World Majors

The six Abbott World Marathon Majors.

Boston. Tokyo. London. Berlin. Chicago. New York. The most prestigious marathons in the world — iconic courses, global fields, and entry processes that take years to navigate. Find out what you need to know before you sign up.

7 races

Hundreds of runners filling the streets of Tokyo at the start of the Tokyo Marathon, Japanese city buildings in background

World Major

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo Marathon

Mar 2027 (est.)

Entry: Lottery
Course: Rolling · ↑ 112 m

One of the six World Marathon Majors through Tokyo's iconic streets — fast, flat, and phenomenally well-organised.

PB potential

Beginner friendly

Race intelligence verified

Marathon runners racing through city streets at the Boston Marathon, spectators lining both sides of the road

World Major

Boston, USA

Boston Marathon

Apr 2027 (est.)

Entry: Qualifier
Course: Rolling · ↑ 247 m

The world's oldest annual marathon, demanding a qualifying time and a fearless approach to the Newton Hills.

PB potential

Beginner friendly

Race intelligence verified

Thousands of runners flowing under the archway of Tower Bridge, London, at the TCS London Marathon

World Major

London, United Kingdom

TCS London Marathon

Apr 2027 (est.)

Entry: Lottery
Course: Flat · ↑ 84 m

The world's most celebrated mass participation marathon — past the Tower of London, along the Thames, and through the roar of one million spectators.

PB potential

Beginner friendly

Race intelligence verified

Runner in a red singlet jogging along the Sydney Harbour foreshore with the Opera House glowing in the background

World Major

Sydney, Australia

TCS Sydney Marathon

Sep 2027 (est.)

Entry: Open entry
Course: Rolling · ↑ 195 m

The seventh Abbott World Marathon Major — cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge, run past the Opera House, and finish in the Royal Botanic Gardens in Southern Hemisphere spring.

PB potential

Beginner friendly

Race intelligence verified