The TCS Sydney Marathon has announced qualifying times as part of its High Performance Programme (HPP). Runners can submit applications when the 2026 ballot opens on 24 September 2025.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Sydney Marathon ballot and qualifying times.
WHEN IS THE SYDNEY MARATHON?
The next Sydney Marathon is on Sunday 30 August 2026.
WHEN DOES THE SYDNEY MARATHON BALLOT OPEN?
Here are the key dates for the 2026 Sydney Marathon ballot:
Sydney Marathon ballot opens at 10:00am AEST on 24 September 2025
Sydney Marathon ballot closes at 11:59 PM AEDT on 17 October 2025
Sydney Marathon ballot results announcement is on 29 October 2025
You can enter the Sydney Marathon ballot here.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE SYDNEY MARATHON QUALIFYING TIMES
The Sydney Marathon has developed its High Performance Programme (HPP) since its introduction into the World Marathon Majors.
It’s not guaranteed entry. It’s fastest-first within age and gender categories, and applications will be validated based on sending proof of your qualifying time.
Qualifying times for the Sydney Marathon must have been achieved in an AIMS-certified marathon since 1 July 2024, on a course with no greater than 457m of net-elevation drop.
Applications for the HPP will be announced on 28 October 2025. Unsuccessful applications will move into the main ballot with results announced on 29 October 2025.
If successful, runners pay the standard entry fee. The fee for 2026 has not been announced yet but in 2025 it was $250AUD.
These are the qualifying times for the 2026 Sydney Marathon.
WHAT IS IT LIKE TO RUN THE SYDNEY MARATHON?
Here’s Mark running the 2025 Sydney Marathon and here are his thoughts on what it was really like to run the Sydney Marathon.
FAQS ON THE SYDNEY MARATHON
We think the Sydney Marathon is the most challenging of the World Marathon Majors and that’s because it is the hilliest Major plus for many runners it involves a long journey to get to Sydney. However it is also one of the most fun marathons with many iconic sights (and perhaps the best marathon finish line in the world).
No. Entry is fastest-first within each age and gender category until all allocated time qualifying spaces are filled. Any unsuccessful runners and moved into the general ballot.
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Image from Sydney Marathon
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