The TCS Sydney Marathon is one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, and race weekend brings runners and supporters from all over the world. Marco Polo Motor Inn Sydney in Summer Hill is a relaxed, well-connected base for it: reception is staffed 24 hours a day for those very early starts, every room has a fridge, microwave and kettle for your pre-race breakfast, and trains from Summer Hill station run straight into the city.
A world-class race through the heart of Sydney
Sydney joined the Abbott World Marathon Majors in 2024 and ran its first race as a Major on 31 August 2025, alongside Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York. The 42.195 km course starts in North Sydney, crosses the Sydney Harbour Bridge, winds through The Rocks, the city and Centennial Park, and finishes on the forecourt of the Sydney Opera House.
The race is held in late August or early September; the 2026 marathon ran on Sunday 30 August, with a 5 km mini marathon on the Saturday. Check the official TCS Sydney Marathon website for next year's date and start times before you book.
- 42.195 km from North Sydney to the Sydney Opera House
- Across the Sydney Harbour Bridge and through Centennial Park
- One of the seven Abbott World Marathon Majors
- Held in late August or early September each year
Getting to the start and home from the finish
Summer Hill station is a 400-metre walk from reception, with direct trains to Central, Town Hall, Wynyard and Circular Quay. For the start, change at Wynyard or Central for a North Shore line train across the bridge to North Sydney. On race morning the trains are the easiest way to the start while the city roads are closed, so leave the car parked free at the motel and travel light.
After you cross the line at the Opera House, Circular Quay station is a short walk away, with trains back towards Summer Hill. Then it is a hot shower in your own ensuite, your feet up, and a well-earned rest.
Everything a runner needs
Every room is private, ensuite and air-conditioned, with free unlimited WiFi and a fridge, microwave, kettle and toaster, so you can prepare your own breakfast and recovery snacks exactly the way you like them. A coin-operated guest laundry is on site for post-race kit, and supermarkets and cafes are an easy walk away in Summer Hill village.
Travelling with family or a running group? Family layouts sleep up to five guests, and reception can hold several rooms together for clubs and groups.
- Reception staffed 24 hours a day for early starts and late returns
- Fridge, microwave, kettle and toaster in every room
- Coin-operated guest laundry on site
- One free secured undercover parking spot with every booking
Rooms and rates
Choose from single, queen and deluxe rooms, plus family layouts for up to five guests. Rooms are from $140 a night Monday to Thursday. Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, plus public holidays and high seasons, are from $180. Race weekends are popular, so booking early gives you the widest choice of rooms.
Why guests choose us
Why runners choose Marco Polo Motor Inn Sydney
- Direct trains from Summer Hill to Circular Quay
- Reception staffed 24 hours a day
- Kitchenette facilities for your pre-race breakfast
- Guest laundry for post-race kit
- One free secured undercover parking spot with every booking
- Family rooms for up to five guests
Gallery
A look around & nearby
Frequently asked questions
When is the Sydney Marathon?
It is held in late August or early September each year; the 2026 race ran on Sunday 30 August. Check the official TCS Sydney Marathon website for next year's date.
How do I get to the start in North Sydney?
Walk 400 m to Summer Hill station, take the train into the city and change at Wynyard or Central for a North Shore line train to North Sydney.
How do I get back after finishing at the Opera House?
Circular Quay station is a short walk from the Opera House forecourt, with trains back towards Summer Hill.
Can I check in late the night before, or leave very early?
Yes. Reception is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so late arrivals and pre-dawn departures are no problem.
Is parking included?
Yes. Every booking includes one free secured undercover parking spot, so you can leave the car at the motel while the city roads are closed.
Book online here
Book your Sydney Marathon stay
Rooms from $140 a night Monday to Thursday, reception open 24 hours and direct trains to the city. Book online or call +61 2 8880 8320.