The streets of Sydney came alive for an unforgettable race weekend as runners from around the world gathered for the 2026 TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS. With big goals on the line, the city was filled with energy, determination and runners chasing their own stars.
As the Official Headphones Partner of TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS, Shokz was proud to be part of this incredible weekend, bringing our open-ear headphone experience and Chasing Stars spirit to Sydney — celebrating every runner, every goal and every moment along the way. From the elite field taking on the course to the wider running community coming together across race week, here’s a look at the highlights.
Shokz Athlete Andy Buchanan on Race Day
Race day brought the moment our athletes had been working towards. Representing Shokz, Andy Buchanan lined up for the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS after a strong comeback season. Following time away from racing due to injury, Andy returned to competition in 2026 with a renewed focus, taking the win at the Gold Coast Half Marathon before going on to claim victory at City2Surf.
Back on the marathon start line in Sydney, Andy put his preparation to the test against a world-class elite field, becoming Australian Champion with a time of 2:10:14. His performance was also the fastest time ever run by an Australian at the event, beating the previous best by 1:13.
Another big day of racing in Sydney, and another milestone in Andy’s comeback season. We’re proud to have Andy representing Shokz and inspiring runners to keep chasing their next goal.
Shakeout Runs: Running Sydney Together
Race week was about more than the big day itself. In the lead-up to the race day, Shokz teamed up with three local running communities — Strava Sharks, Sydney Harbour Runners and Coogee Run Club — to get Sydney moving.
Over three Shakeout Runs, hundreds of runners got a chance to try Shokz open-ear headphones. From coastal bays to harbour views and beachside mornings, the sessions were filled with relaxed runs, good conversations and plenty of pre-race excitement.
It was a chance to experience Sydney through running — together with the local communities that make the city’s running scene so vibrant. See the recap video.
The Race Week Buzz at the Shokz Booth
The race-week buzz continued at the TCS Sydney Marathon Running Show presented by ASICS, where the Shokz booth quickly became a popular stop for runners.
Runners had the chance to experience Shokz’s headphones firsthand, while the OpenRun Pro 2 TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS Co-Branded Edition was a major hit, flying off the shelves as runners rushed to get their hands on the limited co-branded edition headphones.
And it wasn’t just the headphones drawing attention. Our giant kangaroo, sporting Shokz open-ear headphones and a cowbell, quickly became a fan favourite, with plenty of runners stopping by to grab a photo with our very cute Shokz mascot.
With a buzzing booth, excited runners and plenty of race-week energy, Shokz had a great time sharing our open-ear technology and celebrating the Sydney running community at the Running Show.
Beyond Race Day: Shokz x Inside Running Podcast Liveshow
The race may be over, but the stories were just getting started.
On Sunday afternoon, Shokz teamed up with Inside Running Podcast for a special live show featuring 2026 Australian Champions Andy Buchanan and Ellie Pashley. Shokz athlete Andy and Ellie joined the IRP hosts to share their race recaps, reflecting on their marathon experiences and the moments that shaped their races.
The podcast liveshow brought runners and the wider running community together to relive the marathon, hear from two of Australia’s top marathoners, and celebrate the race weekend. With plenty of laughs, stories and post-race energy in the room, it was the perfect way to round out an unforgettable weekend in Sydney.
Shokz Chasing Stars: Their Sydney Stories
This year, Shokz brought Chasing Stars to Sydney, inviting runners from across the community to share what they were chasing at the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS. From first-time marathoners to seasoned runners, every Shokz Star had a story behind their race.
"Honestly LOVED it! It really upsets me when there are unsafe moments on course when participants are using noise cancelling/in ear headphones - everyone deserves a safe race!! Shokz are perfect - you don’t feel them all race, you can hear the crowd cheering and you can hear other runners around you. Everyone who ever asks for running headphone recommendations - it’s ALWAYS Shokz 🫶🏽"
— Olivia
"Discovering Shokz was such a huge milestone for my running experience. Not only do I now have a headphone set that lasts through my 4 hr long runs, but I feel incredibly safe knowing I'm still able to hear ambient noise around me in case of oncoming traffic. I'm so grateful to have gotten to test the official TCS pair at Sydney and had had the best experience continuing to play music I love while still being able to soak in the energy and sounds of the city!"
— Catherine
Your Questions Answered
What headphones did Shokz release for the 2026 TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS?
Shokz released the OpenRun Pro 2 TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS Co-Branded Edition, a limited-edition open-ear headphone created to celebrate the 2026 TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS.
Who won the 2026 TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS men’s Australian Championship?
Shokz athlete Andy Buchanan won the men’s Australian Championship at the marathon.
Are open-ear headphones safe for running outdoors?
Open-ear headphones are designed to let you enjoy music while staying aware of your surroundings. Unlike traditional in-ear headphones that block the ear canal, Shokz open-ear headphones allow runners to hear ambient sounds such as traffic, other runners and their surroundings, making them a great choice for outdoor running.
How can I join a Shokz running community event?
Check the Shokz website and sign up for EDM updates to receive information about upcoming running community events, shakeout runs and other opportunities to join the Shokz community. You can also follow @shokzaunz on Instagram for the latest updates.
