Police are reminding drivers of significant road closures and special event clearways, in and around Sydney's CBD and eastern suburbs, for the 2025 TCS Sydney Marathon this weekend.
About 50,000 people are expected to compete in events on Sunday (31 August 2025), which include the full 42km marathon, a 10km run and 42km wheelchair race. The 5km mini marathon has been moved to Saturday (30 August 2025).
Police expect there will be an estimated 300,000 spectators after the TCS Sydney Marathon officially joined the Abbott World Marathon Majors, making it the seventh marathon in the world.
The TCS Sydney Marathon will commence at 6.30am and 6.15am for the wheelchair race and will end at Sydney Opera House. The 10km run will begin at 8.45am and will end at the Conservatorium of Music, Macquarie Street.
On Saturday, the mini marathon will start on Macquarie Street at 7.30am, and finish at the Sydney Opera House, running along Mrs Macquarie Road and College Street.
A high-visibility police operation will be in place for the duration of the Sunday event and will include general duties officers from across the Central Metropolitan Region, assisted by specialist police from the Mounted Unit, Police Transport Command, Dog Unit, Bicycle Unit, PolAir, and the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command.
Operation Commander, Superintendent Paul Devaney, encouraged event participants and the wider community to plan their trips into the city on Sunday or expect significant delays.
"Participants and spectators are urged to leave their car at home and catch public transport," Superintendent Devaney said.
"Police are working with the event organisers and other agencies to ensure the safety of participants, event staff and the wider community throughout the event. We will not tolerate anti-social or criminal behaviour.
"Large crowds are expected in the Sydney CBD. Pedestrians and motorists need to be aware of their responsibilities on the road and make sure they are travelling with care."
Major roads in North Sydney, Sydney CBD, Pyrmont, Darlinghurst, Moore Park and Kingsford, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Western Distributor, Oxford Street and Anzac Parade, will be closed between 3:30am and 3pm on Sunday.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge, Cahill Expressway and Western Distributor will close from 4am to 10am with no direct access between the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Anzac Bridge during this time. The Sydney Harbour Tunnel will remain open but extensive delays are expected.
Widespread special event clearway parking restrictions will be in effect on roads along and surrounding the course between 12am and 3pm. Drivers need to check signs carefully on the day and the night before to avoid being towed.
Times vary for other major roads and drivers are advised to refer to the live traffic website: www.livetraffic.com for all special event traffic information and live traffic reports.
Participants and volunteers should also take advantage of the extra public transport services available when travelling to and from the event.
The closest train station to the start line is North Sydney Station and the closest Metro stations are Victoria Cross and Crows Nest.
Circular Quay is the best option to travel home from the finish areas at the Sydney Opera House and Conservatorium of Music.
Bus services will be affected by road closures, particularly in the Sydney CBD, North Sydney and Moore Park, however they will continue operating on alternate routes and additional services will be available.
For details about route changes or to plan your trip, go to www.transportnsw.info
Additional information about the Sydney Marathon, including road closure and clearway maps, can be found at the event website: https://sydneymarathon.com/
