Start Groups
When registering for Runaway Sydney Half Marathon, you will need to select your start group for race day.
Your start group is a colour that will reflect your start time and start zone on race day. To help you have the best experience, please select the start group that’s right for you based on how long you think it will take you to complete the half marathon. Don’t worry if your ideal start group is unavailable! Your time will only begin and end as you cross the start and finish line timing mats.
For the speedy legs looking to start at the front of the pack - there are two start groups that require qualification (Elite and Red), and three open start groups which anyone can select.
If you want to run with friends or family, we recommend you should all select the same start group.
Choose Your Start Group
Please choose a start group that reflects your predicted running time for the half-marathon.
Note: Start group availability is subject to capacity limits, if a start group is sold out, no accommodations can be made.
Qualifying Start Group |
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| Is this the right start group for me? | You’re an elite runner, please see below for pre-qualification info. | Speedy runners hunting down elites. |
| Your estimated finish time (be honest) | M: Sub 1h15m F: Sub 1h25m |
Under 1h45mins |
| Your estimated run pace | M: 3:33/km or faster F: 4:00min/km or faster |
5:00min/km or faster |
| Qualification needed | Screenshot upload of an official result from the last 24 months, within the qualification times. |
Screenshot of an official result or Strava/running workout faster than 5:00min/km over a distance of 10km or longer. (Strava or workout data must show elapsed time) |
Non-Qualifying Start Groups |
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| Is this the right start group for me? | You’re pretty quick and likely to be chasing down a PB. | Looking for a good time and a good hit out. | You want a fun day out with a few thousand mates! |
| Your estimated run pace | 5:00min/km - 5:45min/km | 5:45min/km - 6:30min/km | 6:30min/km or more |
| Your estimated finish time (be honest) | Under 2hrs | 2hrs – 2hr15mins | Over 2 hr15mins |
Qualifying Information
New for 2026! If you want to run in either of the qualifying start groups (Elite or Red) you can follow the qualification process below:
If you select Elite qualification, you need to provide an official result from another event and you will be prompted to upload a screenshot or finisher certificate file. This will need to show proof of you running the qualifying time or pace at any official race, anywhere in the world, but the race must have been completed within the last 2 years and be 10km or longer in distance.
Once this has been submitted, you will remain in the chosen Start Group and entered into the event. If your submitted result does not meet the eligibility criteria for that Start Group, you will be placed in the next available start group (this may not be the next immediate start group, based on availability). You may resubmit a new qualifying time if spots are still available.
Please note: if your preferred start group is sold out, we are unable to accommodate any changes.
If you select the Red start group, you will be prompted to upload a file that will qualify you to run in the Red start group. This file will need to be from the last 2 years, include your name, distance, and completion time (Elapsed time will need to be shown for Strava/non-official runs)
Once this has been submitted, you will remain in the chosen Start Group and entered into the event. If your submitted result does not meet the eligibility criteria for that Start Group, you will be placed in the next available start group. You may resubmit a new qualifying time if spots are still available.
Please note: if your preferred start group is sold out, we are unable to accommodate any changes.
