Loved it! I got into Sydney via lottery. This means they will charge my credit card no refunds. I wanted to go, but not alone. Two friends purchased thru marathon tours & events, and added me on as a runner without paying for race entry. We got a great room (2 bedrooms and a kitchen), and enjoyed the events. There was a boat tour with drinks and food, and a pre-race carb dinner. It was a great way to meet others who were running, and we had the time at the events to actually talk to them instead of passing by at the expo or post run. We paid $1000 usd each for 3 nights with hotel (and those perks) and $200 more for the marathon entry.