Sydney is undoubtedly in a class of its own – where else can you down a beer overlooking the water at sunset, swim in a sheltered harbour beach and commute by ferry to work? It’s also jam-packed with iconic views, locations, and parks – most of which you’ll run past in the Sydney Marathon 2024.
“This course is probably one of the most beautiful courses you can run,” says Sydney Marathon Race Director Wayne Larden. “I mean, the city itself is obviously beautiful, but this year’s new course has participants running past all of the famous icons as well.”
Not only will you run around the world’s most iconic harbour, but you’ll run over the harbour to start your race, traverse the historic foreshore and inner-city parklands and finish in Circular Quay at the foot of the Sydney Opera House. Iconic doesn’t even begin to cover it. The deep-blue water will be sparkling, the waves gently lapping, and the seagulls will be watching.
“We are consistently told that the main draw card for runners when they sign up for the Sydney Marathon is the iconic landmarks that they get to cross over, run past or finish at,” says Larden. “In particular, our recent research shows that the main reason people sign up is the chance to run over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, as well as finish at the Sydney Opera House.”
Sydney Marathon 2024 as an Abbott World Marathon Majors
Tempted? Well, if you’re still on the fence about joining Sydney Marathon 2024, here’s an added incentive to help with your decision. The Sydney Marathon, presented by ASICS is a candidate race for the Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM). The Abbott World Marathon Majors is the biggest and most popular running event series on the planet featuring the most high-profile best-known and most desirable marathons in the world. This series currently comprises of annual races in the cities of Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City.
And what does that mean for you if you sign up for the 2024 race? As a participant, you will have the chance to run Sydney Marathon when it becomes a World Marathon Majors without needing to ballot for a spot. This could be the start of your journey to joining a select few runners who have completed all six Marathon Majors and soon seven.
So you’re thinking about it, Holiday Tours has a ready-to-go Sydney Marathon package inclusive of your Sydney Marathon entry, hotel accommodations and airport transfer. Leave the travel logistics to them so that you can look forward to striding past these beauties on your way to a PB.
ICONIC SYDNEY LANDMARKS
1.Barangaroo and Walsh Bay
Once you’ve crossed the bridge, negotiated downtown, and run past Darling Habour, you’ll experience Barangaroo Reserve – Sydney’s newest Harbour foreshore park. It’s a stunningly repurposed industrial site that’s now home to natural gardens, wide pathways and almost 360-degree views of the inner Harbour and city skyline. Right next door are the historic Walsh Bay wharves, and an easy run during the Sydney Marathon along the water under the Bridge (you’ll love that view).
2. The Rocks and Circular Quay
Hugging the western side of Circular Quay, The Rocks is one of the city’s most popular and beautiful reminders of Australia’s ancient and recent history. Home to the Gadigal people for thousands of years, from 1788 onwards The Rocks was the epicentre of the modern-day city as we know it. It’s full of perfectly preserved sandstone buildings from the 18th and 19th century, cobblestones (we’ll avoid most of them for the Sydney Marathon– don’t worry), the famous Argyle Cut and the Museum of Modern Art, housed in a restored Art Deco building. Run back in time and imagine yourself here over two hundred years ago when the local inhabitants would never have thought of going for a run for fun!
3. Centennial Park and Oxford St
One of the most enjoyable sections of the Sydney Marathon has got to be running through the expansive Centennial Parklands. Reached by an epic run up the iconic Oxford Street – home of the famous Sydney Mardi Gras and many wine bars – Centennial parklands are every Sydneysider’s favourite patch of green. As you run, you’ll pass century-old trees, wide open grassed areas and peaceful duck-filled ponds; your eyes will love the short break from the shadows of the city high rises.
4. Lady Macquarie’s Chair and the Royal Botanical Gardens
With our new course, you’ll also now be treated to one of Sydney’s best views as you run past the Royal Botanical Gardens and down to Lady Mac’s Chair. Perched on the edge of the water with a view that perfectly frames the Bridge, Opera House and city, this sand-stoned carved seat dates back to the early 1800s. It was commissioned by Governor Macquarie for his wife Elizabeth, but now it serves as marker for a postcard-worthy camera shot. You won’t have time to stop during the Sydney Marathon, of course but the view you’ll enjoy is worth the effort. Trust us.
5. Sydney Harbour Bridge
Normally packed with 10, 000 cars, buses, and trains, having the chance to run across the Sydney Harbour Bridge with 40,000 other runners is a once in a lifetime experience. Take the time to look up so you can admire the six million rivets that hold the steel together, and perhaps tell the runner next to you that it takes nearly a year to refresh the paint job. A year! You’ll be amazed at how long, large, and impressive our coat hanger really is, and as the bridge is only closed a handful of times every year, you’ll be part of a select group of people who have crossed it on foot.
6. Sydney Opera House
We’re going to put it all out there and say that the Sydney Marathon finish line is the most beautiful marathon finish line in the world. Not only do you get to finish your marathon almost on the steps of the Sydney Opera House but this year, runners will be able to battle it out down the final stretch along Macquarie Street, which borders the Royal Botanical Gardens and opens up to the harbour foreshore. Expect stunning views of the central harbour, throngs of spectators cheering you on, and a photo finish that will make it all worthwhile.
If you’re inspired to run the Sydney Marathon this year, don’t hesitate and head on over to Holiday Tours to lock in your spot for the marathon and leave everything to their travel advisors so that you can worry about your race.
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