FAQs
Sydney City Race Weekend 2024
When is the Sydney City Race Weekend and what time does it start each day?
The Sydney City Race weekend will be held on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th October 2024.
The Saturday afternoon race starts from 2:00pm.
The Sunday race starts from 8:00am.
What is the Sydney City Race weekend?
The Sydney City Race weekend is two events involving map running races. There are short distance races (about 15 minute winning times) on Saturday afternoon and long distance races (about an hour winning time) on Sunday morning. Both days have varying line course distances, and an "all checkpoint" score course.
What is the format for each event?
The Saturday short race at Pyrmont has 3 different map running distances that are line courses where you find a series of checkpoints in order, all located in Pyrmont. Just enter the distance you want to do based on how far you want to run. Or you can do a 30 minute time-limited race where all of the checkpoints are shown on the map, and you attempt to find as many checkpoints as possible within the 30 minutes.
The Sunday long distance Sydney City Race is a similar format, but with much longer distances. There will be 4 different map running distances that are line courses where you find a series of checkpoints in order, all located in the City and around the harbour. Or you can do a 60 minute time-limited race where all of the checkpoints are shown on the map, and you attempt to find as many checkpoints as possible within the 60 minutes.
What is the age limit to participate?
The minimum age limit for all of the line races on both days is 16. These races will use and cross public roads, so competitors will need to be aware of the dangers inherent in this. Competitors younger than 16 are able to do the "all checkpoints" courses if they are accompanied by an adult. We understand that everyone is different though, so please contact us for more information or to discuss specific needs that you may have.
Do I have to be a fast runner or an experienced navigator to take part?
No! The Sydney City Race weekend, whilst a competitive map running event, is open to people of all skill and fitness levels. There is a variety of race distances and difficulties, so participants can choose what they are comfortable with and do it at their own pace. Complimentary help is provided on each day to assist participants.
Where will the Sydney City Race weekend be held?
The Sydney City Race weekend will be run in and around the Sydney City and harbourside areas, NSW, Australia. The Saturday warm up race will start and finish at Pyrmont, located right next to the city. Pyrmont can be accessed on foot from the city, and by light rail, bus and ferry.
The Sunday Sydney City Race will start and finish in the city, within walking distance of Wynyard station and Circular Quay.
How do I get there each day?
The Sydney City Race weekend venues are easily accessible by train, light rail, buses or ferries. You can even ride your bike using the extensive bicycle lane network in and around Sydney. There is extremely limited parking at both venues, however there are parking stations nearby that charge hourly and daily rates.
When do entries open and how do I enter?
Entries will open in June 2024.
You will be able to enter online through our website. Enter on the Home page or by clicking on Entry Info in the menu.
What are the entry fees?
Saturday race at Pyrmont:
All distances $25
Juniors 11yo and under, $10
(must be accompanied by an adult)
Sunday Sydney City Race:
15k race $65
10k race $45
6k race $35
3k race $25
All-checkpoints 60 minute "Score" race $45
Juniors 11yo and under (on the 3k race only) $10
(must be accompanied by an adult)
Do I have to run by myself and can I run with other people?
You can run solo in each race, or you can run with other people as part of a team.
Due to strict entry limits, the maximum team size in the 15k Sunday race will be 2 competitors.
All other distances across the weekend can have teams of up to 4 people.
Each person must enter individually, and indicate in their entry which team they will be part of.
What is the "all checkpoints" race?
Each checkpoint is given a point value that the competitors accumulate throughout the race. The competitor or team that accumulates the most points within the time limit is declared the winner. However, time penalties do apply for teams that return late. You will need to plan your route carefully as for each minute you're late back, you will lose the points from one checkpoint, so don't be late back! Successful teams will require good tactics to ensure they visit enough checkpoints while allowing themselves time to return back to the finish without incurring too many penalties. So you will need to plan your route for maximum points and minimum penalties. You will be given 10 minutes before you start to plan your route.