Become A Marathoner
... and smash the barriers to a longer, healthier life for yourself - and for people with cancer.
About this program
Step up with CanToo and become part of the city's history as Sydney bids for World Marathon Major status.
This program is for anyone looking to train in a fun, safe, group environment for the Sydney Marathon.
On 15 September 2024 you and your CanToo team will tackle the iconic Sydney Marathon with some of the biggest names in world distance running.
This is an ideal event for anyone with half marathon experience, looking to stretch themselves and tackle that Marathon distance.
If you're concerned about your ability, please contact us. We'd love to help you set a suitable goal.
Your program registration fee covers our professional coaching, training guides, venue fees, site fees, insurances and support for the full 20 weeks.
Goal event race registration is payable separately through the Sydney Marathon website.
Training format
This is a comprehensive program with two face-to-face coached group sessions per week plus a full written guide with daily, structured training.
All group sessions are led by a supportive, approachable marathon running coach with extensive experience of taking novices and multiple marathoners to their goal events.
Mid-week interval training typically covers:
- how to run more efficiently
- improving core strength
- proper breathing techniques
- injury prevention
- presentations by guest speakers.
Saturday distance runs typically:
- focus on running form
- build endurance
- improve mental focus
- work on pacing and race strategy.
We’ve been here before – you can trust us to get you to the start and finish lines.
Fundraising
Fundraising to support cancer researchers in Australia is a huge part of who we are. Since 2005, our participants have raised over $33 million to fund research.
By raising $1975 you will meet your minimum fundraising commitment and become a Fundraising Star.
Session availability
See below all the available training locations for CanToo's Sydney Marathon Program. CanToo requires a minimum number of participants for each training location to proceed. If minimum numbers are not achieved for your preferred training location, CanToo will contact participants by early April to discuss alternative options.
Click to view local session times.
| Location | Availability | |
|---|---|---|
| North | Open | |
| Inner West | Open | |
| Hills District | Open |
We the Sydney Marathon
... and you will too!
What to expect on race day
We bring all our groups together for a pre-race briefing and warm up with your coach and head off to the start line together.
Hundreds of runners and spectators will cheer “Go CanToo!” to others in orange. It’s going to be a huge boost in tough times.
As you’re cheered down the home straight to the finish line, smiling for the cameras, you’re going to feel like an Olympian. And you’re going to deserve it.
Within seconds of finishing, it’ll get emotional as your family and friends celebrate with you at the CanToo tent in the finisher village.
You will be a Marathoner Runner! Your achievements are going to inspire others to get involved and to power cancer research.
Step out of the crowd and be a part of something bigger than running.
$840 value for only $329!
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$600
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$140
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$60
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$40
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$$$
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Help fund lifesaving cancer research
... common fundraising questions.
Is fundraising compulsory?
Absolutely. Our vision is transforming lives – through improving health and wellbeing of the community and supporting the research, prevention and control of cancer.
To deliver our vision, CanToo has a dual mission:
Cancer prevention - Professionally coached programs promote healthy lifestyles and aid in reducing the risk of one-third of cancers which are lifestyle-related.
Cancer Research - We are proud to have raised more than $33 million since 2005, funding early career cancer researchers. Further information is available here.
What is my fundraising commitment?
We will provide your coaching and support throughout the 20-week program. In return, your commitment is to raise a minimum of $1975.
Don’t let that worry you too much, we’ve been doing this since 2005 so we have plenty of resources available to help you achieve your fundraising goal. Plus, you’ll have a Team Captain and Mentor/s to guide you through. The best approach is to have a plan and to start early.
Where does the money go?
When you fundraise for CanToo Foundation, you’re fundraising for Australian cancer research and prevention. We focus on investing in early career cancer researchers across all cancer types.
As a registered charity, we will always be careful with every single dollar we spend and completely transparent in our reporting. Read more.
What if I don't meet my commitment?
CanToo has been teaching people to run and raise funds for cancer research since 2005. We know that you’ll do everything you can to fundraise for Australia's most promising cancer research projects and we’ll help you every step of the way.
If, due to personal circumstances, you feel you can’t meet your commitment, please contact us.
How long do I have to fundraise?
The good news is that you have until 30 days after your program finishes to meet your commitment to cancer research and prevention. You'll have an active fundraising page from the moment you sign up, so our suggestion is sign up early!
How do I start fundraising?
Once you register for a CanToo program, you will automatically have an online fundraising page on the CanToo website. Your online fundraising page can be shared with friends, family and colleagues who would like to support you in your fitness and fundraising goal with a tax deductable donation.
Try these tips to make the most out of your fundraising page:
- Personalise your fundraising page - add your profile photo, a personal message and shots from your weekly training.
- Set the standard for generosity when you make the first donation. Your family and friends will follow your example when deciding how much to donate.
- What does health and wellbeing mean to you? Tell people why you’re passionate about joining CanToo.
- Reach out beyond your inner circle – ask family, friends, colleagues, and your community to donate. You are providing them with an opportunity to support valuable cancer research.
- Get social. Social posts are all great for letting your circle know what you are up to. Use our social media posts to get inspired.
- Update your fundraising goal. Have you reached your $1975 goal? Change it to $2500. Ask people to help you reach your next fundraising milestone.
- Remember to thank your donors publicly – tag them in a Facebook or LinkedIn post, or in person. The people who donate to your fundraising page are helping to make an incredible difference to support innovation in the prevention, care and control of cancer – please thank them from us!
