Sydney Marathon 2026: Qualifying Criteria by Time for the High Performance Program

Date of publication: September 17, 2025

Sydney Marathon 2026: Qualifying Criteria by Time for the High Performance Program

Not everyone enjoys lotteries. Especially when you’ve been training for months, have a clear goal, and don’t want your race entry to depend on an algorithm. That’s exactly why the Sydney Marathon 2026 offers a chance for those who not only want to run—but have solid proof in the form of race times. The High Performance Program (HPP) is a way to skip the draw. But let’s be clear: it’s not a professional elite field with sponsorships. It’s simply a pathway for fast runners who want to secure their place on the start line.

What Is the High Performance Program

The High Performance Program (HPP) is a special initiative by the organizers of the Sydney Marathon 2026, aimed at fast amateur runners who have achieved strong marathon results. It’s not a professional elite category—there are no prize purses or invitations from race directors. Instead, it offers priority access to race entry for those who meet specific time standards and want to bypass the general ballot.

Time Standards for HPP Qualification

To qualify for HPP, you must submit a verified marathon result that meets the time standards listed below. These vary by age group and gender, including a non-binary category.

HPP Qualifying Times Sydney Marathon 2026

Age Group	Men	Women	Non-Binary
18–34	2:53:00	3:13:00	3:13:00
35–39	2:55:00	3:15:00	3:15:00
40–44	2:58:00	3:26:00	3:26:00
45–49	3:05:00	3:38:00	3:38:00
50–54	3:14:00	3:51:00	3:51:00
55–59	3:23:00	4:10:00	4:10:00
60–64	3:34:00	4:27:00	4:27:00
65–69	3:45:00	4:50:00	4:50:00
70–74	4:10:00	5:30:00	5:30:00
75–79	4:30:00	6:00:00	6:00:00
80+	4:55:00	6:35:00	6:35:00

Selection Timeline and Official Rules

According to the official announcement:

• All HPP applicants will be assessed based on their submitted marathon times.
• The fastest runners in each category (men, women, non-binary) will be offered HPP entries until available spots are filled.
• October 28 (AEDT): successful HPP applicants will receive email notifications.
• October 29 (AEDT): unsuccessful applicants will be notified and remain in the general ballot.
• No correspondence will be entered into during the assessment and notification process.
• All decisions are final—there is no appeal or re-evaluation.

How to Hit the Required Time

If your current marathon time is close to the qualifying standard, you’ve got a real shot. Here are a few tips:

• Train with a structured plan that includes intervals, long runs, and recovery weeks.
• Choose a fast course—flat, certified, and ideally with cool weather.
• Prioritize sleep and nutrition—performance starts with recovery.
• Track your progress using apps like Strava, Garmin Connect, or TrainingPeaks.
• Apply on time—even the best result won’t help if you miss the deadline.

Learn More About the Sydney Marathon

Want to dive deeper into the course, race history, training tips, and runner stories? Check out my dedicated Sydney Marathon section on WorldMarathoner.com.

📸 Abbott World Marathon Majors