TCS Sydney Marathon (Pont3)

When dozens of elite athletes needed to fly in from Africa for a major marathon with limited flight options, strict visa rules, and specialised racing chairs, the logistics could have easily derailed. But Stage and Screen’s tenacity and long hours made the complex seamless.

Client Snapshot

Pont3 is the event management company behind the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS – Australia’s largest marathon. The event attracts runners from around the world, as well as world-class wheelchair competitors for the Marathon’s elite wheelchair race. Each year, the logistics are monumental for Pont3, but in 2025 the stakes were even higher, as the event was elevated to the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors series.

The Challenge

Stage and Screen’s brief was to manage the travel for up to 40 athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia, but this came with major challenges. The athletes were to arrive in Sydney just a few days before race day and depart within a week, but flight options from Africa were limited. There are also strict visa requirements for visitors from parts of Africa, and Stage and Screen had to ensure athletes’ visas were valid in transit.

On top of that, around 20-30 wheelchair athletes were participating, and had unique needs for flights, as well as disability equipment, namely racing chairs and regular mobility chairs.

Stage and Screen’s Solution

Stage and Screen managed the complex logistics of bringing dozens of athletes from different countries together in Sydney within a tight window, then flying them home within a week.

Stage and Screen's travel experts designed itineraries that would avoid any complications around visas and ensured the athletes arrived days before the marathon. Available routes were identified and negotiated with airlines to book the most efficient and cost-effective flights.

For the wheelchair athletes, Stage and Screen worked on specialised arrangements with the airlines, ensuring the racing and mobility chairs were carefully handled and transported safely and on time.

The Outcome

The athletes and their essential equipment arrived in Sydney on time and were ready to run at peak level on the day. Stage and Screen’s hard work enabled Pont3 to focus on the logistics of the TCS Sydney Marathon, rather than troubleshooting travel issues.

Client Reaction

Pont3 commended their Stage and Screen travel manager for her hard work and dedication, sending her a personal gift of thanks.

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