Sydney Marathon organisers have guaranteed places in the 2027 race for runners who have completed at least 10 previous editions, after the event’s surge in popularity left some of its most loyal participants without a spot.
One hundred places have been reserved for members of the Sydney Marathon Bridge Club ahead of the general ballot closing on Monday. As the club currently has fewer than 100 members, every eligible runner will be guaranteed entry.
The arrangement follows the marathon’s rise in popularity, particularly since it was granted world major status. More than 123,000 people are now entering the general ballot for 40,000 places, with Australians competing against runners from 139 countries.
Before the event’s growth, Bridge Club membership brought little more than free merchandise and recognition on the marathon’s website. A guaranteed place was not considered necessary when there was no significant risk of missing out on the start line in North Sydney.
That changed when long-serving runners began losing places in the ballot. Soonchil Shin, 59, who has completed 15 Sydney Marathons, missed out on the 2026 race despite submitting an application.
“When I first heard about Sydney Marathon becoming a candidate, I was excited actually because a lot of people [would] come to Australia, and it’s good for business, good for the economy,” Shin said.
“This year, I missed out even though I uploaded my application for the ballot. But, I wasn’t chosen, I wasn’t taken. It was surprising.”
Shin was among several Bridge Club members who contacted organisers. He said he had sent a private message telling them: “You didn’t look after Bridge Club members.”
Members were later informed that 100 places had been set aside for them for the 2027 race. A separate ballot has also been introduced for people who have volunteered at the event in previous years.
“I was so happy,” Shin said. “And it sounded right because we always love [the] Sydney Marathon and suddenly, we [were] just forgotten. I was surprised they didn’t recognise us as loyal customers, and they just forgot about it. And then finally they looked after us, so I’m happy.”
Viv Kartsounis, 62, has completed 16 Sydney Marathons and secured a place in both years of heightened demand. She said the change reflected the commitment of runners who had supported the event for many years.
“After all the loyalty, and not only me, other people … There was still no guarantee that they would get in. So all the people that have been loyal all these years, I think it’s great the Sydney Marathon are recognising them – and it will encourage more people, I think, to do 10,” Kartsounis said.
The only runners previously guaranteed entry were the six members of the Blue Line Legends, who have competed in every Sydney Marathon since 2001.
