Our race list in Asia and Oceania is short for now, but it includes two of the world's biggest races: the Tokyo Marathon and the Sydney Marathon, both World Marathon Majors. Here's what's in it, and how to get a place.
Things to know
- Tokyo is very hard to get into. Roughly 1 in 10 ballot applicants get a place. The ballot for overseas runners opens in August, about seven months before race day. Charity places and official tour packages are the other routes in.
- Australia's seasons are the other way round. July and August are winter, so the Gold Coast and Sydney marathons usually have cool race days.
- Long flights and time zones. For many runners these are long-haul trips. Arrive a few days early so you're not racing on jet lag.
- Collect your bib in person. Big races usually ask you to pick it up at the expo before race day. Check the race's rules for what ID to bring.
Japan
Tokyo MarathonA world major through central Tokyo, past Asakusa and Ginza. Flat and fast.
Sun 7 Mar 2027Race day 6–12°CTokyo, JapanFly into Tokyo (HND/NRT)Ballot closed
How to get in: Ballot closed 28 Aug 2026. Charity or official tour package onlyTokyo Legacy Half MarathonStarts from the Olympic Stadium, in mid-October. Entries open in rounds from around May.
Sun 17 Oct 2027 (expected, mid October)Race day 15–21°CTokyo, JapanFly into Tokyo (HND/NRT)Entry: check
How to get in: Not yet. 2026 entries ran in rounds from May to July 2026Australia
Sydney MarathonThe newest world major, over the Harbour Bridge to the Opera House. Some hills.
Sun 29 Aug 2027Race day 10–19°CSydney, AustraliaFly into Sydney (SYD)Ballot open
How to get in: Yes, ballot open until 19 Oct 2026 (10am Sydney time). Draw 3 Nov 2026Sydney Half MarathonPast the Opera House to The Domain, in May. First come, first served, and has sold out before.
Sun 2 May 2027Race day 12–20°CSydney, AustraliaFly into Sydney (SYD)Open
How to get in: Yes, entries open (opened 23 Jun 2026)Gold Coast MarathonFlat and fast along the beachfront. Entries open in early December and sell out.
Sun 4 Jul 2027Race day 12–20°CGold Coast, AustraliaFly into Gold Coast (OOL) or Brisbane (BNE)Entry: check
How to get in: Not yet. 2026 entries opened 2 Dec 2025 and sold outGold Coast Half MarathonSame beachfront course and weekend as the marathon.
3 or 4 Jul 2027 (race weekend)Race day 12–20°CGold Coast, AustraliaFly into Gold Coast (OOL) or Brisbane (BNE)Entry: check
How to get in: Not yet. 2026 entries opened 2 Dec 2025The Sydney Marathon ballot for August 2027 closes on 19 Oct 2026. If you miss it, look at charity places, tour operators or the Sydney Half in May.
Find the race that suits you
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Race details come from our race database, checked against organisers' sites in October 2026. Temperatures are typical averages, not forecasts. Always confirm dates on the official race site before you book.