Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, Australia, has many draws — and its status as a haven for run-trippers is not the least of them.
Joggers and runners, both visitors and locals, are a common sight throughout the city, in the center and on the outskirts alike. Among the East Asian faces in the crowd, more than half tend to be Korean.
Destination NSW has announced that the TCS Sydney Marathon will be held Aug. 29-30 around the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House precinct.
This year's race will be the second edition since the event joined the Abbott World Marathon Majors as its official seventh major in 2025.
Sydney is the first and only city in the Southern Hemisphere to host an Abbott World Marathon Majors race, and it is fast emerging as a new bucket-list destination for runners around the world.
During race weekend, live performances, street acts and a range of entertainment programs will run alongside the competition, turning the event into an urban festival that families and tourists can enjoy as much as the runners themselves.
Racing alongside fellow marathoners is rewarding in its own right, but exploring Sydney's hidden run-trip gems is equally worthwhile. After a run, visitors can linger over brunch and café culture, unwind on the beach, or take in the city's food scene, cultural offerings and natural landscapes all in one outing.
Below are seven must-run routes in Sydney recommended by Destination NSW.
Blackwattle Bay Run (Glebe Foreshore Walkway)
This coastal route follows the Glebe Foreshore Walkway between Bicentennial Park and the Sydney Fish Market, offering views of the Anzac Bridge and the Sydney CBD skyline along the way. After the run, a stop at the Sydney Fish Market for fresh seafood or fish and chips is highly recommended. One way: 2.2 km.
Centennial Parklands
A vast green expanse in Sydney's eastern suburbs, Centennial Parklands is the most beloved running destination among local runners. The Grand Drive loop — the park's signature circuit — winds past sweeping lawns, lakes and historic architecture. Loop: 3.5 km.
Barangaroo Reserve to Sydney Opera House
This route takes in all of Sydney's defining landmarks along the harbour foreshore. Starting at Barangaroo Reserve, it passes through Walsh Bay, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) and Circular Quay before finishing at the Sydney Opera House — widely regarded as the city's most iconic running corridor. Runners can also reverse the direction, setting off from the Opera House and wrapping up with a swim at the Barangaroo marina. One way: 3 km.
Sydney Opera House to Mrs. Macquarie's Chair
Tracing the edge of the Royal Botanic Garden, this route offers sweeping views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and the harbour itself. An avenue of century-old fig trees and the historic Mrs. Macquarie's Chair rank among Sydney's most recognizable sights. At one point along the way, the bridge's great arch frames the Opera House in a perfect embrace. One way: 1.5 km.
Bondi to Coogee Coastal Track
Sydney's signature coastal run follows clifftop paths linking Bondi Beach and Coogee Beach, with unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean throughout. Beaches and ocean pools invite a dip along the way. Each spring, the outdoor sculpture exhibition Sculpture by the Sea lines the clifftops, adding a remarkable visual dimension to the run. One way: 6 km.
Rose Bay to Watsons Bay (Hermitage Foreshore Track)
A scenic run along Sydney's eastern shoreline, this track passes through parkland, quiet beaches and upscale residential streets while delivering sweeping views of Sydney Harbour. Runners can take in Shark Island as they go, pause for a swim at Milk Beach, or cross the suspension bridge at Parsley Bay for a memorable detour. The route ends at Watsons Bay, one of Sydney's most beloved coastal villages. One way: 5.5 km.
The Bay Run
A firm favorite among residents of Sydney's inner west, the Bay Run is a 7-kilometer loop hugging the shores of Iron Cove. The course is largely flat, making it accessible to beginners and seasoned runners alike. Along the way, pelicans, kayakers and anglers provide a relaxed local backdrop, and crossing the Iron Cove Bridge rewards runners with fine views of Sydney's inner harbour. Cafes nearby make a pre- or post-run coffee an easy pleasure. Loop: 7 km. (Reporting assistance: Destination NSW)
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