How to Enter the Sydney Marathon 2026 Ballot: A Guide for Runners
- SportPlus Feature
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Key dates, entry process, and tips for Singapore and Southeast Asian runners eyeing the Sydney Marathon 2026 ballot after a star-studded 2025 edition featuring Eliud Kipchoge and Sifan Hassan
For many runners in Singapore and Southeast Asia, crossing a finish line beneath the iconic Sydney Opera House is a bucket-list dream.
The TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS has rapidly grown into one of the world’s most sought-after races, attracting tens of thousands of participants each year. With its sweeping views across Sydney Harbour, and a dramatic course that includes the Harbour Bridge, finishing in one of the major marathons is both a challenge and a dream.
In the 2025 edition, the race drew global attention not just because of its new major status, but also because legends Eliud Kipchoge and Sifan Hassan were on the start-line. Hassan smashed the women’s course record in 2:18:22, while Kipchoge – even at age 40 – still showed why he’s considered among the greatest, finishing a strong ninth.
Entry to Sydney Marathon 2026 via Ballot
But for those hoping to take part in 2026, getting to the start line isn’t as simple as signing up. Entry to the Sydney Marathon is determined through a ballot system, meaning that every aspiring participant must first secure their spot through a lottery. Here’s what Singapore runners need to know about navigating the ballot process and boosting their chances of running Sydney next year.
If you’re a runner in Singapore hoping to be part of Sydney 2026, the entry is handled via a ballot system: a lottery rather than a first-come, first-served format. Knowing how the ballot works, when to apply, and what your options are if you don’t succeed can make all the difference.
When, Why & How the Ballot Opens
Sydney Marathon 2026 ballot registrations will open on 24 September 2025 and close on 17 October, in keeping with the timeline used for the 2025 ballot.
Because Sydney is in a different time zone (AEST / AEDT), Singapore runners need to mark these dates well and convert them correctly so nothing slips by.
What Running Legends Showed in 2025
One of the signal moments in 2025 was seeing Sifan Hassan take the women’s title and set a new women’s course record at 2:18:22. Her performance elevated expectations for what the Sydney course can produce.
On the men’s side, Hailemaryam Kiros set the new benchmark, while Eliud Kipchoge, already a running icon, showed veteran poise and competitive spirit by finishing ninth in what was a stacked field.
Their presence adds added prestige to the event, and for Singapore runners it’s inspiring — but it also means competition among elite runners is high. Still, for non-elite runners the ballot remains the only fair way to gain entry apart from special categories like the High Performance pathway.
The High Performance Programme and Entry Tips
If you've previously run a fast marathon, you might qualify for the High Performance Programme (HPP), which allows verified results on certified courses to help secure entry ahead of the general ballot draw.
For many, even a good finished time is useful: if it meets the criteria, it might put you ahead of others in the pile.
But even for those who don’t qualify, or who prefer to rely on the general ballot, there is much you can do to prepare.
Keep your running resume ready: Past marathon times, particularly on certified or relatively flat courses, can be useful if you ever seek priority entry.
Stay updated via the official site, newsletters, social media — organisers release ballot dates, entry fees, and conditions well in advance.
Check that your payment method is ready (credit card etc.), since if you are successful in the ballot, payment is needed promptly.
What If the Ballot Doesn’t Go Your Way?
Even if you don’t win the ballot, there are alternatives:
Charity entries, where you commit to raising funds for a partner cause in exchange for a bib.
International travel/tour-package partners, which sometimes include guaranteed entry plus flights/hotels.
Keep an eye on late releases of spots, or withdrawals — sometimes unused slots are released or reallocated.
Why 2026 Might Be Especially Attractive to Southeast Asian Runners
Sydney in 2025 was celebrated not only for its elite performances but also for its elevated status as a Major—and that tends to generate higher international participation, more visibility, and possibly stronger competition. For runners staying in the Asia-Pacific region, this means:
A chance to run a major marathon on scenic terrain, but also a chance to benchmark against world-class athletes.
Travel logistics and visa arrangements might be more streamlined by organisers and partners, given the race’s status.
Conditions in Sydney are generally more temperate in late August, which may suit runners coming from hot, humid climates like Singapore and Southeast Asia.
Final Thoughts
Seeing names like Sifan Hassan and Eliud Kipchoge compete in the 2025 Sydney Marathon helps put into perspective what kind of spotlight the event now commands.
For Singapore runners aiming for 2026, the ballot is your first hurdle — but with the right preparation, time awareness, and understanding of the entry options, it’s very much a hurdle you can clear. #SydneyMarathon #MadeSydneyAMajor