The World Marathon Majors (WMM) (branded as the Abbott World Marathon Majors due to sponsorship) is more than just a series of races - it’s the beating heart of marathon running. For elite athletes, it’s the ultimate proving ground. For amateur runners, it’s the stuff of dreams. Completing one of these iconic marathons is a badge of honor; finishing all races in the series is considered a lifetime achievement.
What makes the World Marathon Majors so special? Why do thousands of runners dedicate years of their lives to chasing the elusive Six Star Medal? And how will the addition of the Sydney Marathon in 2025 shape the future of this prestigious series?
In this deep dive, we’ll explore the rich history and unique character of each race, the competition format that defines the series, the logistics of qualifying, and the evolving vision of the World Marathon Majors.
Uniting the World’s Greatest Marathons
The World Marathon Majors was born in 2006 with a simple yet ambitious goal: to elevate marathon running to new heights. By uniting the world’s most iconic races under one banner, the WMM created a global stage that not only showcases elite competition but also honors the accomplishments of everyday runners.
Thousands of runners cross the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge at the start of the NYC Marathon, a breathtaking spectacle of scale
When the series launched, it included five marathons: Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. These races were chosen for their prestige, their ability to attract the world’s best athletes, and their power to inspire millions of runners. In 2013, the WMM expanded to include the Tokyo Marathon, completing the six-race circuit that has defined the series for over a decade.
Now, in 2025, the WMM will make history once again with the addition of the Sydney Marathon. This marks just the second expansion in the series’ history and the first time a Major will take place in the Southern Hemisphere.
The World Marathon Majors Points System
Front and center of the World Marathon Majors is a points-based competition designed to crown the series male and female champions. Athletes earn points based on their finishing positions in each Major, with the highest scorers becoming champions.
Points Allocation:
- 1st: 25 points
- 2nd: 16 points
- 3rd: 9 points
- 4th: 4 points
- 5th: 1 point
Scoring Rules:
- Points from a maximum of two qualifying races count.
- If an athlete competes in more than two races, only their best two results are used.
- For wheelchair athletes, the best four races count (or five in Paralympic/World Championship years).
The WMM points system rewards consistency and excellence across multiple races.
Yet, the WMM isn’t just about elite competition. It’s about the stories of perseverance, passion, and personal triumph that unfold on the streets of these iconic cities. It’s about the runner who spends years training to qualify for Boston, the charity fundraiser pushing to the finish line in London, and the globetrotter chasing the Six Star Medal.
The World Marathon Majors: The Races
The World Marathon Majors are a collection of distinct events. Each race has its own personality, challenges, and traditions. Here’s a closer look at what makes each one special:
Tokyo Marathon 🇯🇵
- Founded: 2007
- Joined the Majors: 2013
- Location: Tokyo, Japan
- Notable Feature: A blend of modern innovation and deep cultural heritage.
Weary participants cross the Tokyo Marathon finish line in front of Tokyo Station
The youngest of the Majors, Tokyo has quickly cemented itself as a world-class event. Its flat, beginner-friendly course weaves through a mesmerizing blend of futuristic skyscrapers, ancient temples, and bustling districts like Ginza and Asakusa.
What makes Tokyo stand out is its impeccable organization. From seamless logistics to precisely stocked aid stations, the race runs with the efficiency Japan is known for. The crowds, while polite, offer deep and unwavering support, creating a calm yet inspiring marathon experience.
Boston Marathon 🇺🇸
- Founded: 1897
- Joined the Majors: 2006 (Founding member)
- Location: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Notable Feature: The oldest annual marathon in the world, requiring strict qualifying times.
Sisay Lemma and Hellen Obiri celebrate their 2024 Boston Marathon victories at the iconic finish line
Boston is the marathoner’s marathon - a race steeped in history, challenge, and prestige. The point-to-point course is famous for its unpredictable weather, rolling terrain, and the legendary Heartbreak Hill at mile 20.
Spectators elevate the experience, from the electrifying "Scream Tunnel" at Wellesley College to the unforgettable final stretch down Boylston Street, where crossing the finish line marks the fulfillment of, for many, a lifelong dream. But what truly sets Boston apart is its exclusivity. There’s no lottery; only those who meet strict age-based qualifying times or secure one of the limited charity spots can earn a coveted place at the start line.
London Marathon 🇬🇧
- Founded: 1981
- Joined the Majors: 2006 (Founding member)
- Location: London, United Kingdom
- Notable Feature: One of the world’s largest charity marathons, raising millions for good causes every year.
Every year, nearly a million spectators gather along the London Marathon route, creating one of the most thrilling atmospheres in the world of marathon running
A race of contrasts, London blends elite speed with a festival-like atmosphere. Its flat, fast course winds past historic landmarks - Tower Bridge, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace - but it’s also a race that welcomes all. London’s renowned charity entry program has raised over £1 billion, making it a beacon of inclusivity.
The energy is relentless, with crowds lining every inch of the route. The final push along The Mall, framed by roaring spectators, is a fitting conclusion to this uniquely spirited marathon.
Sydney Marathon 🇦🇺
- Founded: 2000
- Joined the Majors: 2025
- Location: Sydney, Australia
- Notable Feature: The first World Marathon Major in the Southern Hemisphere.
Sydney’s inclusion marks a historic expansion of the WMM. While details are still emerging, the race - set for August 31, 2025 - is expected to feature stunning waterfront views, a scenic course past the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and a blend of urban and coastal landscapes.
For runners, Sydney represents a new frontier - a chance to experience a Major in a new continent and climate. It’s a fitting addition to a series that continues to push boundaries and inspire runners worldwide.
Berlin Marathon 🇩🇪
- Founded: 1974
- Joined the Majors: 2006 (Founding member)
- Location: Berlin, Germany
- Notable Feature: Arguably the fastest marathon in the world, this course has delivered more world records than any other Major.
As runners make their way through the final stretch, the Brandenburg Gate serves as a stunning and iconic conclusion to the Berlin Marathon
Berlin is where records fall. This pancake-flat, lightning-fast course has been the stage for more world records than any other marathon. With mild autumn weather, wide roads, and minimal turns, it’s a dream for runners chasing personal bests.
But Berlin isn’t just about speed. The course doubles as a journey through history, passing remnants of the Berlin Wall before culminating in an unforgettable sprint through the Brandenburg Gate - a finish as symbolic as it is spectacular.
Chicago Marathon 🇺🇸
- Founded: 1977
- Joined the Majors: 2006 (Founding member)
- Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Notable Feature: A fast, flat course ideal for setting personal records and securing a Boston Qualifier (BQ).
Runners power down North Franklin Street at the Chicago Marathon, taking advantage of the famously flat and fast course
A marathon built for speed and spectacle, Chicago is one of the world’s fastest races thanks to its flat terrain and minimal elevation changes. But what truly defines this race is its energy: 1.5 million spectators, diverse neighborhoods, and a contagious, city-wide buzz.
The looped course design keeps runners engaged, eliminating long out-and-back stretches. Whether chasing a personal best or soaking in the electric atmosphere, Chicago delivers a world-class marathon experience.
New York City Marathon 🇺🇸
- Founded: 1970
- Joined the Majors: 2006 (Founding member)
- Location: New York City, USA
- Notable Feature: Its five-borough course, taking runners through New York City’s diverse neighborhoods.
As with all the World Marathon Majors, the New York Marathon attracts elite runners from across the globe
New York is the ultimate urban marathon - a tour through all five boroughs, linked by five iconic bridges and culminating in the legendary Central Park finish. It’s a hilly, demanding course, but the sheer volume of support makes every mile unforgettable.
One of the most defining moments comes at mile 16 on the Queensboro Bridge, where the eerie silence is shattered by the deafening roar of First Avenue. New York doesn’t just test runners - it embraces them in a way that no other race can.
Getting In: The Road to the Starting Line
Qualifying for a World Marathon Major is no easy feat - these races are the pinnacle of global marathoning and, as a result, wildly oversubscribed, with demand far exceeding available spots. Here’s what it takes to claim a coveted spot:
Tokyo Marathon
One of the hardest for international runners. The primary entry is a highly competitive lottery, with limited time-qualifying spots. For many overseas athletes, tour packages offer the best chance for guaranteed entry.
Boston Marathon
The toughest to qualify for, with strict age-based time standards that don’t guarantee entry due to high demand. Charity spots are available but require significant fundraising, while tour packages provide another route for entry.
London Marathon
One of the hardest to get into. The lottery offers slim odds, but UK residents can qualify via “Good for Age” or the elite-level “Championship Entry.” Charity spots are a more reliable option, though the fundraising minimums are steep.
Sydney Marathon
For its first year as a Major, a ballot system has been introduced due to high demand, with two options: the Candidacy Club and the general ballot. The Candidacy Club guarantees entry for those who ran in 2022, 2023, or 2024, allowing them to participate in 2025, 2026, or 2027. Charity entries and international participant schemes are also available.
Berlin Marathon
Primarily a lottery, but there are time-qualifying spots for fast runners. Legacy entry is available for those who’ve completed the race three times recently. Guaranteed entries are also offered through tour operators.
Chicago Marathon
More accessible than most majors. You can enter via lottery, meet its slightly relaxed time standards, qualify through legacy status (five finishes in 10 years), or run for charity.
New York City Marathon
A tough lottery, but guaranteed entry is possible via strict time standards, charity fundraising, or the local “9+1” program (nine races + one volunteer shift with NYRR).
For many runners, charity entries are the most reliable way in, offering guaranteed spots in exchange for fundraising. Time qualification demands near-elite speed, while lottery odds are long. No matter the path, earning a spot at a World Marathon Major is a victory in itself.
The Ultimate Goal: The Six Star Medal
For years, earning the World Marathon Majors Six Star Medal has been the ultimate dream for marathon runners - a testament to dedication, training, and global adventure.
To earn the medal, runners must complete the original six Majors: Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York City, and Tokyo - the six races that preceded Sydney’s entry. Each race presents unique challenges, from Boston’s relentless hills to Tokyo’s unpredictable humidity.
A proud runner celebrates with his Six Star Medal after completing the London Marathon, his final leg of the World Marathon Majors
The Six Star Finisher Program lets runners track their progress through a personalized profile on the WMM website. Upon completing the sixth race, they receive the prestigious Six Star Medal honoring their incredible feat.
Sydney’s inclusion in the World Marathon Majors has generated excitement - along with a new question: Will there be a Seven Star Medal? For now, the answer is no. The WMM has confirmed that the Six Star Medal will remain the pinnacle of achievement for the foreseeable future, based on the original six races.
However, there is a new level of recognition for those who go beyond. The Seven Star Hall of Fame honors runners who complete all six Majors plus the Sydney Marathon, marking an extra milestone in marathon excellence.
More on the Horizon? The Future of the Marathon Majors
The addition of Sydney is just the beginning. The World Marathon Majors are actively exploring further expansion, with plans to potentially grow the series to nine races in the near future. Currently, two marathons are under consideration as candidate races:
Shanghai Marathon: As the first World Athletics Platinum Label marathon in China, the Shanghai Marathon has quickly become one of the most sought-after races in Asia. With over 150,000 applicants annually, it’s a powerhouse event that showcases the growing popularity of marathon running in the region.
Sanlam Cape Town Marathon: Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Table Mountain, this South African race is a celebration of natural beauty and community spirit. Known for its scenic course and vibrant atmosphere, the Cape Town Marathon has emerged as a strong contender for Major status.
The process to add new marathons to the Majors series is meticulous and strategic. Candidate races must demonstrate they meet the WMM criteria - including elite athlete participation, organizational excellence, and global appeal - for two consecutive years before being officially added to the series.
If Shanghai and Cape Town are successful, the WMM will introduce a Nine Star Medal program, giving existing Six Star finishers a new, even more ambitious goal to chase. This expansion would not only solidify the WMM’s global reach but also provide runners with fresh challenges and opportunities to test their limits.
FINAL WORD
The World Marathon Majors are a tribute to endurance, resilience, and the boundless potential of the human spirit. From Boston’s iconic hills to Tokyo’s electrifying streets, each marathon weaves together stories of perseverance, camaraderie, and triumph. As the series expands, welcoming more runners and new cities, its impact only grows. Whether you’re chasing a personal best, running for a cause, or pursuing the prestigious Six Star Medal, every stride is a testament to determination and courage. And with their popularity showing no signs of waning, the World Marathon Majors are set to grow even bigger and more grand than ever..