A run across Sydney Harbour Bridge and a finish beside the Opera House is enough to put Sydney on plenty of marathon wish lists. For runners hoping to make the trip next year, the first step is now open: enter the ballot here for the 2027 TCS Sydney Marathon.
The race returns on Sunday August 29th, 2027, giving successful applicants almost a year to organise the training, travel and time off. For Irish runners, this is a rather bigger undertaking than a quick flight to a European marathon, but the appeal of taking on Australia’s World Marathon Major is easy to understand.
How the Ballot Works & Fees
Applications opened this morning. Selection is random, so applying on the opening day offers no advantage over submitting later. Entering the ballot is free, with successful applicants charged for their race entry.
The closing date is Monday October 19th.
Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified on Tuesday November 3rd, 2026. Successful applicants’ cards will be charged that day, with confirmation emails to follow. Check spam folders too; organisers ask applicants to wait until after November 6th before querying missing results.
The official ballot page currently lists entry fees of AUD 330 for international runners and AUD 280 for domestic runners. Check the amount displayed when applying and budget separately for flights and accommodation.
Ballot Rules to Know
There are a few details worth getting right before pressing submit. Race Roster says the nominated bank card must remain valid for at least six months, and card details cannot be amended after applying. Only successful applicants are charged.
Submit one application. Each is treated individually, and the registration platform warns that duplicate successful applications will both be charged, with no refund for the duplicate. That would be an expensive way to celebrate getting in.
Anyone wishing to withdraw their application must contact organisers in writing before 5pm AEDT on Friday October 16th, equivalent to 7am that day in Ireland and the UK. Registration Powered by Race Roster
Runners must be 18 or older on race day. Current event rules prohibit selling, exchanging or transferring entries and require participants to collect their bib in advance using matching government issued photo identification. Bear that collection requirement in mind when planning arrival dates. TCS Sydney Marathon
The published rules also specify a seven hour time limit, measured from the closure of the start window. Organisers may adjust timings for safety reasons, with further course cutoff details available nearer the event.
Missing out in the draw does not necessarily end the opportunity: organisers will provide unsuccessful applicants with information about charity and travel programme entries
For now, the job is straightforward: check the details, submit once and put November 3rd in the diary.
Enter here
