I recently had the opportunity to participate in the 2025 Sydney Marathon in Australia.  All I can say is wow! what an experience and to be part of history as it enters into the World Abbott Major Marathons well that was just AWESOME.

Sydney is a great City, much better than I had expected, it looks like a big metropolis but with a small town feel. It was easy to get around, everything was a lot closer than I anticipated it being and I was able to walk everywhere but, they have a fantastic public transport system  making it easier to keep off your feet before the marathon itself.

The marathon package includes an evening Harbour Cruise which is a great way to see the lights of the city, the opera House & Bridge and of course the sunset. A fantastic introduction to Sydney.

Even getting from the Airport with an Opal Card (tap on & tap off transport) you can arrive by train into the CBD (Central Business District) area and be in your hotel room within an hour. 

The Race itself. The Expo was held in the ICC (International Convention Centre). If arriving there at opening it was BUSY & a little crazy. I chose to visit within the last hour of the Expo and was able to walk right up to collect my bib and walk around the expo with no problem at all and no queues.

If you wanted dry clothes at the end of your race you did have to drop your bag at the Expo so you did have to give this some thought.

Getting to the race start was super easy. We took the Light railway and the metro and it still only took half an hour. There were the normal queues for the washrooms pre race (men, they provide a Wizz wall !!)  It was a little chilly only 9 degrees at the start but it warmed up nicely.

First couple of km are down hill as you head over the Sydney Bridge and then the course starts to roll. Support on the course was fantastic and lots of water and Powerade (blue) were provided. Cups were biodegradable so our shoes and legs looked like we had been running on trails!!

With 4km to go you are lulled into I”m nearly finished but the course dips down through the Botanical gardens which at that point your legs are NOT happy and then you have to climb back up, make a right turn to have to run downhill again for you finish line right in front of the Opera House

Conclusion; great destination race, lots of activities for family non members joining you and what a beautiful city and an amazing marathon, one to put on your bucket list for sure.

Please e-mail us at hmillar@thetravelagentnextdoor.com or fundysportstourism@fastmail.fm for details of our 2026 Sydney Marathon Tour.