TCS Sydney Marathon 2026 ballot: 123,000 applications
The 26th TCS Sydney Marathon, its second edition as an Abbott World Marathon Major, is set for Sunday August 30, 2026 after a record 123,000+ ballot entries.
What made 2026 notable
The 2026 Sydney Marathon hasn't run yet, but the ballot numbers already tell the story: 123,000 applicants for a 40,000 target field, a 56 percent year-over-year jump in demand and one of the fastest-growing marathon fields in the world. The 26th edition, Sydney's second as an Abbott World Marathon Major, is set for Sunday August 30, 2026, with the Harbour Bridge and Opera House finish unchanged. Runners on X who missed the 2025 ballot are doubling down for next year, treating Sydney as the easier-to-justify Major travel for anyone outside the northern hemisphere. Race-day stats, weather, and winner details will populate after the August 2026 edition.
Applications over time
Priority entry standards
View full age-group standards
| Age group | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| 18-34 | 2:53:00 | 3:13:00 |
| 35-39 | 2:55:00 | 3:15:00 |
| 40-44 | 2:58:00 | 3:26:00 |
| 45-49 | 3:05:00 | 3:38:00 |
| 50-54 | 3:14:00 | 3:51:00 |
| 55-59 | 3:23:00 | 4:10:00 |
| 60-64 | 3:34:00 | 4:27:00 |
| 65-69 | 3:45:00 | 4:50:00 |
| 70-74 | 4:10:00 | 5:30:00 |
| 75-79 | 4:30:00 | 6:00:00 |
| 80-84 | 4:55:00 | 6:35:00 |
| 85-89 | 4:55:00 | 6:35:00 |
| 90+ | 4:55:00 | 6:35:00 |
Questions about the 2026 ballot
How many applied for the 2026 Sydney ballot?
More than 123,000 entries for a target field of 40,000 finishers, the highest application volume in event history and roughly 56 percent higher than 2025.
When did the 2026 Sydney ballot run?
Open 10:00 AM AEST on 24 September 2025, closed 11:59 PM AEDT on 17 October 2025. Results emailed 29 October 2025.
When is the 2026 Sydney Marathon?
Sunday 30 August 2026, the second edition as an Abbott World Marathon Major.
Why has Sydney demand jumped so sharply?
Elevation to Abbott World Marathon Major status, with international interest driving most of the year-over-year growth.