Is Sydney the Toughest Marathon Major? Our On-the-Ground 2026 Preview

The Marathon Handbook Podcast is on the ground for the 2026 TCS Sydney Marathon, the first World Marathon Major of the season. Katelyn and Alex report from Sydney while Michael joins from Toronto, and together they cover everything you need before Sunday's race: the course and how to run it, race-day weather, start times, and how to watch from anywhere in the world.

The men's field may be the deepest ever assembled on Australian soil: Sisay Lemma (2:01:48), reigning world champion Alphonce Simbu, defending Sydney champion Hailemaryam Kiros, Vincent Ngetich, and a marathon debut from track star Hagos Gebrhiwet. The women's race is headlined by reigning world champion Peres Jepchirchir, with Irine Cheptai, Magdalena Shauri, and four-time Olympic medalist Vivian Cheruiyot in pursuit of Sifan Hassan's 2:18:22 course record.

Then, at 38:37, the complete interview with race director Wayne Larden: the night Sydney first felt like a major, what changes in year two, the interactive race-day map for runners and spectators, his advice for racing the course smart (including the hill at 41K), and his case for entering the 2027 ballot.

The race starts Sunday, Aug. 30 at 6:30 a.m. in Sydney, which is 4:30 p.m. Saturday on the East Coast of North America. FloTrack carries the broadcast in North America, and we'll host a live watch-along right here on YouTube, followed by an instant reaction podcast as soon as the race wraps.

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