The Sydney Marathon is now the seventh member of the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors , undoubtedly considered a historic moment for Australian sport. Next year, the Marathon will take place on Sunday, August 30, 2026.

Due to the unprecedented demand to participate in the 2026 TCS Sydney Marathon, presented by ASICS, and in addition to Candidacy Club members who already have a guaranteed place in one of the events (2025, 2026, or 2027), two lotteries are being held for the 2026 TCS Sydney Marathon:

• Raffle for the Candidacy Club
• General draw

When is the draw or lottery, and how does it work?

The ballot is the official system for obtaining a spot in the Sydney Marathon. All runners have an equal chance of being selected, regardless of whether they register on the first or last day of the race.

• Ballot Opening: Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 10:00 am (AEST)
• Ballot Closing: Friday, October 17, 2025, 11:59 pm (AEDT)
• Registration results and fees: Wednesday, October 29, 2025 (AEDT)

During registration, you’ll need to enter your payment card details. Your card must be valid for at least six months and have a minimum balance of AUD 250. You’ll only be charged if you’re selected.

Announcement of the results

What you should keep in mind

• You will not receive any communication between the opening and the announcement of results.
• The result of the draw is final.
• Only one entry per person is allowed.
• If you are not selected, you may still be able to access through travel or charity programs.

What to expect

Our commitment is to make the process as simple and fair as possible for all runners. Remember, there is no preference for whether you register for the lottery on the first or last day. We encourage runners to be patient, understand the key dates, and reach out if they haven’t heard back.

Please note that no correspondence regarding the status of your ballot application will be provided from the time the ballot opens until all draws have closed and applicants have been notified of their acceptance status. The result of the ballot draw is final.

For those who have not been selected, there will still be opportunities to participate through our travel or charity programs.

There is a limit of one lottery or drawing entry per person at a time.

What is the registration fee?

During the 2026 Sydney Marathon lottery registration process, you will be asked to enter your payment card details. Your card must have an expiration date of at least six months and a minimum available balance of $250 AUD. This ensures that your registration funds can be successfully deducted if you are selected.

Remember that your payment will only be processed if you are selected in the drawing. If you are not selected, no funds will be deducted from your card.

Please note that some countries may require tourist visas for foreign runners.

Through International Travel Operators

If you want to secure a spot in the 2026 TCS Sydney Marathon without going through the lottery, you can register through international operators. These operators offer travel packages that include guaranteed entry, along with accommodation, transportation, and other benefits for runners traveling from abroad.

Steps to Register Through an International Operator:

1. Check the List of International Operators: Visit the official TCS Sydney Marathon website to see the list of authorized operators. Only official operators have access to guaranteed spots.
2. Select a package: Operators often offer different travel packages that include registration. Choose the one that best suits your needs in terms of accommodation, transportation, and other services.
3. Confirm your reservation and registration: When you purchase the package, the operator will handle your marathon registration. This ensures your spot without having to go through a lottery.
4. Check Requirements and Conditions: Some carriers may have specific requirements, such as payment deadlines or cancellation policies, so be sure to review them carefully.

Advantages of International Operators

• Guaranteed Registration: Guarantees your spot without depending on lotteries.
• Complete Packages: Include accommodation and transportation, which simplifies planning your trip.
• Additional Support: Operators often provide local support during the event, helping you have a smooth experience.

For more information and to begin the process, visit the official TCS Sydney Marathon website and review the international operators section.

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