals and the wilderness of the Blue Mountains, it’s always best to bring along your cameras and be sure to have a backup battery pack to keep your devices fully juiced.
And after a long day of exploring, you’ll get to lunch in style with the views of the popular Three Sisters rock formation of the Blue Mountains. According to Aboriginal legends, the formation holds the love story of three sisters who fell for three brothers of a rival tribe, a romance that is deeply forbidden in the tribal laws. In turn, the three sisters were said to have been turned to stone by the elder of their tribe during an ensuing conflict.
Unfortunately, they remained stone figures following the death of the elder during the clash. Today, the Three Sisters rock formation overlooks the Jamison Valley and is famed for housing the best vantage point of the Blue Mountains, the Echo Point Lookout.
Another draw to the Blue Mountains is the iconic tourist attraction, Scenic World. Home to four scenic attractions, including the Scenic Railway, Scenic Skyway, Scenic Cableway, and Scenic Walkway, this must-see destination allows guests to experience the stunning sights of the Blue Mountains however they like. Thankfully, you wouldn’t have to make the hard choice of which scenic way to hop on, as your trip with Holiday Tours includes unlimited rides to all of them.
Raise your glasses to the finest wines of Hunter Valley
Famed as one of Australia’s major wine regions, the Hunter Valley is a fantastic day trip for guests with a thirst for the finest wines. Home to renowned varietals such as Shiraz and Semillon, this Hunter Valley Signature Day Tour takes you on a tasty journey full of sips and educational spills of wine knowledge.
With three private wine tastings lined up during the tour, you’ll follow along with our local guide who will introduce you to the finest reds and whites of the region. The wines are always meticulously paired with local cheeses and chocolates for that ultimate indulgence, taking you away from the bustling stress of city life and replacing it with fantastic memories of Sydney through your taste buds. For those who have completed the TCS Sydney Marathon before this visit, it’s the perfect way to cap off your grand achievement of completing the prestigious race.
But wines aren’t the only produce of Hunter Valley. Instead, you’ll get to sample some of the innovative flavours of local vodka, schnapps, gin, and liqueur of the region. Of course, you’ll always have the opportunity to bring home a drink or two should you also wish to support the small, local businesses during your day trip. Before long, you’ll find yourself enjoying a one-course lunch by the vineyards, with a selection of wine, beer, or soft drink available on the side.
Photo by Yvette Goldberg on Unsplash
Finally, no escapade to Hunter Valley is ever complete without a photo opportunity with the local kangaroos. This premium experience is ideal for small groups who want to make the most of their runcation and visit to Sydney, and is one we recommend if you’re keen to raise a glass to your best holiday in Australia yet.