6 Epic Sydney Running Races to Add to Your Calendar in 2025

So you’ve made it your New Year’s resolution to run a race? Kudos to you! From technical trails to iconic urban marathons, Sydney is the perfect playground for the Strava-obsessed among us. To help you choose your challenge, we’ve rounded up six of the best Sydney running races 2025 has to offer – each promising epic scenery, good vibes and endorphins aplenty. Go get ‘em!

HOKA Runaway™ Sydney Half Marathon

On Sunday 4th of May, thousands of runners will descend upon the Royal Botanical Garden to take in HOKA’s Runaway™ Sydney Half Marathon. Passing through the city’s most iconic suburbs, you’ll cruise under the Harbour Bridge, weave your way around Darling Harbour and leg it along Mrs Macquaries Road before claiming your medal at Queens Square. After catching your breath, soak up the village vibes, snap a selfie and pat yourself on the back. Mission accomplished.

Distance: 21.1km

Sunday 4th May, 2025

Wollongong Running Festival 

Looking for a more relaxed race-day atmosphere? You can’t go wrong with the Gong. With 5km, 10km and half-marathon distances, Wollongong’s largest running event has something for every athlete. Unlike most Sydney running races, this is a mixed-terrain course covering parkland, nature reserves and seaside promenades – perfect for runners who relish variety. Low-key and family-friendly, it’s a feel-good addition to your schedule. If you’re keen to conquer a longer distance, consider toeing the starting line at Run Wollongong’s inaugural marathon on April 26, 2025.

Distance: 5km, 10km, 21.1km 

Sunday 1st June 

Sydney Ultra Marathons 

Hoping to spend more time on the trails in 2025? Make your way to leafy St Ives for the Sydney Ultra Marathons (SUM). From first-time racers to retired pros, SUM attracts athletes of all levels, promising an encouraging and supportive race-day environment. The course includes a scenic mix of fire trail and single track through the Garigal and Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park, covering kilometres of quintessential Aussie bushland. 

Distance: 30km, 50km, 80km 

Saturday 26th July 

TCS Sydney Marathon 

Presented by ASICS, the TCS Sydney Marathon is the Goliath of Sydney running races. In November, our not-so-humble harbourside city joined the likes of Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York to become the 7th member of the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors. Promising more than 40,000 participants and 120,000 spectators, it’s huge news for the Aussie running scene. While the marathon ballot closed on December 30, 2024, entries for the 10km and 4.2km mini marathon are still open. Race you there. 

Distance: 42.2km 

Sunday 31st August

City2Surf 

No list of Sydney running races is complete without the City2Surf. Iconic yet achievable, this legendary 14km fun run attracts runners, walkers and rollers of all kinds. As expected, the course starts in Sydney’s bustling CBD, climbs 2km up Rose Bay’s infamous Heartbreak Hill and reaches its finale on the shores of Bondi Beach. Expect an encouraging atmosphere, thousands of smiles and more than a few eye-catching outfits.

Distance: 14km

Sunday 10th August 

The Johnson & Johnson Bondi to Manly Ultra 

One for the long-distance lovers, the Bondi to Manly Ultra covers a whopping 80km of urban trail around Sydney’s sparkling foreshore. After donning your hydration vest, you’ll stand on the starting line at Bondi Pavilion before following the coast north. Cross sheer cliff tops, pace yourself over the Harbour Bridge and cruise through National Park before reaching the finish at Manly Beach. Can’t commit to 80km? No biggie. Find three of your fastest friends and split the course into four 20km segments. 

Distance: 80km

Saturday 25th October 

Now that you’re up to date on these epic 2025 Sydney running races, check out our guide to the best run clubs in Sydney. After all, everyone needs a training partner. Need some gear? Catch our running essentials here.