Planning to attend the 2026 TCS Sydney Marathon? This guide covers everything you need to know, including race weekend highlights, the new citywide festival, where to stay in Sydney CBD, and why Metro Hotels’ centrally located accommodation is ideal for both runners and spectators.
The TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS has quickly become one of Australia’s biggest sporting events and one of the world’s most sought-after marathons. As the newest member of the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors, the event attracts tens of thousands of runners from around the globe, along with family, friends and supporters.
In 2026, Sydney is taking the experience even further, with race week transforming into a citywide festival featuring live entertainment, music and free public events across the city. Whether you’re chasing a personal best, supporting someone on the course or simply soaking up the atmosphere, it’s a fantastic time to visit Sydney.
While the marathon itself takes place on Sunday 30 August 2026, the excitement begins well before the starting gun.
Throughout race week, Sydney will come alive with entertainment, cultural activations and community events, creating a festival atmosphere across the city. Combined with the Marathon Expo and thousands of interstate and international visitors, it’s one of Sydney’s busiest and most vibrant weekends of the year.
The marathon course is one of the world’s most scenic, beginning in North Sydney before crossing the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. Runners then pass many of Sydney’s best-known landmarks, including Circular Quay, The Rocks and Centennial Park, before finishing in front of the Sydney Opera House. Whether you’re participating or cheering from the sidelines, there’s no shortage of spectacular viewing points throughout the city.
If you’re travelling to Sydney for marathon weekend, staying in the CBD makes getting around much easier.
Metro Hotels offers four centrally located properties, providing convenient access to public transport, race precincts, restaurants and many of Sydney’s major attractions.
Choose from:
Whether you’re an early morning runner or spending the day following friends and family around the course, a central location helps you make the most of race weekend.
Marathon travel often means arriving before check-in or heading to the airport after you’ve crossed the finish line.
All Metro Hotels’ Sydney CBD properties offer complimentary luggage storage before check-in and after check-out, making it easy to leave your bags securely while you collect your race bib, explore the city or celebrate after the event.
It’s one less thing to think about on an already busy weekend.
With the marathon attracting visitors from around the world, many runners choose to extend their stay and experience everything Sydney has to offer.
Spend a few extra days visiting Sydney’s famous attractions, enjoying world-class dining, relaxing by the harbour or taking a ferry to one of the city’s beautiful beaches. If you book direct with Metro Hotels, you’ll also enjoy a range of exclusive benefits designed to help you get even more from your stay, including discounts on local attractions such as Big Bus Sydney (save up to 20%) and BridgeClimb Sydney (save 10%).
You’ll also have access to direct booking benefits where available, including early check-in, late check-out and room upgrades (subject to availability), giving you a little more flexibility around race weekend.
Whether you’re travelling to Sydney to run, support family and friends or simply enjoy the citywide festival atmosphere, Metro Hotels’ centrally located Sydney properties provide the perfect base for an unforgettable marathon weekend.
Book direct and use promo code MARATHON to receive an extra 5% off selected rates, plus complimentary bottled water and free luggage storage before check-in and after check-out.
You’ll also enjoy Metro Hotels’ exclusive direct booking benefits, including save up to 20% on Big Bus Tours and other local attractions, 10% off all BridgeClimb Sydney experiences, and more.
Offer valid for stays from 24 to 31 August 2026. Enter promo code MARATHON in the date selection panel before completing your booking. Minimum stay requirements may apply.
Image credit: Destination NSW
