Sydney Marathon runs through the rainbow on Oxford Street

Sydney Marathon is about to get a whole lot gayer, with Oxford Street Rainbow Precinct becoming one of the city’s biggest spectator hotspots this weekend.

As more than 35,000 runners take on the TCS Sydney Marathon on Sunday, 30 August, the course will wind through one of Sydney’s most iconic queer neighbourhoods.

And of course Oxford Street is planning to make a proper party of it.

Welcome to the Pride Party

At the heart of the action will be Taylor Square, which will transform into the marathon’s official Pride Party zone.

Expect live music, drag entertainment and a 200-seat viewing stand for those wanting a prime position to cheer the runners on.

The course will take runners from Hyde Park through Oxford Street and Taylor Square before continuing towards Moore Park.

For a precinct famous for the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, it feels rather fitting to welcome another spectacular parade of lycra, sweat and questionable decisions.

Twice the runners, twice the cheering

One of Oxford Street’s biggest advantages is that the marathon passes through the Rainbow Precinct twice.

That means spectators can pick their perfect viewing spot and stay put while the race makes its way through the area again later in the morning.

The Rainbow Precinct is encouraging visitors to arrive from around 7 am and make a full day of it, with the Pride Party running alongside the marathon action until around 3 pm.

Grab a coffee and breakfast, claim your spot, cheer on the runners and enjoy the atmosphere between passes.

 

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Come for the marathon, stay for Oxford Street

Iconic Oxford Street venues including Kinselas, The Courthouse Hotel and The Oxford are right around Taylor Square. At the same time, Darlinghurst’s cafés and restaurants offer plenty of options for breakfast, brunch and lunch.

Visitors can also explore the new Oxford & Foley precinct, grab pizza from Pauli’s or AP Pizza, or wander through Darlinghurst between cheering sessions.

Rainbow Precinct Manager Lorraine Lock said the marathon offers a chance to showcase Oxford Street to thousands of interstate and international visitors.

“Oxford Street has always been a place where people come together to celebrate and connect,” Lock said.

On marathon day, whether you’re cheering on a seasoned marathoner, supporting a friend or simply here for the drag and atmosphere, Oxford Street will be the place to be.