Running the 7 World Marathon Majors

Every year, hundreds of marathons take place worldwide, but only a selected few belong to the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors series, setting them apart from the rest. In this article, we dive into the 7 World Marathon Majors and explain how you can run them all.

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What are the 7 World Marathon Majors?

This elite series began in 2006 with five iconic races: Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. Tokyo joined in 2013, and Sydney is set to become the seventh Major in 2025. These marathons aren’t just races; they are about history, competition and unforgettable experiences. Whether you're aiming to complete just one or striving for the prestigious Six Star Medal, each race offers something truly special for every runner.

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For 2025, the Marathon Majors calendar is as follows:

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• Tokyo Marathon (Japan): 2nd March 2025

• Boston Marathon (USA): 21st April 2025

• London Marathon (United Kingdom): 27th April 2025

• Sydney Marathon (Australia): 31st August 2025

• Berlin Marathon (Germany): 21st September 2025

• Chicago Marathon (USA): 12th October 2025

• New York City Marathon (USA): 2nd November 2025

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1. Tokyo Marathon

Held on the first Sunday in March, the Tokyo Marathon kicks off the Majors calendar. Established in 2007, it’s the second youngest of the series, earning its Major status in 2013.

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Image credits: Tokyo Marathon

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Date: 2nd March 2025

Highest Participation: 35,460 runners

Course: Flat and fast with no major hills, this course is ideal for personal bests. Starting at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku and finishing near Tokyo Station, it’s considered more of a loop-like course through the city.

Elevation Gain: 60m

Avg. Race Day Temperatures: High: 13°C / Low: 6°C

Course Records: In 2022, Eliud Kipchoge (KEN) set a new men's record with a time of 2:02:40.
In 2022, Brigid Kosgei (KEN) broke the women's record with a time of 2:16:02.

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2. Boston Marathon

The Boston Marathon, the world’s oldest annual marathon, first ran in 1897. It traditionally takes place on the third Monday in April - on Patriots’ Day in the USA. It took its inspiration from the marathon race at the Olympic Games Athens 1896.

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Photo credits: Unsplash

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Date: 21st April 2025

Highest Participation: 35,868 runners

Course: Known for its challenging route, the Boston Marathon is a classic point-to-point course featuring notable downhill and uphill sections, including the famous Heartbreak Hill at mile 20. Starting in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, it winds through suburban towns, including rolling hills in Newton, before finishing in downtown Boston.

Elevation Gain: 248m

Avg. Race Day Temperatures: High: 17°C / Low: 5°C

Course Records: In 2011, Geoffrey Mutai (KEN) set a new men's record with a time of 2:03:02.
In 2014, Buzunesh Deba (ETH) broke the women's record with a time of 2:19:59.ㅤ

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3. London Marathon

Founded by former Olympic athlete Chris Brasher, the London Marathon debuted in 1981 and is traditionally held in April.

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Photo credits: Adam Marsden

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Date: 27th April 2025

Highest Participation: 43,965 runners

Course: Mostly flat and fast, this route offers a great chance for personal bests. As a point-to-point course, it begins in Blackheath, winds through Greenwich, passes Canary Wharf, crosses Tower Bridge, and follows the Thames to Westminster.

Elevation Gain: 127m

Avg. Race Day Temperatures: High: 15°C / Low: 7°C

Course Records:  In 2023, Kelvin Kiptum (KEN) set a new men's record with a time of 2:01:25
In 2024, Peres Jepchirchir (KEN) broke the women's record with a time of 2:16:16.

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4. Sydney Marathon

The Sydney Marathon is the newest addition to the World Marathon Majors. It became a candidate race for the Abbott World Marathon Majors in 2022 and was officially inducted into the series in November 2024.

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Photo credits: Unsplash

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Date: 31st August 2025

Highest Participation: 20,072 runners

Course: Known for its challenging terrain, the Sydney Marathon is less suited for personal bests. The course moves in one direction from the Sydney Harbour Bridge to the Sydney Opera House, without looping back to the start, making it a true point-to-point race. Famous for its Harbour Bridge Climb, the course features rolling hills, with notable inclines around Centennial Park and gradual elevation changes towards the finish near the Opera House.

Elevation Gain: 273m

Avg. Race Day Temperatures: High: 24°C / Low: 15°C

Course Records: In 2024, Brimin Kipkorir (KEN) set a new men's record with a time of 2:06:18
In 2024, Workenesh Edesa Gurmesa (KEN) broke the women's record with a time of 2:21:41

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5. Berlin Marathon

Renowned as one of the world’s fastest courses, the Berlin Marathon is a favourite for world record attempts. SportsShoes has covered this event over the past years, so if you are interested in knowing how others runners have prepared for it, we have interviews of past participants who shared their impressions of the Berlin Marathon.

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Photo credits: Berlin Marathon

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Date: 21st September 2025

Highest Participation: 46,983 runners

Course: Flat and straight with minimal turns, the Berlin Marathon is arguably the easiest course, making it perfect for fast times and personal bests. This looped course starts and finishes near the Brandenburg Gate and showcases Berlin’s landmarks, including the Victory Column and Berlin Cathedral.

Elevation Gain: 73m

Avg. Race Day Temperatures: High: 15°C / Low: 10°C

Course Records: In 2022, Eliud Kipchoge (KEN) set the men’s record at 2:01:09.
In 2023, Tigist Assefa (ETH) set the women’s record at 2:11:53.

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6. Chicago Marathon

Held every October, the Chicago Marathon is the fourth-largest race globally by finishers. It’s produced some of history’s fastest times, including the current men’s world record of 2:00:35.

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Photo credits: Chicago Marathon

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Date: 12th October 2025

Highest Participation: 45,932 runners

Course: Flat and fast, it’s ideal for personal bests or world records. This looped course starts and finishes in Grant Park, winding through diverse neighborhoods and passing landmarks like the Willis Tower, Chinatown, and the lakefront.

Elevation Gain: 74m

Avg. Race Day Temperatures: High: 19°C / Low: 10°C

Course Records: In 2023, Kelvin Kiptum (KEN) set a new men's record with a time of 2:00:35
In 2023, Sifan Hassan (NED) broke the women's record with a time of 2:13:44.

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7. New York City Marathon

Traditionally held in early November, the New York Marathon is the world’s largest by participant numbers, with over 53,000 finishers in 2019.

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Photo credits: SportsShoes

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Date: 2nd November 2025

Highest Participation: 53,520 runners

Course: Challenging with significant elevation changes, the New York Marathon spans all five boroughs. Though it winds through each, it is a point-to-point course that starts in Staten Island, passes through Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, and finishes in Central Park, Manhattan - without looping back. The course is most famous for its multiple bridge climbs, steep inclines on the bridges, and a gradual uphill in Central Park, especially in the late miles, making it a tougher race than many runners expect.

Elevation Gain: 246m

Avg. Race Day Temperatures: High: 14°C / Low: 7°C

Course Records:In 2023, Tamirat Tola (ETH) set a new men's record with a time of 2:04:58
In 2003, Margaret Okayo (KEN) broke the women's record with a time of 2:22:31.

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How to get into the World Marathon Majors?

Each Major offers various entry methods: qualifying times, lotteries, charity spots, or tour operators. The best options for overseas runners are:
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• Tokyo Marathon: Tour operator or charity

• Boston Marathon: Qualifying time

• London Marathon: Qualifying time or charity

• Sydney Marathon: Ballot

• Berlin Marathon: Ballot or tour operator

• Chicago Marathon: Lottery or qualifying time

• New York City Marathon: Tour operators

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What is the Six Star Finisher Medal?

Runners who complete the original six Abbott World Marathon Majors - Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York - earn the Six Star Medal. Sydney’s addition in 2025 doesn’t affect this; the Six Star remains based on the original six. There’s no time limit to finish all six. Two candidate races, Cape Town and Shanghai, are under review, and if approved, a Nine Star Medal may follow.

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Photo credits: Haroon Mota

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How many people run the Marathon Majors?

The Majors continue to grow annually. London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York often exceed 50,000 finishers. Tokyo averages around 38,000, while Boston limits runners to around 30,000. For its 2025 debut as a Major, Sydney expects approximately 35,000 participants.

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So, what are you waiting for? Lace up your running shoes and start your Majors journey today!
If you're unsure which pair to go for, check out our article on the best running shoes for marathon.

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Want to find out more? We've been busy collecting all the latest tips & expert advice for marathon training and race days. Our Marathon category lets you experience real in-the-moment stories as we dive deeper into Q&A with athletes, kit reviews, nutritional advice and so much more!