While the Sydney Marathon is known for being one of the most scenic courses in the world, runners should take training seriously before attempting the Sydney Marathon's undulating course
Travelling over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and finishing off at the iconic Sydney Opera House, nothing is quite as spectacular as running the Sydney Marathon course.
While the Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS may be known for being one of the world's most scenic courses, it is generally not known as a Personal Best (PB) course due to its relatively hilly and undulating terrain.
A World Athletics Platinum Label event, and a candidate race to become the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major, the Sydney Marathon has taken in a host of feedback from runners of its 2023 edition, making significant improvements and changes to its marathon course for 2024.
Why? To make it a faster course and an overall more enjoyable and smoother run experience for participants of the 2024 Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS.
Training for the Sydney Marathon? Read up on some expert tips from national runner Melvin Wong here in our special Sydney Marathon Training Tips feature.
So what's new? Key Updates to the Course
North Sydney Start Line a MAJOR upgrade
Runners of earlier editions of the Sydney Marathon will know that the marathon traditionally starts at Milson's Point, within walking distance of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
However, given the ongoing constructions in the surrounding area, runners have expressed their desire for a better startline holding area that is less congested, and ideally beginning the marathon on a downslope instead of its upslope trajectory.
This year, participants of Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS can expect a much improved start line experience, as for the first time since 2001, the event returns to Miller Street next to North Sydney Oval, the traditional home of the Sydney 2000 Olympic marathon course start line - with more space, more facilities and most importantly a downslope start to the course to give runners some forward momentum.
What's more the new start line is situated a mere 10 minute walk away (or 1 km) from North Sydney train station, making it a very convenient and easy to access location.
Fewer 180 Degree Turns
With plenty of U-turns and turns in the 2023 edition of the Sydney Marathon which slowed performance focused runners down, the 2024 Sydney Marathon course promises less turns, with only one 180-degree turn on the course which will arrive just before the 20km mark.
No U-Turns in Centennial Park
One of the most common complaints of the previous Sydney Marathon course was the sheer number of turns in Sydney's famous Centennial Park. The 2023 edition of the event also saw runners clock a total of 12km within the park itself, making it repetitive and less appealing for runners.
Runners can expect a huge improvement this year, with runners only required to run a single loop around Centennial Park before the route takes participants back into the CBD.
Sydney Marathon Course Comparisons 2023 vs 2024
Above: Fewer turns overall, and just a single 180 degree turn one the 2024 Sydney Marathon course map means runners can expect a smoother running experience.
2024 Sydney Marathon Course Elevation
The Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS remains a hilly course and runner should definitely incorporate slopes training into their marathon training blocks.
Yet to sign up for the Sydney Marathon? You can do so here.