Seven cities, seven cultural immersions, and seven wildly different race-day personalities. Whether you are chasing the Abbott Six-Star medal (now counting Sydney finishes) or cherry-picking your dream start line, smart planning keeps the majors inspiring instead of overwhelming.
01What Makes a Major?
The Abbott World Marathon Majors unite seven races renowned for their history, scale, and competitive fields. Each draws 30,000 to 50,000 runners, world-class elites, and roaring crowds. Collectively they now span four continents, a mix of cultures and languages, and every season except deep winter.
Entry pathways: Qualifying time, lottery, charity fundraising, tour packages, and legacy/loyalty programs. Most runners will blend two or more methods to collect all seven.
- Staggered timing: The majors run from March through November, giving you recovery windows if you plan carefully.
- Diverse courses: Expect everything from Berlin’s pancake-flat autobahn to Boston’s net-downhill rollers.
- Weather swing: Average start temperatures range from 3 °C (Tokyo) to 16 °C (Chicago and NYC). Gear prep matters.
02Annual Calendar & Climate
Here’s the typical order of the majors (exact dates shift slightly each year). Use it to anchor your macrocycle planning and travel bookings.
| Race | Usual Month | Start Temps | Entry Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | Early March | 3–8 °C (37–46 °F) | Lottery, 6-star priority, charity pledges, fastest qualifier times. |
| Boston | Third Monday in April | 6–14 °C (43–57 °F) | Time-qualified only (with cut-off); small charity field. |
| London | Late April | 8–14 °C (46–57 °F) | Ballot, charity, overseas tour operators, championship entries. |
| Berlin | Late September | 8–15 °C (46–59 °F) | Lottery, tour operators, fast qualifier times. |
| Sydney | Mid September | 10–18 °C (50–64 °F) | Legacy entrants, charity partners, time qualifiers, and Abbott Age Group invites. |
| Chicago | Early October | 9–16 °C (48–61 °F) | Lottery, guaranteed for fast times or legacy runners. |
| New York City | First Sunday in November | 7–15 °C (45–59 °F) | Lottery, charity, 9+1 NYRR program, time-qualified. |
Strategic stack: Pair one spring major with one autumn major per year. That gives you 24–28 weeks between big efforts—enough time to rebuild, peak, and still enjoy the travel. Sydney’s Southern Hemisphere spring slot can double as a shoulder-season option if you’re spacing out Berlin and Chicago.
03Tokyo Marathon
Race Personality
Tokyo delivers precision logistics, crisp air, and endless cheering squads waving cosplay signs. The course is flat with a few U-turns that keep you honest.
04Boston Marathon
Race Personality
Point-to-point net downhill, but the Newton Hills at miles 16–21 punish anyone who races the early descents. Weather can flip from tailwind sun to headwind rain within hours.
05London Marathon
Race Personality
Spectators line nearly every meter as you cruise from Greenwich to The Mall. The course is fast but twisty; mind the crowds in the narrow Canary Wharf turns.
06Berlin Marathon
Race Personality
Berlin is synonymous with world records. Expect arrow-straight roads, minimal elevation change, and a start corral brimming with aggressive pacing.
07Chicago Marathon
Race Personality
Chicago’s pancake-flat loop tours 29 neighborhoods with boisterous block parties. The challenge is rhythm-breaking turns (30+ of them) and unpredictable October breezes.
08Sydney Marathon
Race Personality
Sydney serves sweeping harbour views, iconic landmarks, and a course that climbs early before rewarding you with a harbourfront finish at the Opera House. Spring conditions feel mild but the sun can be strong.
09New York City Marathon
Race Personality
Five boroughs, five bridges, and a finish through Central Park’s rollers. The Verrazzano opening climb and Queensboro Bridge silence test patience before the roar of First Avenue.
10Earning the Six-Star Medal
Abbott awards the Six-Star medal to athletes who finish all majors. Sydney’s inclusion means the challenge now spans seven races, and Abbott has announced that the Sydney finish will count toward the medal beginning with its official major debut. You can register your progress for free at worldmarathonmajors.com, track upcoming race entries, and receive priority draws for your missing stars.
Document everything: Keep official finish certificates and bib numbers. Abbott may request proof when you apply for priority or celebrate your sixth finish.
Most runners target two majors per year. If you want to accelerate, pair Boston & Berlin in one year (April + September) or London & Chicago (April + October) to keep 22–24 weeks between races.
11Logistics & Recovery
Travel Timing
- Arrive early: Reach the host city at least 72 hours before the race to adjust sleep and preview the start/finish.
- Book direct flights: The fewer layovers, the lower your dehydration and lost baggage risk.
- Pack smart: Carry race shoes, kit, nutrition, and documents in your hand luggage.
Recovery Stack
- Priority sleep: Protect 8+ hours nightly during the travel week.
- Move daily: Shakeout jogs or brisk walks keep legs loose after flights.
- Fuel local: Explore city cuisine after the race; beforehand, stick with familiar carbs.
Plan B kit: Pack two racing outfits. Rain in London? Swap to a lightweight shell. Sun in Chicago? Switch to lighter colors and extra electrolytes.
12FAQs
Can I run majors in back-to-back weekends?
Berlin and London occasionally fall one week apart. Advanced runners can double if they treat the first race as controlled pace and focus on rapid recovery (sleep, compression, protein). For most athletes, spacing them out preserves performance.
Do I need a coach?
If you are stringing together multiple majors, a coach or structured plan ensures each macrocycle rebuilds base, introduces marathon-specific workouts, and respects recovery. Our Beginner Marathon Plan is a great starting point.
What about jet lag?
Shift your sleep schedule by 30–45 minutes per day the week before long-haul travel. Morning light exposure on arrival helps anchor your circadian rhythm.