Sydney marathon’s debut as a Major: Harbour Bridge to Opera House finish

31st of August, 2025. Sydney Marathon.

The Sydney Marathon 2025 was unforgettable, especially as it debuted as a World Marathon Major.

The day built up to an epic race across the Harbour Bridge and a spectacular finish at the Opera House. The crowds were electric, the signs hilarious, and the weather perfect. We kept our pace, stuck to our gel plan, and I was specially proud of finishing it after only 7 months after a major back surgery.

Crossing the finish hand in hand, we celebrated our 7th major with medals, cheers, and the festive spirit of Sydney.

What you will find in this post

The Sydney Marathon 2025 will go down in history as one of the most unforgettable running events in the world. On August 31, 2025, Sydney hosted its first-ever race as an official Abbott World Marathon Major, joining the prestigious lineup of Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York, and Tokyo. With a record-breaking field of runners, picture-perfect weather, and one of the most iconic marathon courses on the planet, the Sydney Marathon delivered everything from Harbour Bridge views to a breathtaking Opera House finish.

This race report and travel guide combines everything a runner or spectator needs to know:

• 🏃 Full Sydney Marathon 2025 race recap – course highlights, pacing strategy, cut-off times, and personal experiences.
• 🗺️ Travel and sightseeing guide – from Sydney’s landmarks to local runner-friendly attractions.
• 🍝 Carboloading & post-race eats – the best food options for marathoners in Sydney.
• 🎽 Expo and race logistics – bib pickup, atmosphere, and what to expect on race weekend.
• ✈️ Tips for international runners – visas, flights, and accommodation advice.
  

Whether you’re planning to run Sydney in future years, chasing your Abbott World Marathon Majors 7-star medal, or just curious about what makes the Sydney Marathon course so special, this guide covers it all. From epic race-day atmosphere to insider travel tips, here’s why Sydney has already become one of the world’s must-run marathons!

TLDR; “too long, didn’t read”

• I just want to run! Take me to the RACE.
• I have 1 minute. Take me to USEFUL INFORMATION.
• Running is my excuse for travelling. Take me to PRE-JOURNEY or to TRIP.
• Running is my excuse for eating. Take me to CARBOLOADING.
• I want to know what to read in the plane. Take me to ONE BOOK (just this time I give you two!)
• It’s a long haul flight! Take me to TO KNOW MORE.

🏅 Sydney becomes a new major… so we want to run it!!!

Sydney was officially recognized as the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major on November 3, 2024, at the New York City Marathon—making history as the first addition since Tokyo in 2013.

Following a rigorous multi-year candidacy process and record-breaking participation (20,272 finishers in 2024), it secured its place for the August 31, 2025….

so…. we planned to be there on that day and make history! Hashtag “SYDNEY-HERE-WE-COME”

Sydney’s successful bid was based on several key factors:

• Completion of two consecutive evaluation years (2023 & 2024) meeting Abbott WMM standards.
• A large and growing field—from 5,300 participants in 2022 to over 20,000 in 2024—demonstrating strong runner engagement.
• A world-class city route, finishing at the Sydney Opera House and crossing the Harbour Bridge, supported by government investment and organizational infrastructure.

🌍 Pre-Journey 📷

🇦🇺 Before travelling: VISA process and a trip down memory lane! 🛂

We had visited Australia in the past so we knew very well that you need a visa in advance!

Our last visa application was for the Melbourne Half which we had run in 2023.

And we had been in Sydney in 2009, so we were eager to check if the city had changed much.

Sydney Highlights from a local’s perspective 🇦🇺

Our agency, the always-good-always-reliable Marathon Tours and Travel, sent us a guide of “things to see in Sydney by a local”. They did not mention who the “local” was, but the list was pretty good!

It included:

• Sydney Harbour Bridge. BridgeClimb Sydney is an iconic Australian experience that takes you on a tour to the top of the nation’s most famous and celebrated structure – the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Runners enjoy 10% off during race week!

• Sydney Opera House. Possibly Sydney’s most famous feature, this iconic opera house features six performance venues, including a concert hall, an opera theater, and dramatic arts spaces. Concerts and festivals also take place outside in the courtyard area.

• Taronga Zoo. In 100 years, Taronga has evolved from a location of entertainment to a mature conservation and education hub, making it the most iconic zoo on the Northern side of Sydney. Catch a ferry across to see the million dollar views that the animals have.

• Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair. A vast parkland in the city, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is the perfect place to picnic or relax. Walk the trails and venture to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, a historic chair carved out by convicts in 1810. It’s also one of the best vantage points of Sydney Harbour.
• Hyde Park. Visit Australia’s oldest park and discover historical places like the Anzac War Memorial, Archibald Fountain, and the Hyde Park Barracks museum. The famous Australian Museum, with its natural and cultural collections, is also next to the park.

🏃‍♀️ Pre-Race Hype! 🏃‍♂️

🐐 Watch The G.O.A.T: Kipchoge’s Road to Sydney!

A couple of months before we received the very exciting news that Eliud Kipchoge, the greatest marathoner of all time, and who we saw up close in Berlin, was going to run the marathon.

A very compelling email announced it like this:

“This isn’t just about medals or records. It’s about mindset. It’s about belief. and ’about turning doubt into fuel and turning the impossible into history. Eliud is more than a runner, he’s a storyteller. And now, he’s bringing his story to Sydney, to inspire you, your friends, your family, and every future champion who ever thought they weren’t enough“

Honestly. It was difficult not to get excited receiving emails like this one!

With just under five weeks to go until Sydney steps onto the world stage as our first-ever Abbott World Marathon Major, we’re as hyped as you are. And let’s be real, this isn’t just about the run. It’s about the experience. And we’re leaving nothing to chance

Perks: iFit trial 🤔

Exactly 6 weeks before the marathon we got an email with a free trial for a training App which I didn’t know, “iFit”, and I decided to try it out!

The app looked very throughout, asking me about my goals and even what kind of coach I wanted – “Motivational”? “Calm?” “Tough/Olympic athlete”? 😜 I choose both “Funny” and “Motivational” and hoped for the best! 🤭

Cut-off Time 😖

Since I was still recovering from my surgery in late January, I checked the cut-off time carefully.

The TCS Sydney Marathon does have a cut off time to ensure road closures end smoothly and sweep vehicles can clear the course. Runners who do not make the interim checkpoint cut offs may be directed off the course for safety and traffic reasons.

The official maximum time limit for the full marathon is 7 hours. That means every participant must cross the finish line within that window. It translates to maintaining an average pace of about 9 minutes and 57 seconds per kilometre.

There were even pacers even for 7 hours, guiding the very last group steadily toward the line. First time I had seen 7 hours pacers!

When we were runing, at kilometre 28, I looked across the road and saw them closing down the race around kilometre 20. It was surreal to realise how far we had already gone, while thinking, is my back going to hold….? Spoiler alert: It did! And I feel extremely blessed about it.

🌍 The Trip 📷

The Road to Sydney: From Port Vila to the Marathon ✈️

The Hype Begins in Nadi

The hype for Sydney began in a very unexpected way. We were in Nadi, waiting to board our delayed flight to Port Vila, five days before the marathon. I was checking cutoff times for Sydney on my phone while also arranging to meet Euan and Jo, the Aussie couple we had met during our Stans Tour last year. The plan was to see them at a fancy bar near our hotel.

When I turned around, I could not believe my eyes. There was Lichu, the Taiwanese-American legend we had met in Madagascar. She was seventy-eight years old, had run more than 150 marathons across as many countries, and of course she was wearing a Boston Marathon t-shirt. 🦄 We went over to say hello and soon found ourselves deep in conversation.

We talked about cutoff times, the expo, and the start and finish areas. She told us there would even be seven-hour pacers. She planned to finish in under seven hours. We were less certain about our own time. It would all depend on my back and Roger’s leg. Our only goal was simple: finish without a dreaded DNF. Talking with her lifted my spirits. She had run Antarctica twice, once in 2008 with a Russian ship. 😅 She also mentioned new races in Brunei and Tonga. So many stories, so many places still to run. 😉

That was how our Sydney journey truly started. Not with a boarding pass, but with a Boston shirt, marathon tales, and nervous talk about cutoff times. I felt excited but also scared. It was going to be our first marathon in more than a year, after my surgery and Roger’s biopsy.

Traveling to Sydney

Let’s fly away, let’s fly, let’s fly… In total, we needed eleven flights to reach Sydney. From Barcelona to Istanbul (#1), to Manila (#2), then Port Moresby (#3). From there we flew to Mount Hagen and back (#4 and #5), on to Honiara (#6), to Nadi (#7), to Apia (#8), back to Nadi (#9), then to Port Vila (#10). The final leg was from Port Vila to Sydney (#11).

While waiting in one airport, I even captured a video of a huge SolomonAir plane taking off right in front of us. 📹 It felt like a sign that this long travel marathon was nearly over.

Our four-hour Jetstar flight from Port Vila was uneventful. The plane was full of Australian families with small kids. It was clear that Vanuatu was a family holiday destination, even though the recent earthquake had forced many hotels to close. Eight months later, some were still shut.

Arrival in Sydney

And then, finally, Sydney! 🌟 We landed in the evening and I snapped a picture of the airport’s “Syd” sign. I was buzzing with excitement. Running a marathon in a cool city always gave me energy.

We immediately spotted other runners. You could tell by their Boston jackets and running shoes.

Passing through customs was fast and smooth, just like in Melbourne. Thanks to our e-passports and online visas, we cleared in minutes. Our taxi driver noticed our “Frozen Lake Marathon” and “NYC Marathon” shirts and instantly knew why we had come. He said many others were arriving for the race too. Right next to us, a car marked “Sydney Marathon” picked up elite athletes. 🏃‍♂️

The evening air was cool at 19°C but not cold. Roger did not even put on his jacket. I wore my NYC t-shirt with a long sleeve on top and felt fine. If Sunday stayed like this, race day weather would be perfect. Driving into the city, we reached Wentworth and saw a neon traffic sign flashing “Sydney Marathon.” It felt real at last.

The Sofitel Wentworth Hotel

We checked in at the Sofitel Wentworth, the hotel chosen by Marathon Tours and Travel. It was luxurious, with fancy halls, but so dimly lit I could barely see the reception. 💡

We skipped the self check-in desks and sat with a young Chinese receptionist. She was so eager and thankful that she looked close to a nervous breakdown.

Upstairs, we met Karen from MTT in the elevator. We asked if a doctor was with the group. She confirmed Sonja, whom we had met in Madagascar, was there. That was reassuring. Roger still had a splinter in his foot sole, though I thought I had finally managed to pull it out.

I chose a pumpkin rigatoni with generous olive oil. Roger enjoyed his dish too, a beef ragú. It was expensive fuel, but perfect fuel nonetheless.

A packed Friday 🏃

Sydney is an amazing city, full of world-famous landmarks. Marathon Tours and Travel knew exactly how to make our trip perfect.

They organised Friday with sightseeing and marathon prep, leaving Saturday as a rest day with a pre-race dinner packed with carbohydrates.

This plan worked beautifully. We explored, relaxed, and felt ready to tackle Sunday’s Sydney Marathon.

Sydney Sightseeing Tour 🚌

Just before midday we joined a half-day Sydney tour. Our local guide filled the bus with stories, facts, and curiosities.

We passed the CBD, where sandstone buildings met glass skyscrapers. Sydney looked historic yet modern.

Next was The Rocks, Sydney’s oldest neighbourhood. Cobblestone streets, pubs, and laneways gave a glimpse of 1800s Sydney.

Rose Bay and Coastal Views ⛵

We stopped at Rose Bay, the largest in Sydney Harbour. Yachts floated peacefully, and we captured stunning Opera House photos.

The Coastal Cliff Walk followed. Dramatic sandstone cliffs plunged into the Pacific. We paused often to breathe in the salty air.

Historic lighthouses, cemeteries perched above the waves, and prestigious schools lined the route. It was a rich mix of culture and scenery.

Bondi Beach and Local Life 🏄

Bondi Beach was alive with locals and tourists. The sand was warm, surfers paddled gently, and people carried boards to the shore.

It was a sunny Friday morning, the quintessential Sydney vibe. Everyone seemed relaxed and active at the same time.

I took it all in, enjoying the mix of sun, surf, and people watching. The atmosphere was infectious.

Sunset Cruise on Sydney Harbour 🌅

Back at Darling Harbour, we boarded a two-hour sunset cruise.

The golden light highlighted the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

We passed under the Bridge, with both Australian and Aboriginal flags waving proudly. Light snacks and music added to the relaxed vibe.

The city slowly darkened, revealing the glittering skyline. Luna Park glowed in the distance. Sydney Harbour looked magical.

Mini Marathon and Pre-Race Prep 👟

On Saturday, we took it easy. We walked the marathon course and explored the finish line area.

The TCS Sydney Mini Marathon ran that morning. It was a 5 km fun run for all ages, finishing at the Opera House.

Watching runners return with medals was energising. The city buzzed with marathon anticipation, road closures, and locals exercising everywhere.

Sydney Harbour Bridge and Pylon Lookout 🌉

We climbed 200 steps to the Pylon Lookout inside the Harbour Bridge. The panoramic views of the harbour were breathtaking.

The museum inside detailed the bridge’s design, construction, and the lives of workers. It made the visit meaningful and scenic.

Standing on the lookout, I understood why this is one of Australia’s most recognisable landmarks.

Running Memories in The Rocks 🏙️

After the Bridge, we returned to The Rocks. The Australian Hotel, a heritage-listed pub, brought back memories from 2009.

I remembered running through Suez Canal Street years ago. Locals helped us identify the narrow laneway with colourful history.

I ran it again and recreated my old photo. The Rocks’ cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and lively pubs make it a runner’s dream.

High Tea With a Marathon Legend 🍵

That afternoon we had high tea at the Intercontinental with Lichu Sloan, a 77-year-old runner with over 350 marathons completed.

Her sign read “77 years old, 140 countries, 350 marathons.” It drew admiration from everyone around us.

We shared stories of past and future races and planned logistics for the marathon start the next day. Inspiration was everywhere.

Pre-Race Pasta Dinner 🍝

We arrived at the pre-race pasta dinner in the early evening, feeling the buzz of anticipation. The organizers at MTT knew everyone would hit the sack early tonight.

The buffet was epic, loaded with pasta, fresh veggies, meat, and fish. Everyone was digging in like there was no tomorrow. A black and white photo of Lady Di reminded me of the Commonwealth vibe.

Sitting with the American crew, we joked, “Today we eat guilt-free. Tomorrow we burn it all off!” The room was packed, alive with energy.

Gala Vibes, Runner Style

The venue felt like a gala, but instead of tuxedos, everyone wore sporty gear. Hundreds of runners filled the space, chatting and laughing. The excitement was contagious.

Speeches kicked off with Chris Miller from Abbott. He reminded us why we run: “Live fully. Run for those who can’t.” Then he shared a few words from the prophet Isaiah.

Next up was Jeff, talking about future Marathon Majors in Cape Town and Shanghai. He gave Shanghai a glowing review. The energy in the room soared.

Chasing the 7th Star ✨

Donna from World Marathon Majors revealed we’d have 35,000 runners tomorrow. Four thousand of us were chasing our 7th star!

She played an incredible video that had everyone on their feet, cheering. The thrill of joining such a historic marathon was electric.

I went to bed that night with excitement buzzing. Tomorrow, the Sydney Marathon awaited, and we were ready to chase our dreams

📅 The Marathon Expo 🎽

We arrived at the Expo around 10am on Friday. There were no queues or chaos, which was a pleasant surprise.

The Expo took place at ICC Sydney in Darling Harbour. The venue was modern and positioned along the waterfront. The CBD shimmered under the sun.

Walking there was easy. The hotel was just one kilometre away, but the area is well connected if staying further out.

Bib Pickup and Expo Fun 🏅

We picked up our bibs immediately. When staff realised we were 7 Majors finishers, they rang a bell and handed us bright-blue sleeves.

The sleeves were decorated with seven stars. It was a fun, energising touch that set the tone for the weekend.

We explored the runner’s show, smaller than NYC or Chicago but still exciting. There were queues for photos with Abbott Majors medals:

Merchandise, Pacers, and Course Maps 🎽

We browsed the official merchandise shop and studied the course map. Some runners tested treadmills and warmed up for the weekend.

I bought a blue cap that matched my race shirt. It felt good to prepare and enjoy the Expo at a relaxed pace.

As we left, more runners arrived and queues formed. The atmosphere was festive, energising, and full of excitement.

🏃‍♀️ The Race 🏃‍♂️

Metro to the start 🚇

The metro was free for runners if we showed our bibs. We did. Hundreds of runners filled the station, yet the metro never collapsed. After three stops and a one kilometre walk through North Sydney, we arrived smoothly. The neighbourhood looked cool and lively.

At the assembly, runners wore pajamas and layers they later abandoned at the start. Roger laughed, “Some of these clothes are newer than mine!” Fires were lit for warmth. An elderly woman kept shouting “do it again” every time they flared. The energy was electric.

Oh, and we even saw an empty mini bottle of JäggerMeister abandoned, next to a banana peel and some glucose gels – what a way to prepare for running!

On the walk to the start line, we passed a big Marist school and a little church. Its sign read, “Papa Leo warns about climate change: abandon fossil fuel.” While stretching, a local woman asked if we had already finished because we wore our “Finisher” shirts. Another runner shouted, “It’s bad luck to wear it before the race!” We yelled back, “No, it’s good luck!” And it really was.

Start line vibes 🔥

Queues for bathrooms were crowded, but everything cleared in time. The speaker went above and beyond motivating us. We loved when he said, “A lot of people signed up… and they are still sleeping! Showing up is half of the work!” Maybe not half, but he kept adding, “We believe in you” and “Only you can do this.” It worked.

We started at 8am in the 4:30 to 5:00 slot, perfect for keeping our rhythm. We stuck close to the 4:40 pacer. Our plan was slow running: 6:30 minutes per kilometre, maybe slower, until we couldn’t hold it anymore. We expected to stop at kilometre 28 or 30. Gels were scheduled for kilometres 9, 18, 27, and 36.

The start on Miller Street in North Sydney, right near North Sydney Oval, felt efficient. The wide starting chutes were well designed and the crowd buzzed with energy. Right away, the course dipped into a gentle downhill of about minus four to minus six percent. I had to hold back my pace. Then came the Harbour Bridge climb with a two and a half percent gradient, followed by a minus three percent descent. Crossing the bridge was magical. Six lanes closed to traffic, only runners. The Opera House, the sparkling city skyline and the harbour stretched out in front of me. Sydney shone, especially with this being the first time the marathon was a major. 🏁

Into the City and Circular Quay 🌊

After the bridge I moved through The Rocks and down toward Circular Quay. The course wound into Barangaroo and Darling Harbour. The organisers had removed several tight turns, and the running felt smoother.

This section was flat and perfect to find rhythm. It gave me time to relax my stride and conserve my energy.

The spectators made it even better. The Quay and Harbour were alive with cheers and encouragement, and I could feel the excitement.

Cheering squads and signs 🦘

Crowds lined the route with funny and inspiring signs. Some waved massive inflatable kangaroos. Others held pictures of runners, dogs, or cats. Organisers sometimes stopped us briefly, Boston style, to let people cross. “Run on the left” or “Run on the right,” and two steps later, pedestrians were through.

Girls spotted our matching Sydney shirts and shouted, “Matching shirts, matchy matchy!” Signs made us laugh. Some of the best were:

• “Si se puede” (I shouted it back, he answered “Que si!” in Spanish)
• “Tap here for power”
• “I am looking for a man who can go the distance”
• “Run if you think I am cute”
• “Run like the seagulls after taking your fries”
• “You are running faster than the traffic in Sydney”

There was also a speaker cheering on the runners mid course. When we passed, he saw my sleeves with the seven stars and shouted: “Seven staarrrs baaaby!” I pointed at my arm proudly. It was such a high. I also saw a couple of women with earrings shaped like a female runner. Loved it. And I noticed a runner carrying a balloon shaped like a koala. Very Australian.

Mid Section Energy 🎶

From there I pushed into Pyrmont and passed Taylor Square. Around 15.4 kilometres it had become a proper party zone. The energy from the crowd kept me motivated.

The terrain stayed largely flat with small ups and downs. Between 15 and 20 kilometres I hit a welcome downhill stretch that allowed recovery.

The new design changes were obvious. Tight sections in Darling Harbour and Pyrmont had gone, replaced by long straights along Anzac Parade. That space gave me freedom to settle into a pace.

Fuel on the course 🥤

Aid stations were frequent and well equipped. They served blue Powerade that tasted amazing, water, and gels. I grabbed two each time. The mandarin and orange ones were great, the cola flavour not so much. I never saw wet sponges, massages, or reflex stops.

Our pacing and gel plan worked perfectly. We kept a 6:30 pace the whole race and finished in 4h42 without walking. It was Roger’s first marathon ever without walking. A Japanese runner noticed Roger’s armbands and said “7 stars” in a strong accent we struggled to catch at first.

We saw the famous pineapple runners from Aloha, always present in majors. A few fancy costumes appeared: one spiderman or daredevil. Some flags too: Venezuelan, Mexican, Chinese, Spanish. A Spaniard even wore his flag as a skirt. Most were Filipino and Taiwanese. Muslim women ran covered in long black shirts. A running club of girls handed gummy bears, but I missed them. At kilometre 38, two Spanish women waved the Spanish flag near Centennial Park. That park smelled heavily of marijuana… but not from them.

Centennial Park Loop 🌳

Hitting the loop in Centennial Park around 30 to 34 kilometres brought a shift. I entered one of Sydney’s green landmarks and felt a wave of calm.

The rolling hills here were moderate but enough to test tired legs. Fatigue built up and managing effort became crucial.

The park was beautiful, but I reminded myself not to relax too much. Those hills could steal energy if I lost focus. The Allianz Arena came with music and atmosphere. Young guys belted “Sweet Caroline” at full volume. It felt like a party. At Kingston tram station, maybe kilometre 32, “Vengaboys” were blasting. Shops lined the road, from a tobacconist to a Thai restaurant. The randomness of music, shops, and marathon runners was surreal.

Perfect weather and stunning views 🌞

The weather was perfect. Sunny but fresh. I wore sleeves and long pants, so no sunburn. The crispy air kept us going.

Centennial Park was magical under massive trees. But this course had no shade. It was a little hilly but scenic and with amazing views. You got to run on the Harbour Bridge but also under it. Seeing the massive iron structure so close was impressive. During that part, the view of the Opera was unforgettable.

My back ached slightly but held. Spirits were high and the scenery kept me smiling.

The Final Push 🏔️

After the park I reached Hyde Park and ran past Art Gallery Road. The course led toward Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. This was the sting in the tail, a late climb averaging three percent.

My body protested, but I knew the reward was close. After the climb came a 400 metre descent of about minus three percent.

At kilometre 41, we started filming. We were close, picking up pace, still amazed we had run the whole way. My toenails hurt, I suspected I would lose them, but I pressed on. The last kilometre was breathtaking. A downhill stretch opened to the bright blue ocean. We accelerated, motivated like never before. Then a right turn revealed the Opera House. One of the best race finishes ever.

We ran fast, hand in hand, surrounded by hundreds of cheering people. At the feet of the Opera House, we finished. We were ecstatic. Organisation, weather, course, and support were all superb. And just like that, we had finished our seventh major.

Elevation at a Glance 📈

The Bridge Run from zero to three kilometres brought downhills, then a short climb and descent. The City Centre stretch between three and eight kilometres was flat. The Mid Section and Parade from eight to sixteen kilometres had small undulations. Centennial Park from thirty to thirty four kilometres carried rolling hills. The Final Climb and Descent between thirty five and the finish tested me with a climb then relief.

The total elevation gain was around 317 metres. The total loss was around 400 metres, giving a net drop of about 83 metres. I felt every metre of it.

Landmarks and Experience 🌏

The Harbour Bridge was iconic with early climbs and sweeping views. The Rocks, Circular Quay, Barangaroo and Darling Harbour brought scenery and crowds. Taylor Square and Anzac Parade had the loudest energy. Centennial Park was green and testing. Hyde Park and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair became the late battle. The Opera House finish sealed it with glory.

Each section carried its own mood. Some offered rhythm and calm, others shouted energy, while the last demanded everything I had left. This was not just a flat course. It was an engaging one full of character.

The epic finish 🎉

The medal looked stylish. The finisher bag had a protein bar, apple, water, and isotonic drink. We chatted with a cheerful Nepali runner who had just completed his first marathon. Around us, some runners struggled and a few needed medical attention.

Getting out was harder than running 42k. We walked among crowds of exhausted finishers toward the exits. To cross the road, we had to use an elevated pass while slower runners were still going.

One funny moment: a Spanish mother told her daughter, “Just pretend we ran.” I turned and said, “But you are missing the medal.” We all laughed. We took pictures in front of the Opera and the Harbour. The day was glorious, and we were elated. Everywhere, runners showed medals proudly, some eating ice cream, everyone smiling. Sydney turned into a festival.

My Tips for Fellow Runners 🏃

• Train hills both uphill and downhill. The mix of grades needs strong quads and steady pacing. Avoid overdoing the Bridge descent early.
• Use the long straights like Anzac Parade to settle into a rhythm. Centennial Park will try to drain you, so stay sharp there.
• Save enough strength for the final climb. Once you crest it, you can ride the descent into the Opera House with power.

🍽️ What to Eat in Sydney if You’re a Runner 🏃‍♀️🇦🇺

Whether you’re chasing a PB at the Sydney Marathon or just chasing the finish line snacks, fueling properly is part of the adventure. Here’s your tongue-in-cheek, stomach-friendly guide to eating in Sydney like a true running tourist.

🍝 Carboloading (Before the Race)

Because you can’t run 42.2 km on ambition alone.

• Italian-style pasta in Leichhardt 🇮🇹
  Known as Sydney’s “Little Italy”, Leichhardt offers a smorgasbord of pasta temples. Think linguine, ravioli, or a classic spaghetti marinara. Just don’t overdo it or you’ll be carrying a carb baby on race day.
• Laksa from Chinatown 🍜
  This spicy noodle soup is bold, beautiful—and surprisingly energizing. If you’re brave enough for chili the night before a race, this could be your warrior meal. (Warning: may result in an extra sprint to the porta-loo.)
• Sourdough everything from Bourke Street Bakery 🥖
  Sydney takes its sourdough seriously. Grab a hearty sandwich or a pastry with actual weight to it. It’s the kind of carb that says, “I support your goals… and your glycogen.”

I had read that one common mistake was not eating enough carbs during the three days before a marathon. Determined not to repeat it, we began our carb-loading right away.

The Sofitel offered posh in-room dining. We ordered two pasta dishes that cost us 77 Australian dollars.

The price was outrageous, but the food was excellent.

🥩 Protein Recovery (After the Race)

Because after 42 km, you’ve earned the right to eat like a legend.

• Aussie meat pie with a side of pride 🥧
  A flaky, meaty, gravy-filled reward for your heroic effort. Best enjoyed in the sun with shoes off and medal still on.
• Barramundi at a beachside café 🐟
  You ran next to the harbour—now reward yourself with something that once swam in it. Lean, tasty, and very Aussie.
• Korean BBQ in Eastwood 🔥
  Sit, cook, eat, repeat. The post-race protein dream. It’s hands-on but slow-paced—just like your recovery jog tomorrow.

Fuel smart, run strong, eat proudly—and maybe bring stretchy pants. 🏅👖

🏆  Sydney Marathon. 42k / 10k / 5k mini marathon.

🌐 Website https://www.tcssydneymarathon.com/

🗓️ End of August in Sydney, Australia, Oceania.

👟 Bring city shoes.

✅ A World Marathon Major! Motivating crowds, funny signs, live music, and runners from all over the world created a festive vibe.

✅ Epic course and finish. Running over the Harbour Bridge and finishing at the Opera House is simply unforgettable.

⚠️ Crowded toilets and exits. Expect long queues before the start and slow post-race exits through packed areas.

This time, given the flight to Sydney is really long, I present you with not one but two book options! The first one is:

📖 “The Bat” by Jo Nesbo.

Reading The Bat before travelling to Sydney is a fun way to mix sightseeing with storytelling 🦇📚. Jo Nesbø’s first Harry Hole novel plunges you into the city’s atmosphere, from sunlit beaches to darker backstreets, giving you a fictional tour alongside a gripping crime investigation 🌏🔍.

You’ll pick up local slang, sense the cultural mix, and maybe even spot some of the locations when you walk around. It’s like having a noir-tinted travel guide in your backpack, making Sydney feel both familiar and thrilling before you even land.

While the second one I recommend is:

📖 “The Secret River“ by Kate Grenville.

This book reveals the complex layers beneath modern Sydney—its colonial past, the struggle for land, and the Indigenous heritage often overlooked by tourists. Reading it will transform your sightseeing: every stretch of waterfront, park, and suburb may resonate with stories of settlement, displacement, and reconciliation. It deepens your experience, turning city landmarks into windows into history.

PRO TIP: I chose the audiobook so I could listen to it while I was training!

🎬 Movies Set in Sydney

• The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994) – A dazzling, comedic road trip across Australia beginning in Sydney—celebrates diversity and the city’s vibrant LGBTQ+ culture.
• Muriel’s Wedding (1994) – A comic-drama that captures the transition from small-town life to Sydney’s eclectic suburban world and cultural awakening.
• Mission: Impossible 2 (2000) – Features Tom Cruise scaling the Sydney Harbour Bridge—an action-packed glimpse of the city’s iconic skyline.

📚 More books About Sydney

• Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty – A beach-side drama set on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, full of mystery, friendships, and picturesque coastal life.
• The Secret River by Kate Grenville – A historical novel about early colonial Sydney, exploring indigenous relations and settlement tensions.
• Cloudstreet by Tim Winton – A sweeping family saga partly set in Perth but included for its deep Australian soul.
• Missing in Sydney – A mystery/thriller set right in the heart of modern Sydney.