Sydney’s status as a world-class sports tourism destination continues to accelerate, with the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS attracting unprecedented global interest for its 2026 edition.
The iconic event, now part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM), has become a magnet for travelling runners, drawing tens of thousands of international visitors eager to combine a bucket-list marathon with a trip to one of the world’s most spectacular sports cities. The 2026 edition, taking place on Sunday 30 August 2026, will have an increased capacity targeting 40,000 finishers.
Record-shattering demand for the TCS Sydney Marathon is cementing the Harbour City’s position as one of the world’s premier sports tourism hotspots. The event’s latest ballot drew more than 123,000 aspiring participants – a 56% increase on 2025 and the highest in the marathon’s history – underscoring Sydney’s growing allure for both domestic and international travellers. The surge in applications was fuelled by a dramatic rise in overseas interest, reflecting Sydney’s elevated global profile since joining the AbbottWMM.
For many runners, the marathon has become more than a race: it is a travel experience that blends world-class competition with Sydney’s beaches, landmarks and vibrant cultural scene. With record participation growth, soaring international demand and packed spectator zones, the TCS Sydney Marathon is now one of the fastest-growing marathons on the planet – and a cornerstone of Australia’s booming sports tourism sector.
Steve Kamper, NSW Minister for Sport and Minister for Jobs and Tourism, 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.”
Wayne Larden, TCS Sydney Marathon race director, 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.
Karen Jones, CEO of Destination NSW, 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 4,000 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.
While the 2026 ballot is 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.
Sports Tours International (sportstoursinternational.co.uk) offers guaranteed 2026 Sydney Marathon entry with a 5-night stay at 4 or 5* hotels in prime locations with daily breakfasts. This package also includes comprehensive support from Sports Tours reps, detailed pre-race briefing, a ticket to the biggest marathon after-party in Sydney, a Sydney harbour cruise, group shake-out runs, escorts to the marathon expo & race start, complimentary welcome drinks, a guided sightseeing tour and Sports Tours hat. Prices start from £1,759 per person, based on 2 people sharing a twin/double room.
For more information see tcssydneymarathon.com, sydney.com and visitnsw.com