Frequently asked questions

You can register online via Register Now by clicking HERE.
Registrations are open right up until 30 minutes prior to the event start, however "On The Day" registrations are at a higher price. You will need a device capable of making an online payment, and receiving an e-mail to collect your bib if you are signing up at the venue on the day, cash payments will not be accepted, so we recommend completing before you leave for the event to avoid delays.
Update: 07/10/23 - Categories have begun selling out. There is no guarantee positions will be available to join on the day. No additional places will be released once the Sold Out sign is up in each race.
 

When is the event?
Western Sydney Marathon takes place on Sunday 8th October, 2023 at the Sydney International Regatta Centre in Penrith, NSW. Gates & registration area will open at 6am. Parking at the venue is free, please note it is an approximate 10 minute walk from the carpark to the start area.
 

Who can enter?
From elite international runners to social walkers, the Western Sydney Marathon has a race for all abilities to enjoy. With 5 distances available, all of which track around sections of the picturesque Regatta Centre lake used in the 2000 Olympic Games, the event is ideal for all to enter whether chasing a PB or just out for a stroll with the family! For the first time Marathon and Half-Marathon runners will also run through the Penrith Whitewater Stadium providing a stunning Blue Mountains backdrop to the course.

Minimum age to enter the Marathon and Half Marathon is 16. To enter the Western Sydney 10k you need to be 12 (and if under 16, accompanied by an adult). There is no minimum age on the 5k Family Fun Run, and if under 5, race entry is free up until the day prior to the event (A small Register Now booking fee applies).  A fee will apply for on the day registrations, and there is no guarantee places will be available on the day, so register prior to avoid this. The 2k Youth Dash is for ages 6-16 only. Parents are able to join children on the course.
 

How much does it cost?
Western Sydney Marathon - Regular = $110 || On The Day = $130
Half Marathon - Regular = $90 || On The Day = $110
Western Sydney 10k -  Regular = $45 || On The Day = $70
5k Family Fun Run * - Regular = $35 || On The Day = $55

2k Youth Dash - Regular = $20 || On The Day = $30
All booking fees and card transaction fees are included in the total displayed price.

* - There is no race entry charge for children under 5 years of age to enter in the 5K Family Fun Run, but they do still need to be registered to participate. On the day registrations will have a $5 + booking fee race entry fee for children under 5 in this race. No registration, no run. They will still receive a race bib and finishers medal. 

Are there discounts for family / team entries?
Yes! We love groups participating. Whether you register the whole family, a group of co-workers, or a school / club group, you, and your team members can save 10% by doing so. Minimum number of people in a group / team is 3.

Follow the prompts when registering to create your family / team, and then use the sharing tools to invite everyone along. Once created the discount will apply to those joining your team/family.

Got a large School / Workplace / Sporting Team / Training Group? Get in touch to discuss further discounts that may be available to you.
 

Can I change my event, transfer my registration, or get a refund?
Please choose carefully when registering as we are unable to refund or transfer your entry to another person for change of mind, change of plans, illness or injury scenarios.

You may wish to seek your own private event insurance to cover you in the case of injury or illness prior to the event where you may need to withdraw. There are many insurance providers who offer this service.

You are able to change race categories from the link found in your original booking confirmation. Please note: To go up to a higher race category, a $5 admin fee applies, and the difference in price between original and new category is payable before the change is confirmed.

To go down a category, no fee applies, however the difference in price between categories is forfeited and will not be refunded. 
 

What are the race times? Can I see course maps?
Gates and registration will open at 06:00am
Western Sydney Marathon race start is 07:00am.
Half Marathon will start at 07:30am.
Western Sydney 10k will start at 10:00am.
5km Family Fun Run will start at 11:00am.
2km Youth Dash start time is 12:00pm.

Course & Timing Equipment for all races closes at 13:00 - If you have not crossed the line by this time you will be marked as DNF as an official time will not be available. This leaves you 6 hours to complete the Marathon, if you do not feel you can make this time, we recommend selecting a shorter distance. Due to staffing and venue requirements, we are unable to extend past this time.

Course maps
You can see course maps HERE. Open up the top Google Map into full screen for interactivity. The course will not be AIMS certified this year. Due to the flood damage around the venue, certification will not take place until we have a course that will be used for multiple years with full availability of the venue.

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Are there toilets on course?
There are regular toilet blocks along the course. When opening the course map, select the Event Info check box and toilet blocks will be shown. Some are closer to the course than the others, the most you would need to go off course to find a toilet block is approx 30m. The blocks near to the start area will be the busiest, and as such there may be queuing in this area.

Is there a cut off time?
Yes, unfortunately we cannot keep the roads closed, and all staff & service providers on site all day. The course closes at 13:00 when the roads are re-opened and timing equipment is shut down. As the course goes into neighbouring properties, we do need to give access back to them, so the gates going outside the venue will be closed at 13:00. This gives you 6 hours to complete the Marathon and 5.5 hours to complete the Half. If your training suggests you will take longer, please consider entering a shorter distance race. If you have not completed the course by 13:00, you will be marked as DNF as we are unable to provide an official time.
 

Are there age restrictions?
Yes, these vary between races.
Those entering the Western Sydney Marathon & Half Marathon are required to be 16 years and over on the day of the race. No exceptions.

For the Western Sydney 10k you will need to be 12 years and above. We strongly recommend anyone under 16 be accompanied on course by an adult.

There are no age restrictions on the 5k Family Fun Run however all participants need to be registered. Under 5 is free entry if booked online before the event. A $5 race entry fee will apply to On The Day registrations for children under 5 in this race. 

In the 2K Youth Dash you will need to be between 6 & 16 years of age. Parents are able to run aside the younger ones for support. Please exit the course prior to the finish chute so the child can run the final 50m by themselves. You will be able to meet them at the finish line as they cross.

Are there awards for each age category?
No, trophies are awarded to 1st, 2nd & 3rd Male & Females, and 1st place para athletes in each race only. Multisport will make results available to search by age categories, however there are no official prizes for age categories.

What does my entry fee include?
Your entry fee includes a custom designed finishers medal, chest plate, timing chip and official race time. It also includes access to on-site medical services, including post-race massage courtesy of Macquarie Uni. You can access free on site parking, or use of the Quest shuttle and entry into the recovery zone with Cool Ridge water, Gatorade, fruit, ice blocks & lollies post race, as well as use of the drink stations along the course.

I have a promo code, where do I enter it?
Towards the end of the registration process (Step 4 "Summary" page) before checking out you will see an option to apply a promotional code (orange box). If you do not enter your code during the registration process, we are unable to credit you after a registration is complete, nor can a code be retroactively applied.

If you are a club, training group, business, or have a large group wanting to participate, we may be able to arrange a discount for your crew via a unique code, get in touch to discuss.
 

How do I collect my race bib?
The postage option on race bibs closed on Sunday 17th September. All race bibs have been posted out on Monday 25th September. If for some reason your bib does not arrive and you selected postage, come to the Rego area on event day and speak with the team who can cancel your allocated number and issue a new bib.

If you did not select postage before the cut off, your race bibs can be collected on the day in the registration area which is located in the undercover area adjacent to the start line. We recommend picking up an hour before your race to ensure you have enough time in the event of queues.

Can I register on the day?
Update: 07/10/23 - Categories have begun selling out. There is no guarantee positions will be available to join on the day. No additional places will be released once the Sold Out sign is up in each race.
If you miss the online registration, you can also register at the higher 'On The Day' rate on the morning of the race. This is subject to spots being available. Some categories are approaching sold out now, so if you are thinking of registering, do it now, and do not rely on on the day being available.  All entries close 30 minutes before race start. Please allow additional time to complete the registration on your phone if registering in person. You will need a device capable of scanning a QR code and registering via an online system, this includes making payment on your phone. A credit card / paypal account is required. Save the time and hassle by registering online before the event so we can have your race pack prepared, you will be utilising the same form as online, and paying a higher price, so we strongly recommend completing it before arriving at the venue.
 

When should I arrive for the race?
It is recommended you arrive at the venue at least 1 hour prior to the scheduled start of your race. Venue gates will open at 6am, so Marathoners, don't be tardy! It is approximately a 10 minute walk from the car park to the registration / start area. Please ensure race packs have been collected at least 30 mins prior to your race start. Be at the start line (adjacent to registration area) 15 mins prior to the start of your race so you are there for the race briefing. There is plenty or room for you to stretch / warm up. Don't leave that last bathroom dash to the final minutes either! There are bathrooms located on the entry side of the venue, behind the Grandstand and adjacent to the Boat Sheds near the start line. These do get very  busy before a race start, so be early, be prepared and avoid stress. 
 

Is there a cloak room?
Yes, you will be able to leave one bag per person located near to the registration area. You will need your bib number for staff to write on and tag your bag, and then after your race, show your race bib to collect. There is no charge for this. We recommend cloaking your bag at least 40 mins before your race start time as there will be a queue during peak times for drop off.
 

Are there medical services on site
Yes! You will find a medical tent at the finish line, while there will be first aid officers located around the course. If you require assistance, please reach out to them, or any of the drink station staff who will be able to radio for assistance. If you are not feeling well at the end of the race, check into the tent once you have crossed the line. Post race massage is available on a first come, first served basis thanks to the Macquarie Uni Chiropractic Unit.
 

Can I compete in a wheelchair?
Yes! The course for all races is wheelchair accessible and on a sealed path all the way. (Note: One turnaround point on the Southern Bank has a slight upwards angle on grass to go approx 4m between paths. There will be a marshall here if you require assistance)

If you require a support person, please contact us to arrange.

No mechanical gears are permitted on the chair.

Hand cycles are not permitted.

Please select Yes to the question during registration asking if you will be racing in a wheelchair so we can brief you prior to the race. We recommend starting at the back of the field.
 

Can I run with my dog?
Whilst the venue is dog-friendly (kept on leash and under control at all times and no entry to the water), you cannot compete in any of the races with your pet. They'll have to stick to supporting. (Guide dogs are the exception).
 

Can I run with a support person?
If you are a competitor who requires a support person, or are a person providing support to a competitor, please contact us prior to registering and we can guide you through the process. There is no fee for the support person who will need to be on foot as bikes / scooters are not permitted on the course.

What can I carry on me while running?
Headphones, music can help get you through those tough moments. If you are running with headphones please make sure you are aware of your surroundings and can still hear what is happening around you for the safety of yourself and other competitors. Do not use noise-cancelling headphones.
Cameras, yes, you can carry these and film along the way. Again, please be aware of those around you when using these. Not everyone wants their running face documented. Long selfie sticks, or  drones are NOT permitted on the course. Keep the camera on yourself, and keep it to hand held devices only.
Hydration Packs, bum bags etc. for any gels, lollies etc. are allowed, keep them secure to your body at all times.
Nordic walking is not permitted in the Marathon or Half Marathon, as there will be some sections of the course that are a bit more narrow than others, and the use of poles may impact other runners.

Is there a special needs drink station?
Yes, there will be one dedicated table on the course near to the start line where you can place any particular drinks / food items to grab each lap. You may want to have these in some easily identifiable packaging to stand out.

Note that while the table is staffed, items are placed here at your own risk. You may wish to have a support person located around the course if you require specific gels, drinks, snacks. They can hand you these as you pass anywhere on the course.
There will be regular drink stations along the course which will have water and electrolyte drinks available.

Can I use my time in this event to qualify for xxx event?
We do not submit bulk race data from this event to other Marathon events for privacy reasons. We are happy for you to submit your times to other events and if they wish to contact us to validate individual times, we can do so, however we do not share any data other than the results the official timing provider posts on their website post event. As the 2023 course is not AIMS certified it is unlikely that you will be able to use your time to qualify for other events.
 

I am an international coach, can you sponsor my runner?
We welcome international runners to participate in the event however we are unable to sponsor individual competitors. They will need to find their own way to the country and are able to enter once here.

More questions?
This page is regularly updated, keep checking back for more event information.

In the meantime...
Send us an e-mail with your question to westernsydneymarathon@sport.nsw.gov.au