COVID-19 Event Update

Frequently Asked Questions

Event Information Registration & Entry Information Event Changes Team Information Event Day Information Course Merchandise Results Fundraising Media Participant Agreement

Got a question? Please see a list of our Frequently asked questions below.

Event Information

  • What is the date of the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival?

    Sunday, 20 September 2020

  • Is the 2020 Blackmores Sydney Running Festival cancelled or postponed this year?

    As we all know, COVID-19 has changed all of our lives, right across the world. Whilst this has been devastating, the response by Governments and communities has been outstanding, particularly in Australia and New Zealand. Obviously as organisers of this great event, we’ve been monitoring the situation and have been in close contact with the NSW Government on how COVID-19 may impact the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival. At the moment, we are still working towards our scheduled date of Sunday 20 September 2020. This year we celebrate our 20th event, and the 20th Anniversary of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games from which this event was founded as a legacy for the event.

    We will continue to work closely with the NSW Government and Agencies over the coming months and if there is a need to change this date, we do have backup dates already planned. Though for now we keep on planning for September, with various options being considered as to how we do this under COVID-19 considerations. Your health, the health of our volunteers and workforce are of primary importance, so rest assured we will implement a safe, successful and fun event for you.

    During this time, we do know large parts of the community have been focusing on their health and in particular people taking up running to keep fit and mentally healthy. So we hope to welcome some new faces to the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival event this year, which is very exciting.

    So be safe, stay fit and healthy and we look forward to seeing your smiling faces at the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival, the most spectacular running event in Australia.

  • Who can enter the event?

    Anyone can enter the event and as there are four different distances to choose from, whether you are an elite athlete, club runner, gym member, or simply someone who enjoys a social walk or jog there is a run to suit all fitness levels. All event courses go over the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

  • What is the minimum age to enter the Marathon & Half Marathon

    All entrants must be aged 18 years or older on event day to participate in the Blackmores Sydney Marathon.

    All entrants must be aged 15 years or older on event day to participate in the Blackmores Half Marathon.

    There is no age restriction for participating in the 10k Bridge Run or 3.5k Family Fun Run.

  • How do I apply for a preferred start?

    Runners wanting a preferred start must first register online and then fill out the online form located under your preferred event. Preferred starts are subject to availability and are allocated on a first in first served basis. As a guide, preferred starts will be offered to athletes running under the following times;

    Preferred Athlete Start Times
    Bridge Run (10km)
    		 Half Marathon Marathon
    Male 35 mins 75 mins 2 hrs 50 mins
    Female 40 mins 85 mins 3 hrs 15 mins
  • What does my entry fee cover?

    In addition to a great day out with your friends and family, your event fee goes towards staging one of the most challenging events in Sydney. This includes your race bib, extensive road closures, policing and other vital infrastructure to ensure that we can run a safe and successful event for participants and non-participants in Sydney.

    Each entrant will also receive public transport to and from the event by showing their race bib. Each finisher will receive a quality commemorative medal. Marathon finishers will also receive a finishers T-shirt for their efforts.

  • 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. Profits from the event go back into the community through Athletics Australia’s programs.

  • Why was the event started?

    The Blackmores Sydney Running Festival is the sole remaining participant 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. Seventeen years on and the Blackmores Sydney Marathon and Running Festival is one of the most spectacular running events and marathons in the world.

  • Will the event be Broadcast on TV?

    The Blackmores Sydney Running Festival will be screened live on Channel 10 commencing at 7:00am and internationally on Eurosport Asia, Fuji TV in Japan and selected free to air channels in China.

    The broadcast can also be watched live on our official Facebook page.

Registration & Entry Information

Event Changes

  • Can I change events?

    We understand that sometimes injury or illness may interrupt your training and ability to run in your chosen event on the day. For this reason, you can change between events via your RegisterNow dashboard.

    Instructions on how to change your event can be downloaded here.

    Please note: A $5 administration applies to any event changes. Any race changes processed before the 31 July 2020 will receive a refund for the difference in entry fees. Any changes after this date will not receive a refund.  Race changes are subject to availability as particular start groups and events will sell out prior to Sunday 20 September 2020.

    Any upgrades to the Sydney Marathon after  31 July 2020 at 5pm will not receive a personalised race bib.

    ALL RACE CHANGES FOR THE 2020 BLACKMORES SYDNEY RUNNING FESTIVAL CLOSE AT 5:00PM SATURDAY 19 SEPTEMBER. After this time, NO RACE CHANGES will be processed under any circumstances.

  • Can I transfer my entry or obtain a refund?

    RACE WITHDRAWALS FOR THE 2020 BLACKMORES SYDNEY RUNNING FESTIVAL CLOSE AT 5:00PM FRIDAY 31 JULY. After this time, NO WITHDRAWALS will be processed.

    Entry fees are non-refundable for non-starters and non-finishers as per the event’s terms and conditions agreed to at the time of registration.

    75% of entry fees are refundable prior to 31 July 2020.

    After 31 July 2020 we do not offer refunds.

    Withdrawal form can be downloaded here.

    Alternatively, you can look to transfer your entry via your dashboard.

    Race transfer forms can be downloaded here.

Team Information

Event Day Information

  • 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 for the Marathon and Half Marathon and Bridge Run will be at the Sydney Opera House and the Family Fun Run will finish at the Royal Botanic Gardens (next to the Conservatorium of Music). The Recovery Village will be in the Royal Botanic Gardens, located in Tarpiean Way off Macquarie Street, approximately 300m from the Opera House.

  • What time should I arrive 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 way you have time to 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) shown in the start map of the Event Guide (available early September online). Start times are below:

    6.00am – Blackmores Half Marathon
    7.00am – Blackmores Sydney Marathon wheelchairs
    7.05am – Blackmores Sydney Marathon
    8.00am – Blackmores Bridge Run
    9.00am – Blackmores Family Fun Run

  • How do I get to the start venue - Bradfield Park?

    It is advised that all participants take public transport to the event, to avoid the large number of road closures that will be in place throughout event day, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge closing from 4am-11am. Please visit the traffic and transport page for more information.

  • Is there any scheduled track work for event day?

    Please visit the traffic and transport page for more information about public transport and road closurers on event day.

  • Is there parking available?

    Domain Car Park
    Domain Car Park will open at 5am and the special rate of $15 for the day applies

    Cook and Phillip Car Park (has limited space and generally used by course marshalls in the area)
    Cook and Philip Car Park will open at 4.30am at the special rate of $10 for the day.

  • What can I expect to find at the start?

    You will find toilets, meeting points, coffee, water, Help Desks and sponsor activities.

  • What is the predicted weather for event day?

    For information on Sydney climate click here >>

Course

  • Where can I find course maps for all four distances?

    You can find the Sydney Running Festival course maps for 2020 here:

    Blackmores Sydney Marathon >> *2020 courses are subject to change.
    Blackmores Half Marathon >> *2020 courses are subject to change.
    Blackmores Bridge Run >> *2020 courses are subject to change.
    Blackmores Family Fun Run >> *2020 courses are subject to change.

    Course maps for 2020 have not been confirmed.

  • Are the courses certified?

    The Blackmores Sydney Marathon, Blackmores Half Marathon and the Bridge Run courses are AIMS Certified accurate courses. The Family Fun Run is not certified but an approximate distance.

    All events however are run under IAAF rules.

    Blackmores Sydney Marathon – 42.195km
    Blackmores Half Marathon – 21.0957km
    Blackmores Bridge Run – 10km
    Blackmores Family Fun Run – 3.5km (approx.)

  • What will I find along the course?

    Drink stations will be found throughout all courses except the Blackmores Family Fun Run and at the finish line for all entrants.

    At each drink station there will be water. Portable toilets can be found at every drink station, please see the event pages for exact locations.

    Both Blackmores Half Marathon and Blackmores Sydney Marathon participants will have access to electrolytes (indicated on the course maps).

    GU Gels are only available for Sydney Marathon participants at selected drinks station (we suggest carrying additional gels with you) kilometre markings will be placed at every 1km on course.

  • Will medical support be available along the course?

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

  • 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 at the dedicated Blackmores Marathon Recovery Zone.

    An additional drink station will be located in the Blackmores Recovery Village located in the Royal Botanic Gardens.

  • What is the official electrolyte Drink & Gel?

    GU Energy Gel is the Official Gel and will only be available at selected refreshment stations along the Marathon course (GU and water).

    If you rely on gels as part of your hydration plan we strongly recommend you carry your own gels with you as we can not guarantee they will be available when you reach the drink stations.

    Electrolyte will be provided on course by Gatorade.

     

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

    To assist you in achieving your personal best, pacemakers will be provided by Sydney Striders in both the Blackmores Sydney Marathon and Blackmores Half Marathon.

    Make sure you listen to the PA announcements on event morning as to the location of your pacemaker. Each pacemaker will be holding a coloured flag and will wear an identifiable “Sydney Striders” green and white singlet. The pace time will be marked on the back of the singlet as well as the flag.

  • Can I have my own personal refreshments?

    Personal refreshments are available for ELITE Marathon runners only.

    Personal refreshments must be handed in to the ASICS Event Expo between 8am – 2pm on Saturday 18 September 2020 ONLY and will be placed at Drink Stations marked by you on each bottle.

    Drinks cannot be left outside of these times. 

  • Can I run with an Ipod or other music devices?

    While the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival discourages the use of iPods or other personal music devices, though 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 must pay attention to officials and other participants throughout their event.

  • Does the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival event app have live tracking?

    Yes, the event app has two types of tracking. Live Tracking, and GPS tracking.

    The Blackmores Sydney Marathon uses the Live Tracking technology, and updates based on a particular runners location as they pass various split points across the course.

    The Blackmores Half Marathon, Blackmores 10k Bridge Run, and the Blackmores 3.5k Family Fun Run do not use the same method as the Blackmores Sydney Marathon.

    For the latter three events, you will need to enable GPS tracking, visit here for more info about how to enable GPS tracking on your device.

    The event app will be available to download closer to event week.

Merchandise

Results

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

    The results are based on Gun Time as per the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) rule 165 part 24 (below). The Blackmores Sydney Running Festival is run under these rules because the official results from partaking in the event can be used for selection into International and Olympic events.

    However, net times are also provided for participants who would like to know the true (net) time it took for them to run from the start line to the finish line. This is provided for personal use only.

    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.

Fundraising

Media

Participant Agreement

  • 2020 Participant Agreement

    PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT

    I acknowledge that: I participate in the Event at my own risk. I will take all reasonable measures to protect myself from the risks of participation. I accept all responsibility for travel and personal medical insurance and for payment and/or reimbursement of medical/surgical expenses incurred as a result of my participation in the Event.

    I am responsible for all property I bring to the Event sites and acknowledge that Athletics Australia the event owner, (AA) and Pont3 Pty Ltd, the exclusive licensed promoter (“Pont3”) accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage to this property.

    I consent to the conduct of identity verification checks, background security checks and any other security checks (which may include inspecting my personal property) prior to my entry to and / or departure from any Events site.

    I will abide by the Event rules and timelines, as varied from time to time and will abide by directions given by Event Officials and accept that the Event Organiser has discretion to accept or decline an entry on whatever grounds.

    I undertake to comply with all applicable regulations, by laws and rules of the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) and AA in relation to the Event and will comply with all reasonable directions and decisions of the officials, and other representatives of ASADA and AA and Blackmores Sydney Running Festival staff and officials.

    I release AA and Pont3 (and their directors, officers, employees, volunteers, contractors, sponsors and / or agents) from any claim and from any liability (to the extent permitted by law) for or as a result of any loss, injury or damage suffered by me in relation to my attendance and participation at the Event, however so caused, including any claim or liability which arises due to any negligence of AA and / or Pont3 (and / or their directors, officers, employees, volunteers, contractors, sponsors and / or agents).

    I consent to the publication and/or use in any form of media whatsoever of my name, race result, image, voice, statement or otherwise, including the publication of my name and/or event result and applicable age bracket in /or marketing materials/website without payment or compensation.

    To the best of my knowledge, I am not suffering from a condition which would prevent and/or render me unfit to participate in the Event.

    I have not knowingly used any substance for the purpose of enhancing my performance at the Event and will not use any substance or procedures prohibited by the rules of AA or the International Association of Athletics Federations (“IAAF”). (Competitors should check with their physician to ensure medication that they are taking is not a prohibited substance).

    I understand all entries are non-transferrable and non-refundable for non-starters and non-finishers. Entries are only valid for the current year, and can not be deferred. Entry fees are refundable before July 31, 2020 although 25% of the entry fee will be retained to cover administration. Fees will be processed by Pont3 Pty Ltd and an item will appear on your statement showing funds being debited by Pont3 Sydney Running Festival.

    Any participant who changes into another race of greater value will be required to pay an additional fee for the difference between the entry fee originally paid and the current cost of participating in the alternative race plus a $5.00 admin fee.

    I understand there is a $5 admin fee for any event changes, and race fee difference is payable.

    I understand I am able to transfer my entry online to another person up until 11:59pm AEDT Saturday 14 September 2020 if I am no longer able to participate. It will be my responsibility to find the person to transfer my entry to and arrange the race transfer. I accept that there is a fee of $20.00 to transfer my entry which is payable at the time of the transfer. Race organisers take no responsibility for name transfers and no claim can be made against event organisers for failed transfers.

    If the Event is cancelled for safety concerns or otherwise as a result of something beyond the reasonable control of AA and / or Pont3 including and without limitation strong winds, heavy rain, excessive atmospheric pollution, lightening and accidents, or any other Act of God,force majeure, pandemic or other mass health and saftey issues I accept that my entry fee and / or any other cost incurred in order to participate and / or get to the Event will be non-refundable. In addition I acknowledge I will have no claim against AA and / or Pont 3 for any loss or damage I may suffer as a result of such cancellation.

    I certify that I am 18 years or older, or that I am the parent/legal guardian of the Participant who is under the age of 18 years, and I have read this document and fully understand it. As a parent or legal guardian, I agree to this Participant Agreement for and on behalf of the Participant.

    Privacy Declaration: Pont3 collects uses and discloses personal information for the purposes of conducting and administrating the Event and other related activities, including for identifying participants, recording results and communicating with you, and for providing you with member services or promotional material such as other events or Blackmores or other sponsor offers. Pont3 collects uses and discloses personal information in accordance with Pont3’s privacy policy. I agree to the following as conditions of participating in any of the four events that make up the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival (“Event”). Event means any of the four events within the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival. may share your information with third parties as required, including but not limited to disclosing your personal information to Athletics Australia Ltd for the purpose of administering the Athletics Australia Running Australia program. In administering the Running Australia program, your personal information will be used to register you as a recreational running member of Athletics New South Wales. Your personal information will also be used to register you as a member of Blackmores Online community.

    The Pont3 privacy policy contains information about how to access and correct personal information held by Pont3 or how to make a complaint about the handling of personal information. Applications or services may be rejected if requested information is not provided. Opt-out procedures are available for individuals wishing to avoid receipt of promotional material from Pont3 or third parties. Contact information for Pont3 and a copy of our privacy policy is available at www.sydneyrunningfestival.com.au

    Voucher code: To validate your voucher code, enter the code in the Voucher box on checkout page. If your code is accepted, your registration fee will be reduced accordingly. Voucher codes may only be used where the Participant meets the conditions applying to the code and uses it within the validity period. Voucher codes are not able to be redeemed or exchanged for cash and must only be used by the Participant(s) to whom the relevant code was issued to by the code owner. No refunds will be issued if you submit payment and fail to enter your code during the registration process. Pont3 reserves the right to modify, suspend and/or cancel any voucher code at any time without notice to Participants.

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