Sydney Marathon weekend, sorted by the locals at Rejoov Runners

Sydney Marathon weekend is almost here, and thousands of runners are about to descend on the city. If it’s your first time in town, or your first time seeing it at 6am in a pair of running shorts, knowing where to go makes all the difference!

So, we asked the crew at Rejoov Runners, who know these streets better than most, for their honest go-to spots.

Consider this the local cheat sheet: where to get your coffee, where to load up the night before, where to shake out the legs, and what to do to celebrate crossing the finish line.

Where to get your coffee

Rejoov’s pick is Jozo, at the top of Centennial Park. It’s where a lot of the club lands after a session, with indoor and outdoor seating so you can grab a spot in the sun if it’s shining to let the legs settle. A very easy place to linger long after a run.

Where to have brunch

For a delicious feed, the Rejoov often head to Centennial Homestead after the long run. It sits right in the heart of Centennial Parklands with big glass windows looking out over the greenery. A lovely spot to reflect on the km’s you’ve just finished, and watch other runners pass by. They also offer takeaway coffee if you’d rather keep wandering the park.

Where to carb-load the night before

The night before a marathon is ALL about the carbs, and Rejoov has two picks depending on the mood you’re after.

Bill and Toni’s on Stanley Street in Darlinghurst is a Sydney institution, the kind of no-fuss Italian that’s been fuelling local runners for decades.

If you’d rather make an occasion of it, The Oriana at the northern end of the Overseas Passenger Terminal in The Rocks serves you food with a view given the Sydney Harbour Bridge is there for you to admire.

Locals tip: both Bill and Toni’s, and The Oriana get super busy in the lead up to big race’s so book ahead if you can!

Where to shake out the legs

If you’re staying in the city, the shakeout of choice runs along the harbour foreshore between the Royal Botanic Garden, the Opera House and Barangaroo. It’s flat and scenic, the sort of easy jog that reminds you why you signed up in the first place.

If you’d like some company, Pirrama parkrun is a great one to join. It follows the boardwalk right along the water in Pyrmont. Centennial parkrun gives you a softer, greener loop off the road. Both kick off at 8am. Remember to keep it cruisy the day before the race and just focus on soaking up the atmosphere.

If you’re looking for more shakeout runs before Sydney Marathon, checkout our full guide:

Rejoov’s must do activities while you’re in Sydney

Once the medal’s around your neck, or if you’ve got a spare morning before race day, Sydney has a lot of exploration to offer.

Catch the ferry from Circular Quay across to Taronga Zoo, one of the city’s most famous days out, with more than 4,000 animals and a view back over the harbour that’s worth the trip on its own.

For something a little fancier, the rotating restaurant at the top of Sydney Tower called Sky Feast, serves up 360 degree views over the whole city while you eat, and it’s a Rejoov favourite for good reason.

It’s also worthwhile taking the ferry over to Manly for a wander, and if you’re there on a Saturday the markets are worth a look.

For the post-race legs, Rejoov swear by getting in some salt water! Any morning of the week, the Bold & Beautiful ocean swim meets out the front of Manly Life Saving Club at 1 South Steyne at 7am. It’s a free community group that swims to Shelley Beach and back, 750 metres each way, and there’s not much that flushes out a marathon like a saltwater soak with a friendly crowd.

If you’d rather stay horizontal, sunset kayaking on the harbour from Lavender Bay is about as gentle as recovery gets.

See you out there

A huge thanks to Greta and the Rejoov Runners crew for the local knowledge. Check out their run club details here:

Rejoov Runners

Tue, Thu, Sat

Centennial Park, NSW

All the very best to runners taking on the Sydney marathon!

After the race, don’t forget to leave a review on RunDais of what you thought of the event:

If you run with a club that has local tips of its own, this is exactly the kind of thing we love to share. Get in touch with madi@rundais.org to be featured.