Her Trails Coaching

TCS Sydney Marathon
Program for Women

16 weeks of structured, expert-led marathon training built around the TCS Sydney Marathon course. A World Marathon Major through one of the world's most iconic cities, this program prepares you for every kilometre, from the Harbour Bridge to the finish.

Duration

16 Weeks

Race Date

30 Aug 2026

Program Starts

Mon 11 May 2026

Distance

42.2km

Location

Sydney, NSW

Access

Platform + App

The Race

Running the TCS Sydney Marathon

The TCS Sydney Marathon is a World Marathon Major, one of only six in the world, and the only major on Australian soil. The course begins at Milsons Point on the north shore, with runners crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the opening kilometres before descending into The Rocks and the CBD. From there the route moves through some of Sydney's most recognisable streets: past Circular Quay and the Opera House, through Hyde Park, and into the city's inner suburbs before returning to finish in The Domain.

With the Harbour Bridge crossing in the early kilometres, the course demands careful pacing on the initial downhill. The back half of the race runs largely flat to gently undulating through inner-city Sydney. Late-August conditions can include warm temperatures and moderate humidity, making heat management and early pacing discipline as important as the training itself.

The crowd support is consistent throughout, the backdrop is unlike any other marathon in the world, and the finish inside The Domain carries the weight of a race that has joined the most prestigious field in the sport. This program is built around every element of it.

The Course

What the course demands

  • Pacing discipline from the first kilometre, especially on the downhill from the Harbour Bridge
  • Heat and humidity management in late-August Sydney conditions
  • Aerobic endurance to hold form across 42.2km of mostly flat urban terrain
  • Mental strength through the back half as crowd noise fades in the inner suburbs

This Program

How this program prepares you

  • 16 weeks of progressive road marathon training with structured speed, tempo and long runs
  • Heat acclimatisation guidance and race-day fuelling protocols for warm conditions
  • Pacing strategy practice built into long runs and the time trial week
  • Mental fortitude frameworks for the back half, and a race-week plan designed around Sydney's logistics

The Program

16 weeks of progressive preparation

01

Weeks 1–4

Base Building

Aerobic foundation, introductory long runs and foundational strength to set the base.

02

Weeks 5–9

Build Phase

Progressive load, speed work, tempo runs and longer efforts. Deload week included.

03

Weeks 10–14

Peak + Taper

Peak long runs, race-specific sessions, fuelling practice and a structured taper to arrive fresh.

04

Week 16

Race Week

Race-day preparation, pacing strategy, warm-up guidance and logistics for Sydney race day.

What's Included

Everything you need, in one place

This program covers your training, strength, recovery and coaching from one integrated platform. Nothing is bolted on.

Training Program

  • 16-week progressive road marathon plan
  • Base building, speed, tempo and long runs
  • Deload week and time trial built in
  • Structured taper and race-week preparation
  • Delivered via Her Trails platform and app

Strength + Recovery

  • Weekly strength sessions designed for runners
  • Mobility and yoga for recovery and injury prevention
  • Female-specific physiology integrated throughout
  • Guidance on training across your cycle

Coaching + Community

  • Weekly live coaching calls, join live or watch replays
  • Ask questions anytime via the coaching platform
  • Private coaching group for support and accountability
  • Expert video content for every stage of training

Expert Coaching Team

Endurance and marathon coaching specialists Strength and conditioning for runners
Physiotherapy and injury prevention guidance Yoga, mobility and recovery expertise

All-In Membership

Training for more than one race this season?

The All-In Membership gives you access to every Her Trails program, live coaching calls, the full strength and recovery library and the Her Trails community. One membership, every program.

Best Value

Her Trails All-In

$220 / quarter

  • All race-specific programs
  • Live weekly coaching calls
  • Full strength and recovery library
  • Her Trails community access
  • 14-day free trial
Explore All-In Membership