Sydney Marathon Set to Make History With Over 25,000 Runners and Extensive Traffic Changes

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The TCS Sydney Marathon, presented by ASICS, is set to host over 40,000 participants and 150,000 spectators this Sunday, 15 September. With more than 25,000 runners in the main marathon event, it will be the largest marathon in Australian history. An additional 15,000 participants will join the TCS Sydney Marathon 10km and TCS Sydney Mini Marathon 4.2km.

Organizers are urging locals to plan their journeys ahead of time, advising the use of public transport due to significant road closures along the course. Sydney’s Metro and other public transport services will play a critical role in transporting participants to the North Sydney starting line, with the cost of public transport included in race entries. Residents are encouraged to avoid driving in the affected areas and rely on public transport to navigate race day.

“The TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS provides an incredible opportunity for tens of thousands of participants from Sydney, interstate and overseas to enjoy the rare privilege of running across the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, traffic-free,” said Wayne Larden, TCS Sydney Marathon Event Director. “With spectators flocking to the course to witness one of Australia’s most spectacular events, we understand that this may affect some residents’ plans.

“We encourage local residents to take note of the road closures and to plan their travel accordingly, so they can either join in the excitement or minimise any disruptions to their day.”

To make travel easier, additional bus and train services will be available throughout the day, including early morning services to North Sydney Oval.

Public Transport Info for Participants:

• Groups A, B, E, and F should arrive via Victoria Cross Metro Station or North Sydney Train Station.
• Groups C and D are advised to use Crows Nest Metro Station.

Summary of Traffic Changes:

• Major roads and cycleways will be closed between 3:30 am and 3 pm, affecting North Sydney, the Sydney CBD, The Rocks, Barangaroo, Pyrmont, Darlinghurst, Moore Park, Centennial Park, Kensington, and Kingsford.
• The Sydney Harbour Bridge, Cahill Expressway, and Western Distributor will be closed in both directions from 4 am to 10 am. While the Sydney Harbour Tunnel and Eastern Distributor remain open, delays are anticipated.
• Major routes to Moore Park, including College St, Park St, Oxford St, and Flinders St, will be closed until 2 pm. Macquarie St will remain closed until 3 pm, and Anzac Parade between Moore Park and Kingsford will be closed from 5 am to 11:30 am.
• Drivers are advised to avoid non-essential travel as east-west travel across the course will only be possible via the Cross City Tunnel, which will be toll-free from 5 am to 3 pm. Expect long delays.

Road Closures by Area:

• North Sydney: 3:30 am – 9:30 am (Miller St start line area closed between Falcon St and McLaren St until 12 pm)
• Sydney Harbour Bridge, Cahill Expressway, and Western Distributor: 4 am – 10 am
• Sydney CBD, Circular Quay: 4 am – 10 am (Macquarie St closed until 3 pm)
• Pyrmont, Millers Point, King St Wharf, and Barangaroo: 4 am – 9:30 am
• Sydney CBD east & The Domain: 4 am – 3 pm
• Darlinghurst to Moore Park (Oxford St & Flinders St): 4 am – 2 pm
• Moore Park: 5 am – 1:30 pm
• Moore Park to Kingsford (Anzac Pde): 5 am – 11:30 am

The marathon is a candidate for the Abbott World Marathon Majors series, with the support of the NSW Government and Destination NSW.