NSW Athletics in partnership with the We Run Foundation  will give eighteen of NSW’s most promising young distance runners the chance to race in the TCS Sydney Mini Marathon presented by ASICS Youth Invitational, held as part of the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS, one of Australia’s premier running events and one of the world’s newest Marathon Majors.

More than just a race, the initiative is designed to inspire the next generation of distance runners through unique race-day experiences, dedicated athlete support and a clear connection between junior athletics and Australia’s fast-growing road running community.

If you believe you have the performances and potential to be part of the TCS Sydney Mini Marathon presented by ASICS Youth Invitational, we encourage you to review the Selection Policy and submit an Expression of Interest below.

What Successful Athletes Receive

Athletes selected into the program will receive a range of support, including:

•  Guaranteed entry into the TCS Sydney Mini Marathon presented by ASICS Youth Invitational, competing in a dedicated youth wave immediately behind the elite field.
• Travel assistance of up to $300 for eligible regional athletes to support attendance at the event.
•  Invitation to attend the We Run Foundation Youth Summit, providing access to athlete education, networking and development opportunities.
•  Official event apparel and merchandise supplied as part of the program.
• Dedicated event-day athlete support provided by NSW Athletics and the We Run Foundation.

Selected athletes will also gain invaluable exposure to Australia's largest marathon event, competing alongside some of the country's leading distance runners. 

Ready to Apply?

Interested in being considered for the TCS Sydney Mini Marathon presented by ASICS Youth Invitational? Please review the Expression of Interest (EOI) Criteria and Selection Policy before completing the online EOI form below. Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday, 19 July 2026.

Key Dates

• EOIs Open: Now
• EOIs Close: 11:59pm Wednesday 22 July 2026
• Successful Athletes Notified: Monday 27 July 2026
• Event Date: Saturday 29 August 2026

Why This Initiative and Why Now?

The TCS Sydney Mini Marathon presented by ASICS Youth Invitational initiative is one of the first flagship programs to emerge from the new NSW Athletics Performance and Pathways Program, a long-term commitment to identifying, supporting and developing the next generation of athletes capable of progressing through the state and national performance pathway. As our sport continues to evolve, we are committed to creating meaningful development opportunities that extend beyond traditional competition and provide aspiring athletes with experiences that accelerate both their performance and personal growth.

Delivered in partnership with the We Run Foundation, the Youth Invitational connects emerging distance runners with one of Australia's premier running events, the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS. More than simply providing a race opportunity, the initiative immerses athletes in a world-class event environment, exposing them to elite competition, the broader running community and the unique experience of participating in a global marathon festival. By strengthening the connection between grassroots athletics, high-performance pathways and major participation events, the program helps inspire the next generation of distance runners while contributing to the long-term vision of building a sustainable endurance pathway towards Brisbane 2032 and beyond.

Over the coming months, NSW Athletics will continue to roll out a range of new initiatives under the Performance and Pathways Program, providing athletes, coaches and clubs with greater opportunities to develop, connect and achieve success at every level of the sport.