The Ultimate Running Challange: Abbott World Marathon Majors Explained
The Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) are a series of seven famous marathons held in iconic cities around the world. These world marathon majors unites athletes of all abilities, from elite professionals to passionate amateurs.
Participants in these prestigious marathons have the opportunity to take on some of the most celebrated courses, creating unforgettable experiences and showcasing their endurance and determination.
The first Abbott World Marathon Majors series was launched in 2006, when the Boston Marathon, London Marathon, Berlin Marathon, Chicago Marathon and New York Marathon joined forces. They were later joined by the Tokyo Marathon in 2013 and more recently the Sydney Marathon in 2024.
Plans to grow the Abbott World Marathon Majors series don’t stop at Sydney – The Cape Town Marathon and Shanghai Marathon are candidate events and could become majors within the next three years.
Which Marathons are Abbott World Marathon Majors?
Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A) – Boston Marathon
Created in 1897 by the Boston Athletic Association, this sought after marathon was inspired by the 1896 Olympic Games. To gain entry into this race, without a tour operator like Sports Tours, athletes must run a Boston Marathon qualifying time that corresponds to their gender and age group.
Discover more about the Boston Marathon qualifying times.
TCS London Marathon
The first London Marathon was held in 1981, attracting over 20,000 applications, though only 7,747 athletes were accepted to compete. Founded by John Disley and Chris Brasher, the marathon became a reality after they secured a three-year sponsorship deal with Gillette, setting the stage for one of the most celebrated marathons in history. Over the years, this iconic event has evolved into a global spectacle, attracting more than 42,00 runners, wheelchair athletes and elite competitors from around the world.
BMW Berlin Marathon
The Berlin Marathon, known globally for its flat course and favourable weather, began in 1974 and was organised by one of Germany’s most renowned athletics clubs, SC Charlottenburg. Initially staged in the serene Grunewald Forest, the marathon found its home in Berlin’s vibrant city centre in 1981, transforming into a world-class spectacle that showcases the city’s rich history and love for running.
Bank of America Chicago Marathon
The Chicago Marathon was launched in 1977 by a passionate group of running enthusiasts, with around 4,200 participants. Today, this marathon has grown into the pinnacle of marathon events, attracting over 45,00 runners and 1.7 million spectators along the course. Renowned for its flat and fast route, the marathon offers a scenic tour of Chicago’s notable landmarks and vibrant neighbourhoods. Starting and finishing in the historic Grant Park, runners weave through 29 colourful neighbourhoods, including Lakeview, Greektown, Little Italy, Pilsen, Chinatown and Bronzeville.
New York Road Runners – TCS New York City Marathon
Known as the largest marathon in the world, over 1.2 million runners have crossed the New York City Marathon finish line since it was launched in 1970. What started as a small marathon with 127 runners and only 55 finishers around Central Park has since evolved into a global phenomenon, expanding to all five boroughs in 1976.
Today, the marathon welcomes 52,000 runners, including elite athletes from across the globe. The course begins on Staten Island at the foot of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, winds through the vibrant neighbourhoods of Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and finishes in Manhattan’s Central Park.
Tokyo Marathon
The Tokyo Marathon was established in 2007 by the Tokyo Marathon Foundation and has quickly become a standout event in the world of running. After celebrating its 10th edition in 2016, the marathon unveiled a refreshed logo symbolising the unity of runners, volunteers and cheering crowds. Capturing the essence of its enduring theme, “The Day We Unite”. In 2017, the course underwent a significant update, moving the finish line to the historic Tokyo Station, enhancing the race’s connection to the city’s cultural and architectural landmarks.
TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS
The first Sydney Marathon was held in 2001 as a legacy of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and has become a well-known event in the running world culminating in its recognition as the seventh and newest Abbott World Marathon Major.
The breathtaking course takes runners on a journey through some of Sydney’s most renowned landmarks. Along the way runners get views of Circular Quay and Centennial Park, before crossing the finish line at the foot of the world-famous Sydney Opera House, making this an unforgettable experience for runners and spectators.
How To Achieve A World Marathon Major Medal
Each year Sports Tours International takes thousands of runners and spectators to these vibrant cities for an unforgettable experience and immerses themselves in the thrilling race day atmosphere.
Sports Tours International was founded in 1973 by Vince Regan, an ex-international marathon runner, who was involved in the creation of the London Marathon and managing the London Marathon International Runner Programme.
We are the number one sports tours operator for the Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York, Tokyo and Sydney marathons and have helped over hundreds of runners achieve their 6 star World Marathon Major medal. Our marathon travel packages provide guaranteed race entry without the need for a ballot place or qualifying time and with accommodation in prime locations to take the hassle away from our customers. Our Sports Tours International team of staff and running enthusiasts, known as reps are available throughout your stay to support our runners.
50+ Years
Since 1973, Sports Tours International has been taking runners and cyclists to the world’s greatest events
