The Abbott World Marathon Majors Ranked: From Easiest to Hardest
If you’re chasing the coveted Six Star finisher medal, you’ve probably asked yourself: Which World Marathon Major is the hardest? And, on the flip side, which one gives you the best shot at a personal best?
The Abbott World Marathon Majors now include seven races: Tokyo, Boston, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago and New York City. Each 26.2-mile course presents its own unique challenges, some are known for world records and fast, flat streets, while others are infamous for brutal bridges and rolling hills. But the reality is, no two runners will experience a race the same way. Elevation, weather conditions, pacing, crowd support and how you feel on the day all play a role in shaping your marathon experience.
At Sports Tours International, we’ve been helping runners take on the world’s biggest races for over 50 years. Using race data, Strava, course profiles, completion rate and feedback, here’s how the World Marathon Majors stack up, from fastest to the most punishing.
Easiest: BMW Berlin-Marathon
Berlin’s flat and lightning-fast course has rightfully earned its reputation as the world’s speediest marathon. A staggering 12 world records have been set here, including Tigst Assefa’s women’s marathon record of 2:11:53 in 2023.
Berlin’s late September date offers predictable and favourable conditions, making it the ultimate course for those chasing a PB, plus it’s electrifying atmosphere and scenic route all the way to the Brandenburg Gate make it even more ideal.
• Elevation gain/loss: +193 feet / -211 feet
• Strava average finish time: 3:53:13
• Weather: Cool and stable (avg. 15°C high / 12°C low)
• 6.5% of runners hit their goal time (the highest of any Major!)
• 16.5% negative split (suggesting well-paced races)
• Only 52% slowed down after mile 20 (the second lowest rate)
Bank of America Chicago Marathon
The fastest men’s marathon ever (Kelvin Kiptum’s 2:00:35 in 2023) was run in Chicago. Its flat course and wide roads create ideal pacing conditions. The biggest wildcard? Chicago’s unpredictable weather. One year, runners started in 5°C with 91% humidity: another year, it’s 20°C and humid.
• Elevation gain/loss: +243 feet / -242 feet
• Strava average finish time: 4:23:36
• Weather: Highly variable (can range from freezing to 27°C)
• 5% hit their goal time
• 14% negative split
• 68% slowed by 10-20% after mile 20
Tokyo Marathon
The Tokyo Marathon is one of the toughest Majors to secure a spot in, with limited overseas entries. However, those who gain an entry (or book through a Tour Operator like Sports Tours International) are rewarded with a fast, flat course, ideal race conditions and flawless organisation. That said, we have put it third due to the quieter crowd support and long travel that can make it a more mentally challenging race.
• Elevation gain/loss: +198 feet / -322 feet
• Strava average finish time: 3:57:42
• Weather: Cool and dry (8°C at start, 55% humidity)
• 3% hit their goal time
• 11% negative split
• 57% slowed after mile 20
TCS London Marathon
The London Marathon is a bucket-list marathon, but don’t be fooled, it’s deceptively tough. While it shares similarities with the Berlin Marathon and Chicago Marathon, data shows it’s a more challenging race due to narrow roads and increased congestion which have made pacing more difficult in recent years. However, the crowd support, rich culture and iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge make it an unforgettable experience.
• Elevation gain/loss: +419 feet / -531 feet
• Average finish time: 4:49:22 (slowest of all Majors)
• Weather: Mild but humid (13°C, 80% humidity)
• Only 2% hit their goal time (lowest of any Major)
• 14.5% negative split
• 77.5% slowed by 10-20% after mile 20
Boston Marathon
The Boston Marathon is an exclusive race that requires runners to meet a qualifying time based on their age category and previous marathon performance. While Tour Operators like Sports Tours International offer a limited number of entries for non-qualifiers, these spots are in high demand and fill up quickly.
Though it’s a net downhill course, don’t be deceived, its rolling hills and quad-shredding descents make it one of the toughest World Marathon Majors. The infamous Newton Hills from miles 16 to 21, including the legendary Heartbreak Hill, test even the strongest runners.
• Elevation gain/loss: +815 feet / -1,275 feet
• Average finish time: 3:49:42
• Weather: Highly unpredictable (freezing rain to heat waves)
• 6% hit their goal time
• 10.5% negative split (second lowest)
• Only 42.5% slowed after mile 20 (least of any Major)
TCS Sydney Marathon (The Newest Major!)
As the newest addition to the Abbott World Marathon Majors, the Sydney Marathon offers views in the Land Down Under, but don’t be fooled, this course is far from easy. Runner’s tackle rolling hills, sharp descents and multiple climbs, making it one of the more challenging courses.
The first three miles feature two steep downhills, tempting runners to start too fast. A significant climb between miles 8 and 11 and a final mile-long climb before a sharp downhill finish. Despite being a net downhill course, the Sydney Marathon has more total elevation gain than any other Major, making it arguably tougher than Boston but slightly easier than the bridges in NYC.
• Elevation gain/loss: +928 feet / -1,010 feet
• Average finish time: 4:19:43
• Weather: Warm and humid (18-25°C, 60-70% humidity)
• 4% hit their goal time
• 9% negative split (third-lowest of any Major)
• 73% slowed by 10-20% after mile 20
Hardest: TCS New York City Marathon
The New York Marathons brutal elevation profile and five bridge crossings make it the toughest Major. The course starts with an uphill climb on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge with noticeable elevation changes throughout the race. That said, NYC also has the highest completion rate, (98%) showing how determined runners are to cross that finish line, (and the constant unforgettable roars from the crowd help!)
• Elevation gain/loss: +810 feet / -824 feet
• Average finish time: 4:49:00 (second-slowest)
• Weather: Typically 11°C, 59% humidity
• Only 2% hit their goal time (lowest, tied with London)
• 6% negative split (lowest of all Majors)
• 84% slowed after mile 20 (highest of all Majors)
While both the Sydney Marathon and New York Marathon are almost neck and neck, the difficulty level can vary depending on a runner’s strengths. Sydney’s course features plenty of hills and warmer temperatures, which can be tough for those unaccustomed to heat but more manageable for runners who thrive in warmer conditions. On the other hand, NYC’s rolling hills and bridge climbs demand endurance and strength, making it potentially easier for those who train regularly with inclines. Ultimately, your experience on race day will depend on your training terrain preferences, and how well you adapt to the conditions!
Which Marathon is Right for You?
• Chasing a PB? → Berlin or Chicago
• Want a unique cultural experience? → Tokyo or London
• Looking for a true challenge? → Boston, Sydney, or NYC
No matter which World Major Marathon you choose, every step toward that Six Star finisher medal is worth taking! So, which Marathon is next on your list? Enjoy guaranteed entry, ideal race weekend hotels, expert support, shakeout runs, race briefs, post-race celebrations and more with Team Sports Tours!
50+ Years
Since 1973, Sports Tours International has been taking runners and cyclists to the world’s greatest events
