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For runners, the Sydney Marathon is like Christmas Day. We spend months planning our strategy – carefully mapping out our carb load, choosing where we’ll celebrate, and finally laying out our race kit the night before like a present under the tree.
If the marathon is Christmas, then today is Boxing Day. Yesterday, I ran the Sydney Marathon with team Shokz alongside 44,000 runners from more than 160 countries. Having completed the race in its inaugural year as a World Major in 2025, I largely knew what to expect – but that didn’t make it any less special. Here are my five favourite takeaways from 2026.
1. The most beautiful backdrop
I genuinely believe the Sydney Marathon is one of the most beautiful courses on Earth – and thankfully, Mother Nature blessed us with another blissfully sunny winter day, allowing our Harbour City to show off in all its glory. Running across the Harbour Bridge and flying over the finish line at the Sydney Opera House still gave me goosebumps – even as someone who runs past them every week. I can only imagine how magical that moment must have been for the thousands of runners visiting from overseas.
2. The power of strangers
The Sydney Marathon is one of the biggest days of the year when the whole city comes out to cheer people pushing their limits. From the volunteers to the support crews and my fellow runners, thank you for showing up. I particularly loved the huge choir belting out ballads near Martin Place, along with the drag queens and DJs hyping us up down Oxford Street. You showed the whole world what Sydney spirit looks like.
3. The quiet triumph
During the race, I spent lots of time reflecting on everyone’s 'why'. Every single person around me had overcome personal challenges or major life milestones to reach that start line. If you ran, I hope you realise how strong, brave and inspiring you are. And if you’re considering entering the ballot for 2027, take this as your sign to do it.
4. United through running
At the start line, I chatted with several international athletes who were completely blown away by how welcoming Australians are. You didn't have to look far to see it in action – people from all backgrounds, ages and fitness levels were striking up conversations and cheering each other on before the gun even went off. It’s pretty incredible how a simple sport like running can bring an entire community together, and it made me feel so proud to see Sydney host them all.
5. What a privilege it is to run
This year, I had the honour of guiding a visually impaired athlete, Janice, from America in the marathon. As we navigated the course together, we kept reflecting on just how lucky we were to have the health, fitness and freedom to run 42.2 kilometres. Sharing that experience with Janice in my home city made the marathon even more memorable, and I can’t wait to do it all again next year.
The 2027 Sydney Marathon has just been announced for Sunday, August 29. The ballot opens on September 29 and closes on October 19.