Got a question? Please see a list of our Frequently asked questions below.
Event Information
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When is the 2022 Blackmores Sydney Running Festival?
The 2022 Blackmores Sydney Running Festival is set for Sunday, 18 September 2022.
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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.
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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 Blackmores Bridge Run or 3.5k Blackmores Family Fun Run.
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How do I apply for a preferred start?
Runners wanting a preferred start must first register online and then fill out a preferred start application form. Preferred starts are subject to availability and are allocated on a first in first served basis, so it is recommended that you apply early to avoid disappointment.
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 70 mins 2 hrs 40 mins Female 40 mins 80 mins 3 hrs 05 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.
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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.
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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. Twenty years on and the Blackmores Sydney Marathon and Running Festival is one of the most spectacular running events and marathons in the world.
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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
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I registered for the 2021 event, has my entry been transferred over to 2022?
All participants who registered for the 2021 event which was postponed, have been transferred over to the 2022 event.
Participants will receive an email with details on how to claim their registration in December 2021. If you do not receive this email, please contact our customer service team – info@sydneyrunningfestival.com.au
If you cannot attend the event on Sunday, 18 September 2022, you can email our customer service to withdraw and apply for a refund.
All refund requests need to be submitted by 31 July 2022.
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How do I register for the 2022 event?
Entries to the 2022 event are now open – click here.
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Where do I get a paper entry form?
If you would like an entry form sent to you via the post, please email the Sydney Running Festival office with your postal address and number of copies required.
Note: paper entry forms will be available from early April 2022. Early Bird paper entries will close 23 July 2022.
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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 Pont3 Pty Ltd (address for mailing is on the entry form). We request that you do not send cash in the mail.
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Do I need to register a child to participate?
Yes, all entrants regardless of age must be fully registered online to be allowed on course due to safety regulations and they will be provided with a chest bib to wear for identification. Please note that for the safety of the child, all children under 5 must enter the C group along with their guardian.
Children under the age of 2 years can register for FREE up until 31 August 2022.
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I have already registered; how do I edit my online entry?
Please email our customer service team info@sydneyrunningfestival.com.au for assistance.
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What is the 7% Booking Fee?
A 7% booking fee is charged to all participants in addition to the cost of their entry and covers the cost of the registration provider and transaction fee.
Event Changes
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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.
To request a Race Change, please fill in the online form by clicking here.Or email info@sydneyrunningfestival.com.au for more information.Please note: A $10 administration applies to any event changes. Any race changes processed before the 31 July 2022 will receive a refund for the difference in entry fees. Any changes after this date will not receive a refund.
Any upgrades to the Sydney Marathon after 31 July 2022 will not receive a personalised race bib.
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Can I transfer my entry or obtain a refund?
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 2022.
After 31 July 2022, we do not offer refunds.
You can transfer your entry to a friend. Note: the $20 transfer fee will be issued to the new participant to complete the transfer.
Click here to fill out the online Race transfer form
Team Information
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Can I enter a team into the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival
Yes, team registrations are available for the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival.
Event Day Information
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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 Tarpeian Way off Macquarie Street, approximately 300m from the Sydney Opera House.
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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.
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Is there any scheduled trackwork for event day?
Please visit the traffic and transport page for more information about public transport and road closures on event day.
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Is there parking available?
Domain Car Park
Domain Car Park will open at 5am and the special rate of $15 for the day appliesCook and Phillip Car Park (has limited space and generally used by Course Marshals 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.
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What is the predicted weather for event day?
For information on Sydney climate click here >>
Course
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Where can I find course maps for all four distances?
You can find the Sydney Running Festival course maps for 2022 here:
Blackmores Sydney Marathon >> *2022 courses are subject to change.
Blackmores Half Marathon >> *2022 courses are subject to change.
Blackmores Bridge Run >> *2022 courses are subject to change.
Blackmores Family Fun Run >> *2022 courses are subject to change.Course maps for 2022 have not been confirmed.
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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 World Athletics 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 below for exact locations.
- Blackmores Sydney Marathon
- Blackmores Half Marathon
- Blackmores 10km Bridge Run
- Blackmores 3.5km Family Fun Run
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.
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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.
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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.
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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 cannot guarantee they will be available when you reach the drink stations.
Electrolyte will be provided on course by Gatorade.
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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.
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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 17 September 2022 ONLY and will be placed at Drink Stations marked by you on each bottle.
Drinks cannot be left outside of these times.
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Can I run headphones / earphones?
While the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival discourages the use of headphones while participating, 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.
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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 runner’s 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
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I have already registered; how do I receive a Blackmores Early Bird singlet?
2021 Blackmores Early Bird singlets will be transferred over to the 2022 event and will be available for purchase for new entries when registrations open.
Participants who signed up for the event in 2021 and purchased a singlet, can expect your singlet to arrive in early August 2022.
If you need to add a singlet to your registration, you can do so via your the online store. Instructions on how to do this can be downloaded here.
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How do I receive my Blackmores early bird singlet?
Blackmores Early Bird singlets are subject to a $7.50 postage and handling fee.
All Blackmores Early Bird singlets will be posted out to participants within Australia in early August 2022. Participants who registered for the 2020 & 2021 event and transferred their entry to 2022, and purchased an early bird singlet, will receive their singlets from August 2022.
For international participants, you will need to pick up your bib from the pre-ordered merchandise desk at the ASICS Event Expo between event expo from the 15 – 17 September.
ALL PARTICIPANTS must pay the $7.50 postage and handling fee to receive a Blackmores early bird singlet.
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Where can I purchase Official Event Merchandise?
Official Event Merchandise will be available for purchase online during registration or on the Online Shop from early July 2022.
Once merchandise is available online, items will be posted until 3 September to Australian address only. If you purchase after this date or if you are an International entrant, you must pick up your merchandise items from the ASICS Event Expo.
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If I purchase my Event Merchandise online pre-event, when can I expect it to be delivered?
The stock is expected to be distributed from early September. All orders will be sent via registered post to an Australian address only. To check or update your delivery address, please log in to your account here.
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I have an overseas address; how do I receive my Merchandise?
If you have an address that is not in Australia, your items will need to be collected from the ASICS Event Expo.
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Can I exchange my merchandise?
Yes, exchanges can be made at the ASICS Event Expo. Please note, exchanges are subject to availability.
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Who can I contact if I have any inquiries about my Event Merchandise?
If you require any assistance or further information about Official Event Merchandise, please submit a Merchandise Enquiry.
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What can I purchase at the post-event Blackmores Recovery Village?
You will find our Official Event Merchandise range, available for purchase, supplied by ASICS at the Merchandise Tent, alongside food outlets and sponsor giveaways. Please note, this is subject to availability.
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Can I purchase an iTab for the 2022 Blackmores Sydney Running Festival?
Yes. These can be purchased during your registration for $12.10 or through the Online Shop (coming soon) if you did not purchase at the time of registration.
Alternatively, you can add an iTab to your registration through your dashboard. Instructions on how to do this, can be downloaded here.
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When should I expect to receive my iTab for the 2022 Blackmores Sydney Running Festival?
The iTab will be posted post-event to the address provided during the registration. To check or update your address, please log in to the Dashboard here. iTabs are dispatched 6 weeks post event and can be expected to arrive by the 26 October 2022.
For any further questions, contact info@mysportingtimes.com To order your iTab, please go to your individual result page and click the purple “order your iTab” button on the right-hand side of the page.
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I am an overseas entrant, how will I receive my iTab?
The price of the iTaB includes worldwide shipping. Please ensure your address is entered accurately to ensure the iTab reaches you!
Results
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Why are results based on Gun Time and not Net Time?
The results are based on Gun Time as per the World Athletics 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 World Athletics 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 the athlete but will not be considered an official time.
Fundraising
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How much has been raised over the years?
We are delighted to report that the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival has fundraised over $22 million for charitable causes since its inception.
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What is the ‘Run for Free’ Initiative?
Run for Free is a fundraising initiative where if you fundraise $500 for the charity of your choice in the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival, the cost of your ticket rebated to you, meaning you’ll run for FREE!
More information about this initiative, click here
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Who do I contact if I need fundraising support?
Our fundraising partner is Grassrootz. If you have any questions to do with your fundraising page, you can contact them using live chat (if you are logged in) or by emailing support@grassrootz.com.
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How do I claim the Run for Free rebate?
Once you hit $500 on your individual Grassrootz Fundraising Page, you’ll receive an email with a link to claim your Run for Free rebate. Fill out the form linked to that email and the charity you have fundraised for will be notified, and then responsible for rebating the cost of your ticket to you so you can run for free. You will need to claim your rebate by 18 September 2022. If you don’t claim your Run for Free rebate by that date, then the charity that you fundraised for will no longer be responsible for rebating you the cost of your ticket.
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I am a charity organisation, and I would like to submit a charity application/tender to be an official partner of the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival.
For more information or for an application form please contact info@sydneyrunningfestival.com.au
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I signed up and started fundraising in 2020 & 2021, can I transfer these funds over to 2022?
The funds will not automatically carry over. If a participant wishes to carry over their funds and continue to raise money for the same charity, they will need to contact support@grassrootz.com. Support will create a new fundraising page for 2022 and will add the total donations received as one offline donation.
If a participant wishes to fundraise for a different charity, they will simply set up a new page but unfortunately, we can’t rollover any previous fundraising for a different charity. They can set up the page directly from the event hub.
Media
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How do I apply for a Media Accreditation for event day?
For information regarding media accreditation, please email info@sydneyrunningfestival.com.au.
Participant Agreement
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2022 Participant Agreement
To view the 2022 Participant Agreement, click here.