What Are The Seven Abbott World Marathon Majors?

If you’ve ever thought about running a marathon, chances are you’ve heard of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, the most prestigious races in the world. And if you haven’t, now’s the time to get familiar! 2025 marks a milestone year, with the Sydney Marathon joining the series on August 31 as the newest Major.

So, what exactly are the seven World Marathon Majors? As of 2025, the series includes Tokyo, Boston, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. These iconic races attract the world’s best athletes and thousands of passionate runners who dream of earning the coveted Six Star Medal, or eventually the Nine Star Medal, by completing them all.

Beyond the thrill of race day, the Majors are also about combining your passion for running with travel. Each event is a chance to experience a new city, immerse yourself in its culture, and make the most of a well-earned trip after months of tough training. At Civitatis, we’re here to help you turn your marathon journey into a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. For each city, we’ve compiled a list of the best things to do before and after race day, as well as some tips about local foods to try while you’re carb loading.

History of the World Marathon Majors

Before we dive into each destination, let’s take a look back at the history of the World Marathon Majors. The marathon has been part of modern athletics since its Olympic debut in Athens in 1896, though the official distance of 26.2 miles (42.2 kilometers) wasn’t set until 1921. For much of its history, the race was male-dominated, but pioneers like Marie-Louise Ledru (1918), Arlene Pieper (1959), and Kathrine Switzer (1967) paved the way for women, leading to the first Olympic women’s marathon in 1984, won by Joan Benoit.

The World Marathon Majors were launched in 2006 with five races: Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City, bringing elite competition and mass participation to a global stage. Tokyo joined in 2013, and the Six Star Medal debuted in 2016, with 22,480 runners from 139 nations having earned it by the 2025 London Marathon. Most recently, Sydney became the seventh Major in 2025, marking the latest milestone in the series’ growth.

The Tokyo Marathon

The Tokyo Marathon is the first Marathon Major of the year, taking place in late February or early March. This marathon presents a tremendous challenge as securing a spot in the race is highly competitive, with only between 12% and 15% of applicants securing a place. As the only Major in Asia, Tokyo attracts a significant number of participants, including some celebrities! In 2025, Harry Styles took place, finishing with an impressive time of 3:24:07.

The Tokyo Marathon Course

The race begins in front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. The course encompasses famous landmarks such as the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Skytree, Ginza, Shinjuku, and Tsukiji Market. The race concludes near Tokyo Station in the Chiyoda area, creating an unforgettable finish line experience. The course has a net elevation drop of 124 feet (38 meters) and a cut-off time of 7 hours from the official start time.

Things to Do in Tokyo Before Race Day

We all know that the last thing any runner wants to do in the days leading up to race day is overdo it with walking around the city, no matter how tempting it is! So, after your shakeout run and picking up your bib at the race expo, why not hop aboard the Tokyo sightseeing bus? If you’d rather see the city from a different perspective, book this Tokyo River cruise.

On race day itself, save yourself the worry of getting there by getting this Tokyo Metro Pass. It will have you covered for 24, 48, or 72 hours, making getting to the start line a breeze! The closest station to the start line is Tocho-mae Station on the Oedo Subway Line.

Things to Do in Tokyo After Race Day

After race day, you’ll be riding the high of achieving such a long-awaited goal. However, chances are your legs won’t be up for much walking. So, to give your legs a well-deserved rest, explore the city on this go-kart tour! Another fun way to admire the city is from above, which you can do by booking Tokyo Tower Observation Deck Tickets.

Tokyo is a long way to go for most of us. If, like many, you decide to make the trip a longer vacation and you want to explore more of Japan, get your hands on a Japan Rail East Pass. It includes unlimited travel on JR East trains, including bullet trains, the Narita Express, Tokyo Monorail, and select JR buses. Lastly, if you’re flying in and out of Narita International Airport, be sure to book tickets for the Tokyo Skyliner—it only takes 41 minutes to reach the city center!

The Boston Marathon

When the Boston Marathon comes to mind, it’s impossible to ignore its long and rich history. It has taken place annually since 1897, making it one of the longest-running races worldwide. After many years, it proudly upholds its traditions, such as being held every third Monday in April, coinciding with Patriots’ Day.

The Boston Marathon Course

Boston’s course is famous for its challenges, with athletes facing steep inclines, such as the infamous “Heartbreak Hill,” and descents throughout the race. The point-to-point route starts in the rural New England town of Hopkinton and makes its way into the heart of the city, passing iconic landmarks like Fenway Park, the Boston College Campus, and Kenmore Square.

Running the Boston Marathon holds a special significance for every marathon runner. Due to the high number of applications received each year, participants must meet a qualifying time to earn a spot. The course has a net elevation drop of 460 feet (141 meters) and a cut-off time of 6 hours.

Things to Do in Boston Before Race Day

If you’re lucky enough to secure a race bib, make the most of your time in the capital of Massachusetts by going on a guided tour of Boston. Explore its remarkable landmarks, including the Old State House, Rose Kennedy Greenway, and the historic sites of early American settlement, such as Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall. Before race day, join this Boston trolleybus tour to explore the city without tiring your legs before the big day. If you’re the type of runner who takes carb loading very seriously, join this donut tour to taste some of the city’s yummiest donuts!

Things to Do in Boston After Race Day

After the big day, celebrate in style with this Boston Harbor Cruise. You can either go at lunch or dinner time and indulge in a well-deserved post-race meal! If you’re spending a few extra days in Boston after the race, get your hands on a Boston City Pass. It includes entry to some of Boston’s top landmarks, including the Museum of Science and the Harvard Museum of Natural History. Another must-do while in Boston is seeing an NBA game. Grab tickets to see the Celtics play and immerse yourself even deeper in the city’s sporting world!

The London Marathon

London presents yet another one of the world’s premier marathons. Steeplechase medalists Chris Brasher and John Disley were the ones who first conceived of the London Marathon, inspired by their experience at the New York City Marathon. Each year, it attracts tens of thousands of dedicated runners, ready to give their all with every stride in pursuit of the coveted World Marathon Majors medal. In 2025, there were over 56,000 finishers, making it the largest marathon in the world by number of finishers and winning a Guinness World Record!

The London Marathon is held every year in April and offers an ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in the city’s captivating and cosmopolitan atmosphere. London takes the marathon very seriously, with the race being televised on national television and people lining the streets to cheer the runners on—it’s been referred to as a party through the streets of London! Over the years, it has become very popular to see people running the London Marathon in elaborate costumes, becoming more and more wacky each year!

The London Marathon Course

This course follows a linear path along the picturesque banks of the River Thames. Picture yourself running alongside Tower Bridge, passing by legendary landmarks such as the Westminster Palace and Westminster Abbey, and traversing the Greenwich Docks before concluding near Buckingham Palace. It’s truly a runner’s dream come true. The course has a net downhill route, with 419 feet (127 meters) of elevation gain and 531 feet (162 meters) of elevation loss. The cut-off time is between 7 and 8 hours, making it accessible for runners of all levels.

Things to Do in London Before Race Day

Calm your pre-race nerves with some sightseeing by hopping on the London sightseeing bus or booking a cruise along the Thames. You’ll get to marvel at some of London’s top attractions without tiring out your legs before the marathon.

If you want to carb load in true British style, enjoy afternoon tea on this Thames River Cruise. Another good option for topping up your glycogen levels is getting skip-the-line tickets to the Hard Rock Café. You’ll get to take the stress out of your pre-race day meals and simply enjoy some hearty food!

Things to Do in London After Race Day

Beat the post-race blues by reliving the excitement of running across Tower Bridge. You’ll be able to explore it more in depth with these Tower Bridge tickets—you’ll have run past it too fast to learn all about it on race day! For more sightseeing, get the Go City London Explorer Pass, which gives you access to your favorites of more than 90 attractions! Finally, if your legs are still a bit stiff after race day, get to the airport without being on your feet by booking one of our transfers.

The Sydney Marathon

Want to run the newest world marathon major? The Sydney Marathon made history on August 31, 2025, with it being its first year as a major marathon. Almost 33,000 people crossed the finish line, including running royalty Eliud Kipchoge, who has run 4 of the 10 fastest marathons in history!

The Sydney Marathon Course

The route starts near the North Sydney Oval and makes its way across Sydney Harbour Bridge and past famous landmarks such as the Museum of Contemporary Art and St. Mary’s Cathedral, finishing in front of the iconic Sydney Opera House. The course has a net elevation drop of 272 feet (83 meters) and a cut-off time of 7 hours.

Things to Do in Sydney Before Race Day

Shakeout run done? Relax before race day with this Sydney Harbour Boat Cruise. Alternatively, hopping aboard the Sydney sightseeing bus is also a great way to get some pre-race day distraction in and avoid fatiguing your legs. If you want to check out the highlights of the route from a different perspective, why not take this helicopter tour of Sydney? It will make the route seem much shorter!

Things to Do in Sydney After Race Day

After the thrill of completing the marathon, you’ll be even more in love with the city and ready to explore more of its sights. The best way to do so is by getting this Sydney unlimited attractions pass! It includes admission to over 20 of the city’s highlights. Another of our favorite post-race day activities is this whale watching tour. You’ll get to see some of the iconic spots on the route, like the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, as you head out in search of these stunning animals.

If your legs are still a bit sore when it’s time to travel home, treat yourself to an airport transfer service!

The Berlin Marathon

Next up is the Berlin Marathon, famous for being a record-breaking course where many runners achieve their personal best times! This marathon has also been the stage for 13 world records, such as Eliud Kipchoge’s 2:01:09 in 2022 and Tigst Assefa’s 2:11:53 in 2023. Held on the last Sunday of September, the Berlin Marathon stands out as a prominent event that draws a multitude of runners eager to conquer the flat terrain.

The Berlin Marathon Course

The Berlin Marathon kicks off near the Brandenburg Gate, offering a spectacular view of the Victory Column and the gate as runners set off. The route takes runners through Berlin’s historic areas, such as past the East Side Gallery, and past emblematic buildings in the city, including the Cathedral, Humboldt University, and the Reichstag. The last stretch of the course leads participants through the Brandenburg Gate before they cross the finish line—an unforgettable moment! The course has an elevation gain of about 19 feet (5 meters) and a cut-off time of 6 hours and 15 minutes.

Things to Do in Berlin Before Race Day

Before hitting the streets of Berlin on foot, check out the city’s top sights on this sightseeing bus. Another fun option could be taking a ride on the Berlin Sightseeing Boat. Of course, an essential pre-race day activity is carb loading! Take it to the next level by trying local specialties on this food tour of Berlin.

Things to Do in Berlin After Race Day

We’ve all heard about how great ice baths are for recovery post-marathon, but how about making it more fun with a visit to the Berlin Icebar? Another way to celebrate your new personal best time (hopefully) is this Berlin beer tour. Prost! When all is said and done, book a transfer to the airport to give your legs a break after your effort over the 26.2 miles.

The Chicago Marathon

Heading back to the US, the Chicago Marathon is the next world marathon major, taking place on the second Sunday of October. This marathon in the Windy City also has a rich history. Would you believe that it began with a mere 15 runners? It also wasn’t held for much of the 20th century, from 1920 all the way until its revival in 1977. Nevertheless, this competition has witnessed remarkable historical achievements and is hailed as the fastest marathon in the world. This marathon is where both of the current marathon world records were broken, with Kelvin Kiptum running 2:00:35 in 2023 and Ruth Chepngetich running 2:09:56 in 2024.

The Chicago Marathon Course

The Chicago Marathon has a circular route that begins and ends in the captivating Grant Park. The course guides runners through the most iconic landmarks of Chicago, including the Loop, Buckingham Fountain, the Art Institute of Chicago, and Millennium Park. The route has a slight elevation gain of 3 feet (1 meter), and a cut-off time of 6 hours and 30 minutes.

Things to Do in Chicago Before Race Day

To make the most of your time in Chicago before race day, hop aboard the Chicago sightseeing bus. Another fun thing to do is join this river cruise, during which you can admire the city’s impressive architecture.

One of the best things about taking part in the Chicago Marathon is that the city is a dream for carb loading! Join this food tour of the city to discover some of the best spots in the city for a deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, and a classic Italian-style veal sandwich. Another fun tour for foodies is this donut tour. What better way to carb load?

Things to Do in Chicago After Race Day

After running the streets of Chicago for 26.2 miles, it will be time to explore the city in a different way! If you want to admire unparalleled views of the city, get Skydeck Chicago tickets. You’ll see the city from the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower!

For those who want to stick to the sporty theme, get tickets for a Chicago Bulls NBA game! If you’re planning to spend a few more days in Chicago, get your hands on a Chicago CityPass—the best way to see more things without breaking the bank!

The New York City Marathon

Last, but certainly not least, it’s the New York City Marathon! Among the World Marathon Majors, the New York City Marathon holds an unparalleled level of fame. It’s the race that attracts the highest number of registered runners each year. Just the thought of running across the Brooklyn Bridge makes it a bucket-list race for many.

Since its beginnings in 1970, when a mere 130 runners took part, New York City has witnessed over 50,000 individuals flooding its streets every first week of November, making it one of the most extraordinary marathons of the year.

The New York City Marathon Course

The New York City Marathon is renowned not just for its scale but also for its challenging and scenic course. Covering all five boroughs, the race begins on Staten Island before runners cross the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge into Brooklyn. From there, the course weaves through lively neighbourhoods filled with cheering crowds, continues into Queens, and then crosses the Queensboro Bridge into Manhattan.

After a brief stretch through the Bronx, runners re-enter Manhattan for the final push down Fifth Avenue and into Central Park, where the finish line awaits. With its mix of rolling hills, long bridges, and an electric atmosphere, it’s considered one of the most iconic marathon routes in the world. The course has a slight elevation drop of 14 feet (4 meters), and the cut-off time is 10 pm.

Things to Do in New York City Before Race Day

If you’re among the fortunate few who will get a race bib and have the opportunity to enjoy the Big Apple, make sure not to miss out on some essential experiences the city has to offer. Before race day, you’ll want to do things that don’t require too much walking or being on your feet. One of the best ways to admire the city is by hopping aboard this sightseeing cruise. If you want to check out Central Park ahead of the race without racking up too many steps, book this rickshaw tour.

New York City also has plenty to offer when it comes to carb loading. Join this food tour of the Lower East Side of Manhattan to visit areas like Chinatown and Little Italy and savor some delicious food from each area. Dumplings, pizza, pasta… your glycogen stores will be well and truly topped up!

Things to Do in New York City After Race Day

If you’re lucky enough to be spending a few extra days in New York City after race day, you’ll be spoilt for choice of things to do. Of course, one of the musts is attending a Broadway Musical. If you’re more of the sporty type, you could grab tickets for a Yankees game or a Mets game—choose your fighter!

If you want to really push the boat out to celebrate your achievement, take this helicopter tour of New York. Admiring the city from above will be a memory you’ll never forget! If you want to keep your options open, get this New York Explorer Pass, which gives you admission to up to 10 of the city’s top attractions, including the Statue of Liberty, The Edge, Top of the Rock, or the Empire State Building!

How Does a Marathon Become a World Major Marathon?

The process for a marathon to join the World Marathon Majors is carefully structured and can take several years. The Sydney Marathon became the newest Major in 2025, and the Cape Town Marathon is next in line. Having passed its first assessment in 2024, it could be run as a Major for the first time in 2026 if it passes its second evaluation. In China, the Shanghai Marathon has taken over as the candidate race, replacing Chengdu, and will be assessed in both 2025 and 2026. If it meets the required standards, it could join the Majors by 2027.

This means the earliest runners could achieve the coveted Nine-Star medal, awarded to those who complete all World Marathon Majors, would be 2027, when the current series could officially feature nine qualifying races.

Marathon Majors Milestones & Current Records

• Most victories: Eliud Kipchoge (13, men); Mary Keitany (7, women)
• Nation with the most winners: Kenya – 52 (men), 35 (women)
• Current men’s marathon world record: 2:00:35, ran by Kelvin Kiptum
• Current women’s marathon world record: 2:09:56, ran by Ruth Chepngetich

The World Marathon Majors are more than just races; they’re a celebration of human endurance, global culture, and the shared passion of runners everywhere. From the historic streets of Boston to the bright lights of Tokyo and the newest addition in Sydney, each Major offers its own unique challenge and atmosphere.

With more cities preparing to join the series in the coming years, the journey is far from over. Whether you’re an elite athlete chasing records, a runner pursuing the coveted Star medal, or a fan inspired by the stories behind the finish lines, celebrate your achievement in the best way possible with a Civitatis activity. Happy running!