What are the World Marathon Majors?

The Abbott World Marathon Majors (WMM) are the world's most prestigious city marathons: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York City, Sydney, and Cape Town. Runners who complete all six original majors earn the Six Star Medal; Sydney and Cape Town expanded the series to eight iconic races across six continents.

What are the 6 Marathon Majors?

The original six Abbott World Marathon Majors are Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. Sydney Marathon and Cape Town Marathon joined the series later, bringing the current lineup to eight World Marathon Majors.

When are the World Marathon Majors held?

Each major has its own annual date: Tokyo in March, Boston in April, London in April, Cape Town in May, Sydney in September, Berlin in late September, Chicago in October, and New York City in November. Exact dates change slightly each year — use the comparison table on this page for the next scheduled edition of each race.

Which World Marathon Major is the flattest?

Berlin and Chicago are widely regarded as the flattest World Marathon Majors, with minimal elevation gain and fast, straight urban layouts. London and Tokyo are also very flat. Boston is net downhill but includes the famous Newton hills, while Sydney and Cape Town have more rolling profiles.

How do I get into a World Marathon Major?

Entry varies by race: Boston requires a qualifying time for most runners; Tokyo, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City use lotteries or ballots with very high demand; Sydney and Cape Town combine open registration with tiered entry windows. Charity bibs and international tour operators offer alternative routes for most majors.

World Marathon Majors

The Abbott World Marathon Majors are the most prestigious marathons on the calendar — a series of iconic city races that draw elite athletes and everyday runners from every corner of the globe. Each major has its own character: flat and fast courses built for records, historic routes through world-famous streets, and atmospheres that make finishing feel like a lifetime achievement. Runners who complete all six original majors earn a coveted Six Star Medal; Sydney and Cape Town have since joined the series, expanding the challenge to eight continents of marathon excellence.

New to the series? Read World Marathon Majors explained.

Official Abbott World Marathon Majors website →

World Marathon Majors comparison

Compare dates, elevation, and field size across every Abbott World Marathon Major. Follow each link for the full route map, start time, and course profile.

Marathon	Next race	Elevation	Typical field
Berlin Marathon route Berlin, Germany	Sunday, 27 September 2026	Very flat73 m gain	48,000 finishers
Boston Marathon route Boston, United States	Monday, 19 April 2027	Net downhill with famous Newton hills248 m gain	26,000 finishers
Cape Town Marathon route Cape Town, South Africa	Sunday, 23 May 2027	Rolling with notable climbs205 m gain	11,000 finishers
Chicago Marathon route Chicago, United States	Sunday, 11 October 2026	Very flat74 m gain	52,000 finishers
London Marathon route London, United Kingdom	Sunday, 25 April 2027	Flat with minor bridges127 m gain	57,000 finishers
New York City Marathon route New York, United States	Sunday, 1 November 2026	Rolling with bridges294 m gain	56,000 finishers
Sydney Marathon route Sydney, Australia	Sunday, 30 August 2026	Moderate hills including Harbour Bridge262 m gain	35,000 finishers
Tokyo Marathon route Tokyo, Japan	Sunday, 7 March 2027	Very flat60 m gain	38,000 finishers

Berlin, Berlin, GermanyWorld Marathon Major

Berlin Marathon

The BMW Berlin Marathon is renowned as one of the world's fastest marathon courses, having hosted more men's marathon world records than any other venue. The flat, straight boulevards take runners past the Brandenburg Gate for a spectacular finish. Elite and recreational runners alike target Berlin for personal bests.

Next race: Sunday, 27 September 2026

Boston, Massachusetts, United StatesWorld Marathon Major

Boston Marathon

The Boston Marathon is the world's oldest annual marathon and the only major requiring qualification for most runners. Starting in Hopkinton and finishing on Boylston Street, the course features the challenging Heartbreak Hill and legendary New England crowd support. It is the pinnacle race for competitive amateur marathoners.

Next race: Monday, 19 April 2027

Cape Town, Western Cape, South AfricaWorld Marathon Major

Cape Town Marathon

The Cape Town Marathon is Africa's first Abbott World Marathon Major, joining the series in 2027 as the eighth race. The scenic course starts and finishes at DHL Stadium with views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic coastline. With rolling terrain and around 205 metres of total climbing, it is the only AIMS Gold Label marathon on the continent and a landmark race for runners worldwide.

Next race: Sunday, 23 May 2027

Chicago, Illinois, United StatesWorld Marathon Major

Chicago Marathon

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon winds through 29 diverse neighbourhoods of the Windy City. Known for its flat, fast course and enthusiastic Midwest crowds, Chicago has hosted landmark performances including Kelvin Kiptum's previous men's world record (2:00:35, 2023) and Ruth Chepngetich's all-time women's record (2:09:56, 2024). It remains a favourite for runners chasing Boston qualifying times.

Next race: Sunday, 11 October 2026

London, England, United KingdomWorld Marathon Major

London Marathon

The TCS London Marathon is one of the world's most popular races, famous for its incredible charity fundraising and electric atmosphere. The fast course passes Tower Bridge, the Cutty Sark, Canary Wharf, and finishes on The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace. With gentle undulations and around 127 metres of total climbing, it consistently produces fast times — including Sabastian Sawe's 1:59:30 men's world record and Tigst Assefa's 2:15:41 women's-only world record, both set at the 2026 race.

Next race: Sunday, 25 April 2027

New York, New York, United StatesWorld Marathon Major

New York City Marathon

The TCS New York City Marathon is the largest marathon in the world, taking runners through all five boroughs — Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan. The course crosses five bridges and finishes in Central Park, delivering an unmatched big-city marathon experience.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

Sydney, New South Wales, AustraliaWorld Marathon Major

Sydney Marathon

The Sydney Marathon offers one of the most scenic marathon courses in the world, crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge with views of the Opera House and harbour. As the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major, Sydney combines iconic landmarks with a challenging but rewarding course through Australia's largest city.

Next race: Sunday, 30 August 2026

Tokyo, Tokyo, JapanWorld Marathon Major

Tokyo Marathon

The Tokyo Marathon is one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, drawing over 38,000 runners through the heart of Japan's capital. The course showcases iconic landmarks including the Tokyo Station, Imperial Palace, and Ginza district before finishing near Tokyo Station. Known for exceptional organisation and enthusiastic crowd support, it is a bucket-list race for international runners.

Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the World Marathon Majors?: The Abbott World Marathon Majors (WMM) are the world's most prestigious city marathons: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York City, Sydney, and Cape Town. Runners who complete all six original majors earn the Six Star Medal; Sydney and Cape Town expanded the series to eight iconic races across six continents.
What are the 6 Marathon Majors?: The original six Abbott World Marathon Majors are Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. Sydney Marathon and Cape Town Marathon joined the series later, bringing the current lineup to eight World Marathon Majors.
When are the World Marathon Majors held?: Each major has its own annual date: Tokyo in March, Boston in April, London in April, Cape Town in May, Sydney in September, Berlin in late September, Chicago in October, and New York City in November. Exact dates change slightly each year — use the comparison table on this page for the next scheduled edition of each race.
Which World Marathon Major is the flattest?: Berlin and Chicago are widely regarded as the flattest World Marathon Majors, with minimal elevation gain and fast, straight urban layouts. London and Tokyo are also very flat. Boston is net downhill but includes the famous Newton hills, while Sydney and Cape Town have more rolling profiles.
How do I get into a World Marathon Major?: Entry varies by race: Boston requires a qualifying time for most runners; Tokyo, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City use lotteries or ballots with very high demand; Sydney and Cape Town combine open registration with tiered entry windows. Charity bibs and international tour operators offer alternative routes for most majors.

Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.