FAQs

About the Event

Entry Information

Course

Event Registration Expo

Getting to the Start and Finish

Results

Media

About the Event

Who can enter the event?

This event is unique for Sydney as it embraces people from all walks of life, regardless of fitness or age. There are four distances to choose from, all of which take in the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House and you can  chose to walk, jog or run.

Who owns the event?

This event is owned by Athletics Australia, a not-for-profit organisation responsible for managing the sport of athletics in Australia. It is important to note that all profits from the event go back into the community through Athletics Australia’s programs making this event one of the only true charitable running events in the country.

Why was the event started?

The Blackmores Sydney Running Festival is the only remaining legacy of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. It started in 2001 when the NSW Government approved the continuation of a marathon in Sydney to promote fitness and health for the NSW community and to position Sydney as an international tourist destination. Ten years on and the Blackmores Sydney Marathon and Running Festival is one of the most spectacular running events and marathons in the world.

How much has been raised over the years?

We are delighted to report that the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival has raised over $7.2m for charitable causes raising a record $2.3 million in 2010. Our target for 2011 is $2.5 million.

How can I fundraise and run for free?

To get your entry fee refunded simply reach the individual target set for your event. Click here to learn how you can help us meet that target and also how you can run for free.

What does my entry fee cover?

Besides a great day out with your friends and family, your event fee goes towards staging one of the most challenging events within Sydney, including extensive road closures, policing and other vital infrastructure to ensure a  successful event for participants and non participants in Sydney. 

Your event kit contains your race bib, timing chip, clothing bag, useful event information as well as a load of sponsor goodies. Each entrant will also receive free public transport to and from the event by showing your event bib.  Each finisher will also receive a quality commemorative medal featuring Rob de Castella, Australia’s greatest ever marathon runner. Marathon finishers will also receive a finishers t-shirt for their efforts.

Can I volunteer to help?

Not participating, but still want to be part of the action and have some fun? Why not join the Suncorp Bank Volunteer team? Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community, meet people with similar interests and of course have fun and help some amazing people achieve their individual goal on event day.  Click here to get involved >>

Who can I contact for more information?

Visit our contacts page for all the details you will require.

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Entry Information

Where do I get a paper entry form from?

If you require a hard copy entry form, you can download it here. If you would like an entry form sent to you via the post, please email info@sydneyrunningfestival.org with your postal address and number of copies required.

How do I pay for my entry?

We accept valid Visa or Mastercard credit cards. Money orders and cheques are also acceptable and should be made payable to Blackmores Sydney Running Festival or Pont3 Pty Ltd (address for mailing is on the entry form). We request that you please not send cash in the mail.

When do entries close?

What is my starting group?

For slower runners, joggers or walkers it is important to be in the correct starting group. There are three groups in each race all seeded according to expected finish time. All prams and wheelchairs (except racing chairs in the marathon) must be in the final start group (C Group). Your time will not be affected in any way as the timing chip will only record your time from when you cross the start mats to the finish line mats. This will allow you to enjoy the event at your own pace and provide you with the best possible end result. Click here for full details and time ranges >>

How do I apply for a preferred start?

Runners wanting a preferred start must first register online then email info@sydneyrunningfestival.org with a previous result (must be in previous 12 months) and the event in which you competed in.

As a guide, preferred starts will be offered to athletes running under the following times;

Please note that enquiries for a preferred start will be confirmed within two business days of sending through the email.

Am I entitled to an early-bird running singlet?

If you register online before 31-July and pay a $5.50 postage and handling fee you will receive a free running singlet (while stocks last). All early-bird singlets will be posted out at the end of August.

What is the size range of the early-bird running singlets?

Note: all measurements are in centimetres.

Can I still subscribe to The Sunday Telegraph weekend offer?

If you did not select to subscribe to The Sunday Telegraph weekend offer during the online registration process and would like to take up this offer, click here >>

Can I transfer my entry or obtain a refund?

Entry fees are non-refundable for non-starters and non-finishers as per the terms and conditions. Entry fees are refundable before August 19, 2011 although we will retain 25% of the entry fee to cover administration costs. All entries are non-transferrable as per the terms and conditions. Click here to withdraw from the event>>

Can I change events?

You can change between events by completing the change event form. We will not accept change event forms during race week (after 10 September), after this date you must complete the form and attend the Asics Event Registration in person to complete the transfer. You can change down in distances at no charge, but to go up in distance you must pay the difference from original entry fee to late fee for the particular event. Click here to change your event >>

Do I need my parents permission to enter?

Persons under 18 are required to obtain a parents signature to complete the entry form, however those parents who believe their child is capable of competing the 21km course will need to request this in writing to info@sydneyrunningfestival.org. Acceptance of U18 entries in the half marathon is at the sole discretion of the Race Director.

Will I receive confirmation of my entry?

All entrants who provide an email address with their entry will receive an e-ticket which includes important event information and their bib number. This e-ticket must be retained in order to collect your event kit during registration week. All confirmed entrants will be able to check their entry by visiting the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival website. Check my entry here >>
 

What is Marathon Guru and how can I register?

Marathon Guru is a FREE online training program available to all Marathon and Half Marathon participants. Marathon Guru has been developed by Olympian Lee Troop using cutting edge technology that adapts and adjusts your weekly training program according to how you completed your previous session. The Marathon Guru Registration Guide will help you register for this program.

Can I register a team?

Team registrations for new teams will close on Friday 12 August 2011. Team member registrations for existing teams must be finalised by Friday 19 August 2011. After this date, all team members must register as individuals.

Can I run with an iPod or other music device?

While the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival discourages the use of iPods or other personal music devices, we do not impose a ban on wearing headphones on course. The use of headphones can impede an individual’s ability to hear marshals or other course officials. Participants who choose to wear headphones on course do so at their own risk and are asked to pay attention to officials and other participants throughout their event.

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Course

Are the courses certified?

The Blackmores Sydney Marathon and Blackmores Half Marathon courses are AIMS Certified accurate courses. The shorter courses are not certified but approximate distances.

All events are run under IAAF rules.

Blackmores Sydney Marathon – 42.195km
Blackmores Half Marathon – 21.0957km
The Sunday Telegraph body+soul Bridge Run – 9km (approx.)
The Sunday Telegraph Family Fun Run – 4km (approx.)

What will I find along the course?

Drink stations will be found on all courses except The Sunday Telegraph Family Fun Run. At each drink station there will be water and portable toilets available near by. In the interest of public health please use the facilities provided.  Both Blackmores Half Marathon and Blackmores Sydney Marathon participants will have access to Powerade at selected stations. For Blackmores Sydney Marathon participants GU Gels will also be available at selected aid stations. Kilometre markings will be every 1km.

Will medical support be available along the course?

St Johns Ambulance teams will be located on all courses at various locations. If you are feeling unwell please report to the nearest official or medical personnel as soon as possible. If you see any fellow participant in distress please report the incident to nearest official or St Johns Ambulance team member. If it is an emergency please dial “000” and report the exact location of the incident.

Is the marathon course fast and suitable for a personal best?

Last year’s course changes were well received by the running community resulting in a faster, more scenic and spectator friendly course.

Will there be a finish line drink station and are there any special arrangements for the marathon?

A designated marathon only refreshment station will be located after the finish line.  An additional drink station will be located in the Recovery Village.

What is the official electrolyte drink & gel?

Powerade is the official electrolyte drink and GU Energy Gel is the official gel and will be available at selected refreshment stations along the course for the half marathon (Powerade and water only) and for the marathon (GU, Powerade and water).

Will there be pace makers and how will I identify them?

To assist you in achieving your personal best, pace makers will be provided by Sydney Striders in both the Blackmores Sydney Marathon and Blackmores Half Marathon.  Make sure you listen to the PA annoucements on event morning as to the location of your pace maker.  Each Pace Setter will be holding a coloured flag and will wear an identifiable singlet which will have the pace time marked on the back.

Can I have my own personal refreshments?

Personal refreshments are available for marathon runners only. Personal refreshments must be handed in to the Asics Event Registration Expo between 8am – 6pm on Friday 16 September or 10am – 2pm on Saturday 17 September and will be placed at Drink Stations marked by you on each bottle.

How will the construction works at the Sydney Opera House affect the finish area?

With the construction work currently underway at the Sydney Opera House the forecourt is no longer available. Therefore the finish line has been adjusted onto the roadway into the Concourse area. The area beyond the new finish line will be restricted and finishers will be moved out of this area.

For 2011, spectators will still be able to watch the finish of all events from the Sydney Opera House stairs.  However, due to the construction work on the forecourt spectators are asked to access the stairs via a revised route.  Spectators should proceed inside the Sydney Opera House via the pedestrian walkway surrounding the finish area, go up the internal staircase and outside onto the upper forecourt.

Click here to see a map of the finish area >>

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Event Registration Expo 

Where is the Asics Event Registration Expo?

The Asics Event Expo will once again be held at Cook and Phillip Park, College Street, Sydney.  All participants are required to attend event registration to collect their event kit.  The kit contains your race bib, timing chip, useful event information as well as sponsor goodies. The Expo will feature great event merchandise, discounts and specials from our event sponsors.

What do I need to bring with me to collect my event kit?

For ease of identification please bring your e-ticket or SMS notification (sent week prior to expo opening) or a photo ID.

What if I can’t collect my event kit?

If you are unable to pick up your event kit during registration week you can nominate someone to collect it on your behalf provided that they have a copy of your e-ticket (no event kits will be mailed out). Alternate arrangements can be made for participants who live outside the Sydney metro region on a case by case basis. If you are part of a team please check with your team captain as they may arrange collect it on your behalf.

Will event merchandise be for sale?

A Rebel Sport store will be set up as part of the Asics Event Registration Expo, where you can buy Asics Event Merchandise, Asics footwear and apparel, SKINS gear, GU and other great product. 

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Getting to the start and finish

What time does each race start at Bradfield Park?

It is strongly recommended that you be at the Start Area (Bradfield Park, Milsons Point) at least one (1) hour before the start of your race. This will give you time to drop off your clothing to the trucks provided, use the facilities and become familiar with the Start area. Please familiarise yourself with the Start Zones (A, B, C indicated on your Chest Bib).

6.20am – Blackmores Half Marathon
7.25am – Blackmores Sydney Marathon wheelchairs
7.30am – Blackmores Sydney Marathon
7.55am – The Sunday Telegraph Family Fun Run
9.00am – The Sunday Telegraph body+soul Bridge Run

Where is the start and finish areas?

The start area is located at Bradfield Park, Milsons Point - under the northern end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and adjacent to Milsons Point train station. The finish area will be at the Sydney Opera House.  The Recovery Village will be in the Royal Botanic Gardens - approximately 400 metres from the finish.

What can I expect to find at the start?

You will find toilets, meeting points, coffee, water, Suncorp Help Desks and sponsor activities. The clothing bag drop is on Broughton Street, the Kirribilli side of the park. Please use the unique sticker provided as part of your event kit to label your clothing bag and place this bag onto the allocated truck at the earliest possible time. (Each truck will leave 20 minutes before your event).

Why not make a night of it and stay in the city?

Our official hotel partner, The Menzies Sydney, offers some fantastic rates for entrants. The hotel is opposite Wynyard Station, only one stop from the race start.  Even if Sydney is your home, why not stay right in the heart of the city to ensure you are at your best and ready to go on event day.  There are even late checkouts to give you a chance to freshen up post race. 

Where do I leave and collect my clothing?

As part of your Event Kit you will receive a sticker/label (a replica of your Chest Bib) with the event name and your personalised number. If you intend to use the baggage transport system, you will need to use the clothing bag received in your event kit from the Asics Event Registration Expo. Please stick your label to the lower end of the plastic bag provided. The labels have been colour coded to assist with sorting between events, start groups and individual numbers. Ensure at the start you put your bag into the appropriate vehicle allocated to your event. Trucks leave 20 minutes prior to the commencement of your event. Any bags dropped after the truck cut-off time risk not being taken to the finish or arriving very late. Please do not put anything valuable in your clothing bag and any items placed in the bags are at your own risk.  The event organisers take no responsibility for lost bags or items within bags.

What is the predicated weather for event day?

For information on Sydney climate click here >>

Where can I find more information about Event Day?

More information is available in the Event Guide which is available at the ASICS Event Registration Expo. Click here to download a copy>>

Media

How do I apply for a Media Accreditation for event day?

Those wishing to obtain a Media Accreditation for event day must complete the following form and return via email.

Results

Why are results based on Gun Time and not Net Time?

The results are based on Gun Time as per the IAAF rule 165 part 24;

Transponder System

24. The use of Transponder Timing Systems approved by IAAF in events held under Rules 230 (races not held completely in the stadium), 240 and 250 is permitted provided that:

(a) None of the equipment used at the start, along the course or at the finish line constitutes a significant obstacle or barrier to the progress of an athlete.

(b) The weight of the transponder and its housing carried on the athletes’ uniform, bib or shoe is not significant.

(c) The System is started by the Starter’s gun or synchronised with the start signal.

(d) The System requires no action by an athlete during the competition, at the finish or at any stage in the result processing.

(e) The resolution is 1/10th of a second (i.e. it can separate athletes finishing 1/10th of a second apart). For all races, the time shall be read to 1/10th of a second and recorded to the whole second. All read times not ending in zero shall be converted and recorded to the next longer whole second, e.g. for the Marathon, 2:09:44.3 shall be recorded as 2:09:45.

Note: The official time shall be the time elapsed between the firing of the starting gun and the athlete reaching the finish line.

However, the time elapsed between an athlete crossing the start line and the finish line can be made known to him, but will not be considered an official time.

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