Created in 2006, the World Marathon Majors bring together the 6 most prestigious and renowned marathons in the world. You will find the marathons of Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York. Let’s discover together the 6 events of the Abbott World Marathon Majors and their specificities for a suitable training plan.
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The Newcomer: Tokyo, Japan
Created in 2007, the Tokyo Marathon joined the Majors in 2013 thanks to exceptional enthusiasm. Every year, it receives over 300,000 applications. Only 35,000 runners can start this marathon, which is known for being very flat. It is the only major marathon that takes place in Asia.
The Oldest Marathon in the World: Boston, USA
Created in 1897, one year after the first modern Olympic Games, the Boston Marathon is the oldest annually held marathon. Today, it represents a pinnacle for thousands of runners, and each year, 30,000 marathoners and 500,000 spectators participate in this popular event. It is a challenging course, with the famous Heartbreak Hill around kilometer 35, and this marathon is filled with history.
Record Registration: London, UK
The marathon owes its official distance of 42.195km to London (distance of the marathon in the 1908 Olympic Games)! It wasn’t until 1981 that the London Marathon was organized annually.
The London Marathon raises the most funds for charities. It is a sporting event, bringing together over 50,000 runners each year, but also a tourist one. Indeed, you have the opportunity to see the historical monuments of the city.
The Fastest in the World: Berlin, Germany
Protected from the wind and with a low elevation gain, the course of the Berlin Marathon allows it to be recognized as the fastest marathon in the world. Indeed, it is during this marathon that the greatest athletes have broken records. The last 7 world records have been set on this course. You might even beat your personal best 😉
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon: Chicago, USA
Famous for its bold architecture, the city of Chicago has hosted the Bank of America Chicago Marathon since 1905. Participants have the opportunity to run through 29 neighborhoods of one of the most beautiful cities in the United States. Its course is known for being flat and fast; Kenyan Brigid Kosgei broke the world record there in 2h14 in 2019. Participants are cheered on by over a million spectators along the route of the Chicago Marathon.
The Most Popular Marathon: New York
Like Boston, the New York Marathon has been a dream for runners worldwide since 1970. Since 1976, the course has crossed the 5 boroughs of New York, allowing runners to explore New York and discover its charms.
How to Participate in the World Marathon Majors?
With the running boom, the most popular international events are becoming increasingly difficult to access. Thus, securing a place in the 6 Marathon Majors is no easy feat… For many of them, you need to plan months or even years in advance. How can you qualify?
Qualification Races for the Marathon Majors
Every runner can qualify through the “Good for age” program. Depending on your age, there is a standard. For example, men under 35 must run the marathon in under 3 hours, and women under 35 must run it in under 3 hours 30 minutes to qualify for the Boston Marathon! Note that qualifying times for each age category will differ from one marathon to another. To have your qualifying time considered, it must have been run on an AIMS-certified marathon.
The Lottery for the Marathon Majors
The marathons of Tokyo, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York have their own lotteries. Chicago reserves 50% of its entries for this qualification mode. The other marathons have about 10% of entries for the lottery, with a maximum of 5000 runners. The Boston Marathon does not have a lottery; you must either have the required time or obtain a charity entry.
Running for a Good Cause
Organizers also offer the opportunity to run for a charity. You need to raise over a thousand dollars to get your entry.
Tour Operators for the Marathon Majors
You can also go through tour operators, who offer a guaranteed entry with an all-inclusive travel package: flight, hotel, and support. You should expect to pay around 2500 euros per person for marathons outside Europe and around 1000 euros for marathons in Europe.
The Contrastes Running travel agency, based in France, offers all-inclusive packages for the New York Marathon, Chicago Marathon, and Berlin Marathon, with nearly 40 years of experience in marathon travel. It’s a guaranteed way to participate in one of these legendary marathons.
From time to time, rumors circulate about the integration of new marathons into the Majors. When will there be a Marathon Major in France? 🧐
If you participate in one of the 6 Majors, we imagine it’s a wonderful journey and you want to succeed in your race! It is important to have a personalized marathon training plan whether your goal is to finish your marathon in 3h45, in 3 hours, or any other time. You can download the Run Motion Coach app to have a marathon preparation that adapts to your availability each week, your fitness level, and your time goal or to be a finisher.
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