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If 2026 is your year for catching flights, not feelings, we’ve found a new adventure for you – striding down the tarmac at the brand-new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport. You don’t need a boarding pass for this one, but some speedy race shoes might come in handy…
For the first time ever, Sydneysiders will have the chance to run down Australia’s newest international runway before it welcomes its first passengers and planes in October 2026. This once-in-a-lifetime Runway Run/Walk event will turn the nearly-complete airport into a historic racecourse, with distances from a half-marathon to 14-kilometre, seven-kilometre and four-kilometre events.
The 3.7-kilometre runway loop might just be Sydney’s flattest racing course, with no hills, no traffic lights and no tight corners (AKA perfect for chasing a personal best). Half-marathon runners will loop the smooth, flat runway three times, enjoying long uninterrupted straights and a rare behind-the-scenes look at the airport.
Participants in the 14-kilometre event will complete two laps of the runway, while the seven-kilometre course is a single lap. The four-kilometre race is ideal for sprinters or families looking for a fun challenge. There’s also a family-friendly Community Runway Walk, but this event has already reached capacity with more than 10,000 walkers signed up.
Entries for the half-marathon start from $110, while the 4‑kilometre event begins at $22, with some proceeds supporting the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation. You can check out the course and sign up here.