los World Marathon Majors

The Abbott World Marathon Majors (WMM) represent the pinnacle of global marathon racing.

Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York, and Sydney. They unite elite and amateur runners in a thrilling quest for the Six‑Star Medal.

This executive guide on “World Marathon Majors” covers everything you need to know if you are chasing this dream.

The history, race dates, course profiles, qualification criteria, and medal tracking tips…

What are the World Marathon Majors?

🕰️ History & Founding (2006–Present)

The Abbott World Marathon Majors (WMM) were founded in 2006. As a partnership between five of the world’s most prestigious races. Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City.

The aim was to elevate the sport of marathon running. By creating a global series that celebrated elite athletes and everyday runners alike. Tokyo joined in 2013, expanding the series to six continents. In 2024, Sydney became the seventh official Major, marking the first new addition in over a decade.

Together, these races represent the pinnacle of distance running, offering unforgettable cityscapes, passionate crowds, and highly competitive fields.

Which marathons are part of the World Marathon Majors?

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🏅 Medal Distinctions (Six-Star, Nine-Star)

One of the most iconic goals in the marathon world is the Six-Star Finisher Medal.

It is awarded to runners who complete all six original Majors. Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City.

This medal has become a bucket-list achievement for runners across the globe and a personal dream of mine. Read about the logistics to register and claim your stars aquí.

In 2024, Sydney became the seventh Major, but a Seven-Star Medal is not currently being issued. The Abbott WMM plans to launch a Nine-Star Medal after Shanghai and Cape Town become majors. Until then, runners can still earn commemorative pins and digital badges beyond six stars.

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🏁 Qualification Rules & Points System

Each World Marathon Major has its own entry rules—some via lottery, others through time-based qualification or charity bibs.

For elite and age-group athletes, the Abbott WMM also runs a points-based ranking system across the races. It awards top performers based on finishing times and placements.

For most amateur runners (myself included!!!), however, the focus remains on determination and navigating each race’s unique entry path.

🏁 How do I qualify for the World Marathon Majors?

Here’s a clear breakdown of the World Marathon Majors entry criteria for 2025, showing which races require qualifying times, what those times are by age/gender, and other entry methods like charity, lottery, or elite/championship entry:

🏁 Boston Marathon (April 21, 2025)

• Qualifying Window: September 1, 2023 – September 13, 2024
• Qualifying Times:
  • Ages 18–34: Men 2:55 / Women 3:25
  • Ages 80+: Men 4:50 / Women 5:20
• Oversubscription Policy:
  • Fastest-first selection
  • 2025 cutoff was ~7 minutes faster than the official BQ time
• Other Entry Routes:
  • Charity
  • Tour operators
  • Virtual races not accepted

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🇬🇧 London Marathon (April 27, 2025)

• Qualifying Window: Varies (typically October–January)
• Qualifying Times:
  • Good-For-Age: ~Men sub 2:40 / Women sub 3:10
  • Championship: Men sub 2:40 / Women sub 3:10
• Oversubscription Policy:
  • Fastest-first in Good-For-Age
  • Lottery for general entry
• Other Entry Routes:
  • Charity
  • Tour operators
  • Legacy runners

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🇩🇪 Berlin Marathon (September 21, 2025)

• Qualifying Window: Any time (typically within the past 3 years)
• Qualifying Times:
  • No fixed slots; certified times accepted
  • Elites: Men ≤ 2:23 / Women ≤ 2:43
• Oversubscription Policy:
  • Fastest qualifiers prioritized if entries exceed limits
• Other Entry Routes:
  • Charity
  • Tour operators

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🇺🇸 Chicago Marathon (October 2025)

• Qualifying Window: Typically January–May 2025
• Qualifying Times:
  • Similar to Berlin: ~Men 2:23 / Women 2:43
• Oversubscription Policy:
  • First-come, first-served for time qualifiers
• Other Entry Routes:
  • Charity
  • Tour operators

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🗽 New York City Marathon (November 2025)

• Qualifying Window: Varies (2024–2025)
• Qualifying Times:
  • High-performance standards: Men < 2:23 / Women < 2:43
• Oversubscription Policy:
  • Guaranteed entry if you complete the virtual 2025 race
  • Lottery or time-based entry for others
• Other Entry Routes:
  • Charity
  • Tour operators

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🇯🇵 Tokyo Marathon (March 2, 2025)

• Qualifying Window: Likely October–December 2024
• Qualifying Times:
  • Good-For-Age: e.g., Men ~3:00 / Women ~3:30 (for age 35–39)
• Oversubscription Policy:
  • Lottery for general entry
  • Fastest-time-first in Good-For-Age slots
• Other Entry Routes:
  • Charity
  • Tour operators

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🇦🇺 Sydney Marathon (August 31, 2025)

• Qualifying Window: Not finalized
• Qualifying Times (speculative):
  • Under 40: Men 2:35 / Women 2:55
  • 40+: Men 2:50 / Women 3:10
• Oversubscription Policy:
  • Likely fastest-time-first in ~600 slots
• Other Entry Routes:
  • Lottery
  • Charity
• Notes: Sydney debuts as the 7th major in 2025

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🏃‍♀️ Training Tips for Major Races

Training for a World Marathon Major means preparing not only for the distance but also for the race’s environment. Think heat in Tokyo, hills in Boston, or wind in Chicago. Key strategies include tailoring long runs to mimic course profiles, dialing in your nutrition, and allowing enough recovery between races.

Prioritize consistency and cross-training, and if you’re running abroad, factor in time zone adjustment, travel fatigue, and climate changes.

Most importantly, run your own race—these events are a celebration of global running, not just finish times!!

🇬🇧 Maratón de Londres 🇬🇧

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🇺🇸 Maratón de Nueva York 🇺🇸

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🇩🇪 Maratón de Berlín 🇩🇪

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🇺🇸 Maratón de Chicago 🇺🇸

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🇯🇵 Maratón de Tokio 🇯🇵

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🇺🇸 Maratón de Boston 🇺🇸

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