While all marathons are special, the World Marathon Majors hold the most prestige in the world of marathoning. They encompass six of the most renowned marathons globally: Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York City, and Tokyo. Each marathon offers a unique experience, marked by distinct courses, varying qualification criteria, and tradition.
PC: Charles Krupa.
1. Boston Marathon
Course: The Boston Marathon is famed for its point-to-point route from Hopkinton to Copley Square in Boston. The course features rolling hills, the challenging “Heartbreak Hill” near mile 20, and a net downhill overall, making it both a test of endurance and a fast course under the right conditions.
Date: Takes place on the third Monday of April each year, celebrated at Patriots Day in parts of the USA including Boston. The 2025 Boston Marathon will be held on Monday, April 21.
Qualification: Qualifying for Boston is stringent. Runners must meet age- and gender-specific time standards, achieved in another certified marathon. These standards are competitive, and entry is further limited by registration windows, often filling up quickly with the fastest qualifiers. The Boston Athletics Association also offers a small number of charity places to select non-profits; runners must raise significant amounts of money to qualify for one of these places.
For more on the Boston Marathon, check out “Boston Marathon Race Reports and Info“.
2. London Marathon
Course: The London Marathon’s course is a scenic loop through the city’s landmarks, starting in Greenwich and finishing at The Mall. Participants run past the Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace, making it a visually captivating race. Moreover, the London Marathon is the world’s largest marathon with over 53,700 finishers in 2024.
Date: Takes place on either the last or second last Sunday of April each year. The 2025 London Marathon is set for Sunday, April 27.
Qualification: Runners can gain entry via several routes: a lottery system open to all, time qualification standards for UK residents, charity spots, and guaranteed entries for Good for Age runners who meet specific time criteria. Unfortunately, the lottery, or general ballot, for the London Marathon is the toughest of all six marathon majors with the chances of gaining an entry below 2% for 2025!
For more on the London Marathon, check out “London Marathon Race Info“.
3. Berlin Marathon
Course: Berlin boasts one of the flattest and fastest marathon courses, starting and finishing near the Brandenburg Gate. The route’s design, through wide and smooth city streets, contributes to its reputation for record-setting performances.
Date: Takes place on the last Sunday of September each year. The 2024 Berlin Marathon will be held on Sunday, September 29, and the 2025 Berlin Marathon on Sunday, September 21, 2025 (a week earlier than normal to avoid conflicting with the German parliamentary elections).
Qualification: Entry is primarily through a lottery system. Additionally, runners can secure spots via time qualification, charity fundraising, and tour operator packages, which include race entry and travel arrangements.
For more on the Berlin Marathon, check out “Berlin Marathon Race Info“.
4. Chicago Marathon
Course: Chicago’s marathon features a loop course that starts and ends in Grant Park, taking runners through diverse neighborhoods and iconic cityscapes. As a result of the course’s flat and fast nature, the Berlin Marathon is a favorite for those seeking personal bests.
Date: Takes place on the second Sunday of October each year. The 2024 Chicago Marathon will be held on Sunday, October 13, and the 2025 Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 12.
Qualification: Runners can enter through a lottery, time qualifiers, charity partners, and international tour programs. Chicago also offers a guaranteed entry option for legacy runners, those who have completed the race multiple times.
For more on the Chicago Marathon, check out “Chicago Marathon Race Reports and Info“.
5. New York City Marathon
Course: The NYC Marathon’s point-to-point course spans the five boroughs, starting on Staten Island and finishing in Central Park. Additionally, the course includes notable bridges and varied terrain, providing a vibrant and challenging urban running experience.
Date: Takes place on the first Sunday of November each year. The 2024 NYC Marathon will go off on Sunday, November 3, and the 2025 NYC Marathon on Sunday, November 2.
Qualification: Entry methods include a lottery, time qualifications, charity entries, and guaranteed entries for New York Road Runners (NYRR) members who meet specific participation criteria. International runners can also access spots through official tour operators.
For more on the New York City Marathon, check out “NYC Marathon Race Report – Matt U“.
6. Tokyo Marathon
Course: The Tokyo Marathon follows a scenic urban route that highlights the city’s modern and historic landmarks. Starting at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and finishing at the Tokyo Station, the course offers a mix of flat and mildly hilly sections.
Date: Takes place on the last Sunday of February or the first Sunday of March each year. The 2025 Tokyo Marathon will be held on Sunday, March 2.
Qualification: Entries are primarily distributed via a lottery system due to high demand. Time-qualified runners, charity participants, and tour operator packages provide additional avenues for securing a spot in the race.
For more on the Tokyo Marathon, check out “Tokyo Marathon – Matt U“.
Six Star Finishers
Runners who have completed all six World Marathon Majors are termed “Six Star Finishers” and earn the Six Star Medal at the finish line of their final marathon. Due to the challenge of gaining an entry into each of the races, not to mention the considerable time commitment to train for 26.2 miles, and the financial cost of racing around the world, it often takes runners many years to complete all six.
Other World Marathon Majors Considerations
While each of six World Marathon Majors each present unique challenges and experiences, drawing elite and amateur runners from across the globe, they have their drawbacks too. The selective entry criteria, huge field sizes, complicated race day logistics, and finances required for entry fees, travel and lodging around the world, are all factors to consider when deciding your next marathon. For a fast time, guaranteed entry, friendly and stress-free experience, don’t overlook a smaller marathon closer to home.
Ruby is a runner, triathlete, and passionate coach, who is most fulfilled by helping athletes overcome limiting beliefs with joy. She is also a proud science nerd, and advocate for athletes’ mental and physical health.