Tie up your trainers for the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival

If you're a sporting fan, love to stretch your legs with a good run or even simply like to watch others don their running shoes and sweat it out, you won't want to miss the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival.

This event is scheduled to take place on Sunday September 21, and is one of the most renowned and best-loved marathons in the country. It's so popular, in fact, that each year about 36,000 participants from Australia and across the globe take to the course to challenge their bodies and minds.

Here's some more information about the race, how you can get involved, and where you can stay during your visit.

The Blackmores Sydney Running Festival

The running festival in itself features four main events. The headliner is of course the Sydney Marathon, which stretches on for a challenging 42.195km and attracts elite athletes.

Then there's the Half Marathon, which runs for a total course of 21.0975km and is a great option for those who aren't quite prepared to tackle a full marathon course.

Next, there is the Bridge Run, which allows those participating to cross the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge as part of a 9km run.

Finally, there's the Family Fun Run, offering a chance for walkers, joggers and runners of all ages and abilities to get involved. This course is approximately 3.5km long.

What's special about all four of these routes is that they all cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge. That gives everybody involved a spectacular chance to soak in the awe-inspiring harbour views while being part of something fun, exciting and challenging.

At the end of the running routes is the Recovery Village, a place for rest, relaxation and entertainment after the day's exercise. This will feature sponsor giveaways, merchandise stalls, food and drink options, music and entertainment, not to mention a popular massage tent and other great attractions for the whole family.

There's still time to register for the events, but be sure to do so as soon as possible to avoid missing out. On the day, be sure to join the correct starting group. This will depend on your expected finishing time, so if you're a well-seasoned runner aiming for a competitive time, you'll be in the first starting group. If you're just participating in a run for fun or for a personal challenge, you will likely be in the second or third and final starting group.

This will not affect your marathon time - it just helps to avoid congestion and allows everybody to enjoy the event to its fullest - as each runner will have a timing chip recording how long it takes them from start to finish.

Where to stay in Sydney

Make sure you book your holiday accommodation in Sydney in advance so you don't have to worry at the last minute.

Mantra 2 Bond Street is just a few minutes' drive away from the races' starting point of Bradfield Park, Alfred Street, Milsons Point, so this is one great option to consider. Here, you can choose from a one, two or three bedroom apartment, as well as an executive studio apartment.

Mantra on Kent is also incredibly close by, offering up sleek and sophisticated accommodation for the duration of your stay. Enjoy a studio apartment, or a one or two bedroom apartment during your time in Sydney.

Both of these accommodation options feature all the facilities and amenities you could want for, and when you complete the race of your choice, you can look forward to returning to your comfortable studio or apartment for a great rest.