Sunday 15th September
Sydney Marathon race week! The hard graft is almost done —you've put in all of the work and now you can look forward to Sunday's race!
With the Sydney Marathon officially announced as an Abbott World Marathon Majors Candidate Event, this is going to be a huge year for Sydney and for all of our Runnas too!
Check out the official race website for any information related to your bib number or any other specific race day information.
💼 What Should I Pack?
Packing for race day is crucial. Not only is it important to ensure you haven’t forgotten anything vital, but also to get that pre-race buzz turned up! Here’s some things to consider:
Running Kit: Wear your race-day outfit as there aren’t too many changing facilities. I always pin on my bib the night before so no risk of lost safety pins!
Sports Nutrition: Pack any gels, chews, or snacks you’ve used in training. There will be gels / lollies handed out on the course, but bring your own so you know your prepped!
A pre-run layer: It is a good idea to bring an old jumper to the start line to keep warm. Discarded clothing is usually collected and donated to charity at the end.
Drop Bag: Pack a warm top, spare socks, blister plasters, and a recovery snack for after the race.
Electronics: Charge your phone, watch, and headphones the night before. Download any necessary playlists which will get you through those kms!
Sun Cream: Packing a small tube of SPF could be helpful as the Sydney sun can heat up. Last year temperatures were over 30 degrees, so please be conscious of this!
🤔 Should I Run the Day Before?
Some runners find a short, easy run the day before helps shake out the legs and calm the nerves. If this has worked for you in the past, go for it! If not, consider some light foam rolling or stretching instead. Maybe a walk to keep those legs fresh could also be an option!
🥪 What Should I Eat the Day Before the Race?
In the days leading up to the race, focus on eating meals that are about 50% carbohydrates to ensure your glycogen stores are topped up. On the day before, stick to simple, easily digestible foods like pasta, rice, and potatoes. Stay well-hydrated and avoid anything new or spicy!
💪 Final Preparations & Official Start Times
Once you're packed, fuelled, and hydrated, consider adding a light mobility session to your routine. Stretching can help release any tension and prepare you for a restful sleep before race day.
Start Times:
The elite wheelchair race starts at 6AM on Sunday with each wave starting thereafter - please check your group and when you need to be at the start.
Make sure to get that alarm set, and we recommend finishing any preparation the night before. The morning will be for fuelling, travelling, and managing that excited/nervous energy!
🎽 Where Should I Get My Number?
You’ll receive an email with access to your Event Information Pack at least 10 days before the race. If you don’t receive your number in the mail, or if you’re an overseas/late entrant, you can pick up your race number at the Marathon Running Show.
Thursday 12 September 2024: 8am - 8pm
Friday 13 September 2024: 8am - 8pm
Saturday 14 September 2024: 8am - 4pm
🚋 How Do I Get to the Start Line?
With road closures around Sydney’s CBD, plan your journey well in advance.
Marathon Race: The start is a short walk from the North Sydney Oval. North Sydney Station is the closest train station to the start line. Participants in Start Groups A, B, E, or F are recommended to arrive at North Sydney Station.Your public transport should be included in your Sydney Marathon event registration, so just be sure to show your Bib!
🗺 What a course you are in for!
The race begins in one of the most iconic ways possible: a crossing of the Sydney Harbour Bridge! Doesn’t get much better than that and hopefully that buzz will last you for the next 40kms!
The route winds through The Rocks, Circular Quay, the CBD, and the lush Centennial Parklands, before heading into the Eastern Suburbs and finishing at the Sydney Opera House. A pretty iconic finish too!
🏃 How Should I Pace Myself on Race Day?
Pacing can be tricky with the excitement of the start line. To avoid going out too fast, practice your race-day routine during your shakeout run. Download your playlists, set up Runna for pace or RPE cues, and ensure your devices are fully charged. There are a few hills, so be prepared, and just focus on that medal to get you up! Try not to worry about what other runners are doing, focus on your race, and listen to the crowds who will be rooting for you the whole way round!
Due to the rolling nature of the Sydney course, we don't currently offer 'pace target' style audio cues on your plan for the race, this is because your pace will vary when you are going up and down hills and it is difficult to predict exactly what pace you will be running at! Instead, you will receive feedback for each kilometre that you run - please have a look at the workout before your race day. You can always start this workout before Sunday's race to see how things will look and then discard it once you are happy with how your workout will be displayed!
🛰️ How Should I Navigate GPS Issues on the Day?
With so many runners, GPS signals can sometimes be spotty. Stick to your usual method of recording your runs on Runna, and be prepared for a possible delay in uploading your race data. If you encounter issues, save your activity and refresh your app when you have a stronger signal or Wi-Fi.
🔜 What's Next After the Race?
You did it! Now it's time to celebrate! 🏅 Grab a drink, loosen your shoelaces, and take some time to stretch and enjoy the moment.
Best of luck with your 2024 Sydney Race, and most importantly, have fun! This course is absolutely awesome, and so are you! Lap up the vibes and remember if you're not smiling, you're doing it wrong ;)
Sydney will be busy and the energy will be high! From the city centre, Opera House, Bridge, to Bondi and the beaches, you are in for some big celebrations!
Check out the video below for more of our Coaches' top tips for race day!