The Major Marathons

What Aspiring Runners Need to Know

​

The Abbott World Marathon Majors (AWMM) represent the pinnacle of distance running. Whether you're chasing a personal best, ticking off a bucket-list item, or vying for the coveted Seven Star Finisher medal, these races offer an unparalleled experience. Here's a detailed breakdown of each marathon to help you plan your journey.

​

Tokyo Marathon (Japan)

• Time of Year: Late February to early March

• Season: Winter

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate – Flat course with excellent organization.

• Participants: Approximately 38,000 runners

• Travel Difficulty: Moderate – Tokyo is well-connected internationally but requires a long flight for many runners.

• Ballot Odds: Extremely low – Reports suggest less than a 2% chance.

• Ballot Sign-Up: Opens in August and closes in early September of the preceding year.

• Charity Entry: Limited and involves a high fundraising requirement.

Considerations: Tokyo offers a unique cultural experience and unmatched efficiency. Budget time for acclimatization if traveling from a significantly different time zone.

​

​

​​​

 

Boston Marathon (USA)

• Time of Year: April (Patriots' Day, the third Monday of the month)

• Season: Spring

• Difficulty: Challenging – Known for its rolling hills, including the infamous Heartbreak Hill at mile 20.

• Participants: Approximately 30,000 runners

• Travel Difficulty: Moderate – Boston is well-connected, but accommodations fill up quickly, so book early.

• Entry: Primarily qualification-based; limited charity and tour operator spots.

• Qualifying Times: Boston has stringent qualifying standards, varying by age and gender. Faster runners are prioritized.

• Sign-Up Window: September of the preceding year.

Considerations: Boston is the only World Major Marathon requiring a qualifying time for most entrants. If you’re aiming to qualify, plan your race strategy around hitting the standards.

​

​

​

 

TCS London Marathon (UK)

• Time of Year: April

• Season: Spring

• Difficulty: Moderate – A relatively flat course, great for personal bests.

• Participants: Around 48,000 runners

• Travel Difficulty: Easy – London is a major global hub with excellent public transport.

• Ballot Odds: Very low – Reports suggest less than a 5% chance of acceptance.

• Ballot Sign-Up: Typically opens in late April and closes in early May.

• Charity Entry: Widely available but requires significant fundraising.

Considerations: The London Marathon is famous for its festive atmosphere, iconic landmarks, and enthusiastic spectators. If you don’t secure a ballot spot, charity entry is a great alternative.

​

​

​

​

 

BMW Berlin Marathon (Germany)

• Time of Year: Late September

• Season: Fall

• Difficulty: Easy – Flat and fast, ideal for first-timers and personal bests. It’s where Eliud Kipchoge set multiple world records.

• Participants: Approximately 45,000 runners

• Travel Difficulty: Easy – Berlin is a major European city with excellent infrastructure.

• Ballot Odds: Moderate – Better odds than London or Tokyo.

• Ballot Sign-Up: Opens in late October and closes in early November of the preceding year.

• Charity Entry: Available but limited.

Considerations: Berlin’s fast course and world-class organization make it a favorite among marathoners. Book hotels early to stay near the start and finish areas.

 

​

​

 

Bank of America Chicago Marathon (USA)

• Time of Year: Early October

• Season: Fall

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate – Flat course but weather can be unpredictable. It's where Kelvin Kiptum set the World Record in 2023.

• Participants: Around 45,000 runners

• Travel Difficulty: Easy – Chicago’s O’Hare Airport is a major hub, and the city is very walkable.

• Ballot Odds: High – The Chicago Marathon has one of the best chances of acceptance among the Majors.

• Ballot Sign-Up: Opens in late October and closes in early November of the preceding year.

• Charity Entry: Readily available.

Considerations: Chicago is known for its lively crowd support and scenic urban course. Prepare for variable weather, from chilly winds to unseasonal warmth.

 

​

​

 

TCS New York City Marathon (USA)

• Time of Year: Early November

• Season: Fall

• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging – The bridges, especially the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, add elevation and wind.

• Participants: Over 50,000 runners

• Travel Difficulty: Moderate – New York is well-connected, but accommodations are expensive and sell out quickly.

• Ballot Odds: Low – Estimated acceptance rate is less than 10%.

• Ballot Sign-Up: Opens in late January and closes in early February of the same year.

• Charity Entry: Abundant but with high fundraising minimums.

Considerations: The NYC Marathon is the largest and one of the most iconic races in the world. Budget extra time for travel logistics, as starting locations are spread across Staten Island. Finishing the race in Central Park is one of a kind.

​

 

 

​

 

​TCS Sydney Marathon (Australia) (as of 2025)

• Time of Year: September

• Season: Spring (Southern Hemisphere)

• Difficulty: Moderate – A mix of hills and flat stretches, with scenic views of Sydney Harbour.

• Participants: Expected to grow to 40,000+

• Travel Difficulty: High – Long-haul flights may be required depending on your location, and accommodations in Sydney can be pricey.

• Ballot Odds: TBD – Expected to have moderate odds for early years.

• Ballot Sign-Up: Likely to open the preceding year (specifics TBD).

• Charity Entry: Expected to be widely available.

Considerations: The addition of Sydney to the Majors introduces runners to a new continent. Take advantage of the opportunity to explore Australia after the race. There are many unknowns about how to enter, which is why you have to follow every announcement. Extra bragging rights for this new Major.

​

​​

​

​

 

Final Tips for Aspiring Seven Star Finishers

• Plan Ahead: Ballots and qualifying times often close a year in advance.

• Be Flexible: Charity entries and tour operators can be excellent alternatives if ballots don’t work out, but very expensive.

• Train Specifically: Research each marathon's terrain and weather to tailor your training plan.

• Budget Accordingly: Travel, accommodations, and entry fees can add up—especially for international races.

Completing the World Major Marathons is a monumental achievement. With careful planning and determination, you’ll join the elite group of runners who’ve conquered them all. Let us help you get to the start line. You can do the running.