Sydney Marathon
If you have questions regarding Marathon Tours & Travel’s Sydney Packages please: EMAIL OUR TRIP DESIGNER or CALL 617-242-7845
Marathon Tours & Travel is proud to be the Official Travel Agency for the Sydney Marathon. The 2023 Sydney Marathon was the largest marathon in Australian history and with your help the 23rd running event in 2024 will be even bigger. Join us in making HISTORY!
Think of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sydney Opera House and its ingenious shape, like billowing white sails, and the impressive steel arch of the Harbour Bridge. The blue waters of the harbour and the white sands and curling waves of Bondi Beach will also come to mind. These beautiful images inspire people from all over the world to visit Sydney. Once here, they discover so much more to see and do. This beautiful cosmopolitan city celebrates its cultural diversity and heritage, and passion for arts and sports.
The Sydney Marathon is the sole remaining participant legacy of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. It is run on one of the most spectacular courses in the world, taking in all of Sydney’s iconic landmarks and providing all runners with a unique opportunity of crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge traffic free.
The marathon has been awarded the prestigious top honor of the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) Road Race Gold Label status – recognizing the event alongside household names of marathons such as London, Boston and New York.
The Sydney Marathon is the first Abbott World Marathon Majors Candidate to successfully pass Stage One of Abbott WMM assessment of the evaluation process and will now be required to meet the criteria for a second year, before becoming the next Abbott World Marathon Major.
Half Board
Breakfast daily at the hotel
Guide
Guidance & support from our team
Trip Extension
Post-Race extension to the Great Barrier Reef
Accommodation
Five night’s accommodations included
Entry
Discounted guaranteed race entry available
Celebration Party
Post-race celebration reception included
Excursions
Sightseeing opportunities & cocktail cruise
A Helping Hand
Exclusive Marathon Tours & Travel VIP Tent at the Finish
Medal Bling
Finishers will receive a commemorative medal
Travel Package Information
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Itinerary
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Wednesday, September 11
Arrive in Sydney and transfer on your own to the InterContinental Sydney. Upon arrival, join us for a welcome brunch and Q &A briefing from 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM where you will meet fellow travelers and your MTT Hosts. This afternoon is free to explore the local neighborhoods in Sydney and enjoy the views of the Sydney Harbour. (Brunch included)
Thursday, September 12
After breakfast, the group will depart on an unforgettable panoramic Sydney half-day sightseeing tour. During the tour we will visit the historic Rocks area, enjoy magnificent views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and visit Bondi Beach. At the conclusion of the tour, you will be dropped off at the Sydney Marathon Expo to collect your race kits. The rest of the day is free to enjoy at your leisure.
Mid-afternoon, join us for the optional Sydney BridgeClimb, one of the most iconic things to do while in Sydney. We highly recommend it and have tentatively booked space for up to 40 people to experience the Twilight Climb (3:35 PM – 4:05 PM). At a leisurely pace, the BridgeClimb takes three (3) hours and you will be finished between 6:35 PM – 7:05 PM. The cost is $305 USD per person. (Breakfast and lunch included)
If you are interested in an alternate date and time you can scan and email the completed form (available here) back to: ann@marathontours.com.
Friday, September 13
Choose between a full-day tour to the Blue Mountains or explore Sydney on your own.
Tour Options:
Blue Mountains with Self-Guided Hike | $215 per person | 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
The Blue Mountains National Park is one of the seven national parks that make up the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. This wonderful sandstone outcrops, deep ravines and hazy blue eucalypt forests boasts luxury retreats and stunning views. Your guide will take you off the beaten track to visit remote lookout locations and discuss the history, flora and fauna of this magnificent region. A highlight today will be a 1 ½ to 2 hour hike along the top of the Grouse Valley – it provides an exhilarating walk while seeing wildlife such as the elusive Lyre Bird. We’ll stop and enjoy a picnic style lunch while looking over one of the world class views this walk provides. (Lunch included)
Highlights Include:
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- Wildlife immersion
- Early entry to the Blue Mountains World Heritage Park
- Lunch
- Complete circle loop of the Blue Mountains
- Visit to remote regions with stunning views
- Historic Hartley Vale
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Explore Sydney on your own.
This evening, Marathon Tours & Travel will host a Sydney Harbour Cocktail Cruise. There is no other Sydney venue more desired, no views more captivating than the spectacular Sydney Harbour. Join runners from all over for this exclusive event. Includes canapes and one (1) drink per person. (Breakfast included)
Saturday, September 14
Today you can enjoy the sights of Sydney at your leisure. Relax at one of the famous beaches, visit the Taronga Zoo to see the koalas, or head to the Sydney Running Show for last minute race gear purchases. Tonight, join us for our pre-race dinner at the hotel. (Breakfast and dinner included)
Sunday, September 15
Race Day! This morning, a representative from Marathon Tours & Travel will escort you to the starting line. After you finish, stop by and recharge at the Marathon Tours & Travel post-race celebration area. Enjoy some light refreshments before walking back to the hotel on your own. Your hotel is located 800 meters from the finish line. This evening, the group will gather for a post-race reception to celebrate your accomplishment at a nearby restaurant! (Breakfast included)
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Extensions
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Monday, September 16
Transfer from the InterContinental Sydney to Sydney International Airport for your flight to Cairns. Upon arrival you will be transferred to the Shangri-La Cairns. You will have the remainder of the day at your leisure to relax at the hotel or go into town to explore Cairns.
Tuesday, September 17
Today you will walk from the hotel to the port for your full day Great Barrier Reef Cruise. You will explore three different sites from an amazing selection of exclusive locations at the stunning Agincourt Ribbon Reefs. Enjoy over 5 hours at the reef with unlimited snorkeling and up to three certified dives and introductory diving (diving is at an additional cost). At the conclusion of the cruise you will return to the hotel. (Breakfast and lunch included.)
Wednesday, September 18
After breakfast, you will meet your guide for a full day tour to Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest. The day will begin with a visit to the Daintree River Cruise Center for a one-hour cruise through the Daintree Rainforest. The tour will then continue to Alexandra Lookout for a spectacular view of the Daintree River Estuary, Snapper Island and beyond to the Coral Sea. Lunch will be included at the Daintree Heritage Lodge then you will continue on to Cape Tribulation, where the Rainforest meets the Reef. Upon arrival to the Shangri-La Cairns you will have the evening at your leisure. (Breakfast and lunch included)
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Packages & Rates
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Sydney Tour | Five-Night Package: September 11 – 16, 2024
Features:
- Five night’s accommodations at the InterContinental Sydney or Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
- Breakfast daily at the hotel
- Complimentary Wi-Fi in room
- Welcome breakfast reception upon arrival (Wednesday, September 11)
- Half-day guided sightseeing tour of Sydney ending at the Expo
- Sydney Harbour Cocktail Cruise
- Pre-race dinner
- Exclusive Marathon Tours & Travel VIP Tent at the Finish
- Post-race celebration reception
- Hosted on-site by Marathon Tours & Travel
- All taxes included
- Discounted Guaranteed Race Entry (cost is in addition to the package price)
Post-Race Extension to the Great Barrier Reef | Four Night Package: Monday, September 16 – Friday, September 20, 2024
Features:
- Four nights’ accommodation at the Shangri-La Cairns
- Breakfast daily at the hotel
- One-way flight from Sydney to Cairns (Monday, September 16)
- Roundtrip airport transfers
- Full Day Great Barrier Reef Tour (diving available at an additional charge)
- Full Day Cape Tribulation and Daintree Tour
- Farewell Reception
- All taxes included
- Services of Marathon Tours & Travel Staff (minimum 10 guests required)
Not Included:
- Australian Travel Visa – Required for U.S. and Canadian residents
- International airfare to/from Sydney
- Great Barrier Reef airfare from Cairns (CNS) to your connecting international flight (Friday, September 20)
- All activities listed as optional
- Meals unless noted on the itinerary
- Gratuities and tips
- Incidentals
- Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
Airfare:
Sydney Package: Flights should be book to and from Sydney Airport (SYD) and should arrive on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 before 10:00 AM. You can depart on Monday, September 16, 2024 at any time that is convenient for you.
Great Barrier Reef Extension: Guests on the post-race extension to the Great Barrier Reef should book your return flight on Friday, September 20 from Cairns (CNS) to your home airport.
All Rates per person and in US dollars
*One (1) runner per booking must have secured their entry by invitation from the AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Championship
Sydney Tour | InterContinental Sydney Double Occupancy Single Occupancy Classic Room $1505 per person $2355 Eastern Harbour View Room $1650 per person $2650 Opera House View Room - SOLD OUT $1820 per person $2980 Additional Nights Upon request Sydney Tour | Sofitel Sydney Wentworth Double Occupancy Single Occupancy Classic Room* - SOLD OUT $1505 per person $2355 Race Entry FeeMarathon $100 Optional Day ToursSydney Bridge Climb | Thursday, September 12 - WAITLIST $300 per person Blue Mountains Hiking Tour | Friday, September 13 - SOLD OUT $215 per person Post-Race Extension to the Great Barrier Reef | Four Night Package: Monday, September 16 - Friday, September 20, 2024Double Occupancy Single Occupancy Deluxe Room $1450 per person $1945 Deluxe Ocean View Room $1495 per person $2045
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Hotels
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InterContinental Sydney
Located a half mile from the finish line in the centrally positioned heart of Circular Quay. The InterContinental Sydney extends breathtaking panoramic views of the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Set within the beautifully restored Treasury Building of 1851, this hotel is renowned as one of the city’s prized icons.
Shangri-La The Marina, CairnsExperience the warmth of our genuine Australian hospitality at Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns. Prominently situated on the marina. Laze by the pool, surrounded by lush tropical gardens or adventure out to Carin’s favorite attractions including local markets, waterfalls and World Heritage listed rainforests and landmarks.
Sofitel Sydney WentworthSydney’s iconic first 5-star hotel in Australia. Our hotel is an unparalleled luxury retreat located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD amidst the bustling business and shopping districts. Sofitel will provide an all-encompassing experience where entertainment, leisure, conferencing and unparalleled hospitality will converge seamlessly, transcending traditional hotel boundaries.
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Event Information
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Race Date: Sunday, September 15, 2024
Race Time: 7:00 AM – Marathon
Course: Introduced in 2001, the inaugural Sydney Marathon followed the same course as the marathon during the 2000 Summer Olympics the previous year. The 2024 marathon course will incorporate changes to enhance the experience to make it “a faster, more scenic and spectator friendly course”. The Sydney Marathon course is AIMS Certified accurate course. Marathon Course Map and Marathon Course Profile.
Entry Fee: Sydney Marathon – $100
Eligibility: Sydney Marathon – 18 years +
Time Limit: Seven (7) Hours. The marathon will have cut-off points along the route. For more information go here.
Awards: Marathoners who finish their running event within the time limit will receive a commemorative medal and also receive a finishers t-shirt.
Temperature: September is the beginning of the spring season in Sydney. Daytime temperatures will range from 60°F – 68°F (16°C – 20°C). You will want to be prepared for some potential chilly westerly winds and chance of rain.
Difficulty: Moderate. See Marathon course profile here.
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Registration & Booking
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Rates: All prices are based on current exchange rates and may change due to currency fluctuations. All payments to Marathon Tours & Travel will be processed in US Dollars.
Reservation and Payments: A completed tour application together with a non-refundable deposit of $400 per person must be received before confirming your reservation. Final payment must be received before July 15, 2024. Final payments received after July 15, 2024 are subject to a $50 late payment fee. Bookings made after July 15, 2024 will require full payment at time of booking.
Cancellations: All payments, including your deposit, are non-refundable and non-transferrable. Non-transferrable includes applying your balance to another person, another year or another trip. Should you cancel for any reason, you will forfeit your trip investment. Therefore, travel insurance for every trip is highly recommended. All cancellations must be received in writing.
Note Included in the Price: All items not specifically listed under tour features. The race entry fee is an additional cost to the package price.
Insurance: For your protection, trip cancellation, baggage, health and accident insurance is highly recommended for all participants. However, no representation or description of the insurance made by our staff constitutes a binding assurance or promise about the insurance.
Travel Insurance for U.S. Residents
Travel Insurance for Canadian ResidentsSecurity Policy: Marathon Tours & Travel’s security policy requires that anyone staying in our room block must be registered as part of our package. If a registered client attempts to house a non-registered guest and /or invite them to attend any of our scheduled activities, the registered guest’s tour package will be forfeited and parties may be denied access to future tours. Please note that no exceptions will be made as this policy will be strictly enforced.
Responsibility: These tours are operated by Marathon Tours, Inc. of Chelsea, MA who acts only as an agent for the passenger to the companies offering such services and assumes no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity caused by any reason whatsoever by any party offering such services. All terms and conditions offered are governed by the laws of Massachusetts. The right is reserved to cancel the tour prior to departure with a refund, less applicable credit card and processing fees, made as full settlement to the passenger. The right is reserved by Marathon Tours, Inc. to deny acceptance of a booking application by any person. Marathon Tours, Inc. may make any changes or alterations in the itinerary as it deems necessary for the proper handling of the tour. The sole responsibility of any airline used is limited to that set out in the passenger contract evidenced by the ticket. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that the passengers are not on board their aircraft.
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Testimonials
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"This was such a wonderful experience..." - 2022
This was such a wonderful experience for my wife and I. Every time I think our trips with Marathon Tours & Travel can’t get better, they seem to keep raising the bar. It is so nice to have a stress-free time, the staff really is more like friends to us.
"The information about travel and what to expect was extremely helpful..." - 2022The information about travel and what to expect was extremely helpful – it really eliminated surprises and reduced stress.
"Once in a lifetime opportunity..." - 2022Once in a lifetime opportunity to explore Australia that you shouldn’t pass up!
"The company on the trip and the MTT efforts were extraordinary..." - 2022I loved getting to experience a lot of what Sydney has to offer and the Great Barrier Reef! The company on the trip and the MTT efforts were extraordinary, as usual.
"Ann was great and I hope I told her so..." - 2019Ann was great and I hope I told her so. She was very attentive to the group but down to earth and realistic with everything. She also made sure everything took place as scheduled and there was not one hiccup, at least that I am aware of. This was our first trip and my wife, who was reluctant to do this in the first place, by the time we left was asking when we were going to do another one.
"It was great!" - 2019It was great! Clean city, no crime. Scenery was amazing. 10k was fun, hard surfaces, but finishing at the iconic opera house was unreal! I had to pinch myself! Smiling from ear to ear marveling in all the runners! Loved it!
"Everything was well planned..." - 2019Everything was well planned. The hotel was in a great location, I could walk to pretty much everything that I wanted to see.
"Our family had a wonderful time on the trip..." - 2019Our family had a wonderful time on the trip. We credit Ann for a large part of our conclusion. My wife accompanied my Son and I for the first time; Ann and rest of group made her feel like one of the group , even though she did not participate in the Race. She had a much more enjoyable experience than I think she expected.
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Recommended Resources
Meet the Reps
Ann Haebler
Senior Trip Designer
Ann Haebler
Senior Trip Designer
Ann joined the Marathon Tours & Travel team after spending five years working as Group Sales Manager for a domestic tour operator specializing in train travel. She has now been a member of the team for eight years and hopes to continue to expand her knowledge of the world. Since her seventh grade world geography class, she has had an interest in learning about all the world has to offer.
During her time majoring in geography at the University of New Hampshire, her love of travel really kicked into high gear after spending a semester abroad in Australia. Let’s just say it was love at first flight! She has completed several half-marathons, 10K and 5K’s around the globe and in her local community.
Ann currently manages trips to Bhutan, Dragon Challenge, Comrades Ultra Marathon, Rio de Janeiro, Big Five, the Australian Outback, Sydney, Cape Town, Dublin and Patagonia in addition to being an Oceania Cruise Line Specialist.
