BONDI TO MANLY ULTRA SELLS OUT AS ENDURANCE RUNNING BOOMS ACROSS AUSTRALIA
MARI Group
Increased event capacity sells out in 2026 as runners prepare to tackle Sydney's iconic 80km coastal challenge.
Thursday 22 October 2026 - Sydney is gearing up for the return of the iconic Bondi to Manly Ultra, powered by DENZA, this Saturday 24 October, with runners set to take on an extraordinary 80km journey across the city's spectacular coastline, harbour foreshore and urban bushland.
Reflecting the extraordinary growth in popularity of endurance running across Australia, the 2026 Bondi to Manly Ultra has increased its participant capacity, with all three race categories officially selling out ahead of race weekend.
The surge in demand reflects a broader movement towards endurance sport, with more Australians embracing running as a way to improve physical fitness, build mental resilience, connect with their communities and challenge themselves beyond traditional race distances.
From experienced ultramarathon athletes tackling the full 80km solo to teams of friends sharing the challenge across relay distances, the event continues to attract a diverse community of runners united by a shared appetite for adventure, personal achievement and connection.
At the heart of the event is a commitment to celebrating and supporting the spectacular Bondi to Manly coastal route, and recognising the volunteers and organisations who work to protect and preserve the public land and natural environment around Sydney Harbour. This purpose is central to the event and the experience it creates for runners and the wider community.
Starting at the iconic Bondi Pavilion, participants will make their way from Bondi Beach to Manly Beach, following the renowned Bondi to Manly walking track and passing some of Sydney's most recognisable landmarks, including Watsons Bay, the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Participants will tackle the course across three sold-out race categories: the full DENZA 80km Ultra solo, the SriLankan Airlines 40km Relay, comprising two 40km legs, and the 20km Relay, with four teammates each completing approximately 20km.
The relay formats have become an important part of the event's appeal, opening the experience to a wider running community and allowing participants to take on one of Sydney's most iconic endurance challenges together.
Trent Cornish, Event Director of the Bondi to Manly Ultra, said the event's remarkable growth reflects the increasing appetite for endurance challenges and experiences that extend beyond traditional running distances.
"We're seeing an incredible shift in the way Australians are embracing running, with more people looking beyond traditional distances and seeking out experiences that challenge them both physically and mentally.
"To increase capacity at the Bondi to Manly Ultra this year and still see every category sell out is a remarkable reflection of that demand. It's not just about the 80km distance; it's about the sense of achievement, connection and community that comes with taking on something extraordinary.
"The privilege of running through these extraordinary public spaces comes with a responsibility to respect and celebrate them. Supporting the coastal route and the people and organisations who care for it is at the forefront of everything we do as an event."
"The Bondi to Manly Ultra is unlike any other race in Australia. It takes runners on an unforgettable journey through some of Sydney's most spectacular landscapes, combining an extraordinary physical challenge with the opportunity to experience the city in a completely different way.
"Whether you're an experienced ultramarathon runner, taking on your first endurance challenge or sharing the experience with teammates, there's something incredibly special about being part of this event."
The event's significant growth has also attracted an expanding portfolio of commercial partners, reflecting the increasing appeal of endurance running and the opportunity for brands to connect with Australia's active and health-conscious communities.
DENZA joins as the event's presenting partner, alongside major partners Salomon, Fitness Outcomes, SriLankan Airlines, Wyndham and Neuro, bringing new support and experiences to the 2026 event.
"We're thrilled to have such a strong group of partners supporting the Bondi to Manly Ultra as we enter this next chapter," Cornish said.
"Their involvement reflects the growing strength of the event and the broader endurance running community. We're excited to work together to elevate the experience for participants, supporters and spectators, both this year and into the future."
With a focus on growing participation, enhancing the runner experience and building the event's long-term profile, global events and experiences company MARI is looking to further establish the Bondi to Manly Ultra as one of Australia's premier endurance running experiences.
The course itself remains one of the event's greatest drawcards, taking participants from the dramatic coastal clifftops of Bondi and Dover Heights through Watsons Bay and along Sydney's spectacular harbour foreshore.
Runners will pass the Royal Botanic Garden and Sydney Opera House, cross the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and continue through the scenic trails of Sydney's North Shore before tackling the final stretch around North Head and crossing the finish line at Manly Beach.
The event will also feature a range of partner activations and experiences, with supporters encouraged to soak up the atmosphere and cheer on participants as they complete their journey.
Whether chasing a personal best, conquering their first ultramarathon or taking on the challenge alongside friends, participants will be part of a growing community celebrating endurance, determination and the power of running to bring people together.
For more information, visit bonditomanlyultra.com.
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About MARI
MARI is a global events and experiences company with a portfolio of premium live properties across sports, art, lifestyle, and entertainment. These include the Madrid and Miami Open tennis tournaments and Frieze, a leading voice in contemporary art, as well as Barrett-Jackson, the premium U.S. collector car auction company. MARI delivers unforgettable live experiences that connect people, inspire audiences, and shape culture. The event celebrates and supports the Bondi to Manly coastal route and the volunteers and organisations working to protect and preserve the public land and natural environment around Sydney Harbour. This commitment is central to the event’s purpose.
About the Bondi to Manly Ultra
The Bondi to Manly Ultra follows the renowned Bondi to Manly Walk, an 80-kilometre trail connecting two of Sydney's most iconic beaches via coastal clifftops, harbour foreshores, national parks and vibrant urban precincts. The event draws elite ultramarathon athletes and passionate recreational runners from across Australia and around the world, offering one of the most visually spectacular and logistically unique race courses on the global endurance calendar.
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