Police are reminding drivers of significant road closures and special event clearways, in and around Sydney's CBD and eastern suburbs, for the 2023 Sydney Marathon this weekend.
More than 42,000 people are expected to compete in the event on Sunday (17 September 2023), which includes five races – a half and full marathon, a wheelchair marathon, a 10km bridge run and a family fun run.
The Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS, will be the largest marathon ever held in Australia, with each event commencing in Bradfield Park at Milsons Point before heading over the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The first event, the Sydney Marathon 21.1km, commences at 5.45am; followed by the Sydney Marathon 10km at 6.05am; the Elite Wheelchair Marathon at 7.08am; the Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS, at 7.10am; and the Sydney Marathon Family Run 3.5km, at 8.05am.
While the Sydney Marathon 21km & Sydney Marathon Family Run 3.5km finish at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, all other events conclude at the Sydney Opera House Forecourt.
A high-visibility police operation will be in place for the duration of the event and will include general duties officers from across the Central Metropolitan Region, assisted by specialist police from the Mounted Unit, Police Transport Command, Dog Unit, Bicycle Unit, PolAir, and the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command.
Operation Commander, Acting Superintendent Samuel Nelson, encouraged event goers and the wider community to plan their trips into the city on Sunday or expect significant delays.
"There will be a number of major road closures in the CBD and surrounding suburbs in order to facilitate this world-class event. However, we will also work to minimise the impact of the event on road users, local residents and the wider community."
Major road closures include the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Cahill Expressway, and the Western Distributor from Pyrmont to the city. Other key roads will close including Bridge Street, Macquarie Street, College Street, Hickson Road, Oxford Street, Flinders Street, Moore Park Road, Lang Road and Pirrama Road.
"The Sydney Harbour Bridge, as well as roads in Milsons Point, Sydney CBD, Darlinghurst and Pyrmont will start closing from 4am, while closures in Moore Park will be in place from 5.30am," Supt Nelson said.
"Road users are reminded the Cross City Tunnel, which will be toll free from 5am to 3pm, and Anzac Bridge will remain open during the event; however, you should allow extra travel time and expect delays."
Motorists should also check signage before parking, as special event clearways will be in place between 1am and 1.30pm in the Sydney CBD, North Sydney, Pyrmont, Darlinghurst and Moore Park.
Vehicles left in these special event clearways, including those with local parking permits, will be towed and a fee will apply.
For all special event traffic information and live traffic reports, refer to the live traffic website for details: www.livetraffic.com.
Crowds in the CBD are expected to grow around 2.30pm as a planned and authorised march takes place on Cleveland Street.
"We are working with Transport for NSW to monitor the two events and we urge motorists to be mindful of even further extended delays. If you must travel into the Sydney CBD, leave the car at home and utilise public transport," A/Supt Nelson said.
"Participants and volunteers should also take advantage of the extra public transport services available when travelling to and from the event as travel is covered by their entry – just present your race bib, finishing medal or volunteer shirt when boarding services.
"The closest train station to the start line is Milsons Point Station, where additional services will be available, whilst Circular Quay is your best option to travel home from both finish areas at the Sydney Opera House and Conservatorium of Music.
"Bus services will be affected by road closures, particularly in the Sydney CBD, North Sydney and Moore Park, however they will continue operating on alternate routes and additional services will be available in the morning enabling competitors to arrive at the start line on time," A/Supt Nelson said.
For details about route changes or to plan your trip, go to www.transportnsw.info.
Additional information about the Sydney Marathon, including road closure and clearway maps, can be found at the event website: https://sydneymarathon.com/
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
