Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York, Sydney and Cape Town. Eight cities, eight marathons and one circuit bringing together some of the most prestigious races in the world: the Abbott World Marathon Majors.

For many runners, these races represent an opportunity to run through iconic locations, experience unique atmospheres and turn their passion for marathon running into a journey around the world. But what makes these races so special, how does the circuit work and how can you earn the coveted Six Star Medal?

What are the World Marathon Majors?

The World Marathon Majors were established in 2006 with the aim of bringing together some of the world’s leading international marathons into a single circuit.

Initially, the series included six races: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York. Over time, the circuit has expanded and, in 2026, officially includes eight marathons, with Sydney joining in 2025 and Cape Town in 2026, although its debut as a Major will take place in 2027. Shanghai is a candidate to become the ninth race, which should bring the series to its definitive format – although history has taught us never to say never!

The races attract both professional athletes, who compete for the circuit rankings, and amateur runners, who can register their results and follow their journey towards completing all the Majors.

What are the eight World Marathon Majors?

Here are the races that make up the circuit:

1. Tokyo Marathon – Japan

One of Asia’s leading marathons. It runs through several districts of the Japanese capital and joined the circuit in 2013. The Tokyo Marathon takes runners through one of the most fascinating and dynamic cities in the world. The course passes through very different neighbourhoods, alternating modern areas and skyscrapers with more traditional parts of the Japanese capital.

The race is renowned for its precise organisation, large number of participants and enthusiastic crowds cheering runners along the course. It usually takes place in early March and is one of the first major international marathons of the season, as well as traditionally the first Major of the year. Like all the Majors, entry requirements are highly selective: the chances of securing a place through the annual ballot, held in August, are very low.

2. Boston Marathon – United States

Founded in 1897, it is the world’s oldest annual marathon. It is particularly famous for its qualifying standards, which make it a highly sought-after goal for many runners. Achieving a Boston Qualifier time is a real source of pride, although meeting the qualifying standard often isn’t enough. Competition is fierce even among fast runners, as the number of applications exceeds the places available to so-called “good for age” runners (those who achieve a time faster than the Boston qualifying standard for their age category).

The Boston Marathon takes place on Patriots’ Day, a holiday celebrated in Massachusetts that falls on a Monday, and has a rich history and strong traditions. The course starts in Hopkinton and finishes in downtown Boston, passing through several towns along the way. It is also famous for its hills, particularly the legendary Heartbreak Hill towards the latter part of the race.

3. London Marathon – United Kingdom

Established in 1981 and inspired by its New York counterpart, the London Marathon is known for its mass participation and the huge crowds that line the course, which passes some of the British capital’s most famous landmarks. The London Marathon takes runners past some of London’s most iconic locations: the route passes near Greenwich, crosses Tower Bridge and continues towards the city centre, finishing near Buckingham Palace.

Beyond its spectacular setting, one of the race’s most appreciated features is the crowd support. Huge numbers of spectators gather along the streets, creating a festive and unforgettable atmosphere. The race is also well known for its charitable commitment and fundraising initiatives.

Since 2026, more than one million people have entered the ballot, making the chances of securing a place through the general draw extremely slim. The 2027 edition is particularly notable because it will be held over two days, Saturday and Sunday.

4. Cape Town Marathon – South Africa

The Cape Town Marathon is the newest addition to the series, bringing the World Marathon Majors to Africa for the first time.

Its main attraction is the scenery: the course winds through the South African city, offering views that combine the urban landscape with the natural beauty of Table Mountain. Cape Town’s inclusion expands the circuit to a new continent and adds a destination that is very different from the other races in the series. As a newly added Major, securing an entry is still (relatively) achievable.

5. Sydney Marathon – Australia

Joining the circuit in 2025, Sydney brought the Majors to Oceania. The Sydney Marathon takes runners past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. It is relatively young compared to the other marathons in the series, but has grown rapidly, attracting runners from all over the world.

The course is challenging and arguably one of the toughest Majors to tackle. For anyone looking to combine a marathon with a trip to Australia, it offers a fantastic opportunity to discover Sydney while running past some of its most famous landmarks.

6. Berlin Marathon – Germany

The Berlin Marathon is one of the most popular races among runners looking to improve their personal best. The course is predominantly flat and fast, with long stretches along wide roads that make it easier to maintain a steady pace. But Berlin is more than just a fast marathon: the route passes through several neighbourhoods and some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, before finishing near the Brandenburg Gate. Over the years, it has hosted numerous world records, becoming a benchmark race for anyone chasing a great performance over the 42.195 km distance.

7. Chicago Marathon – United States

The Chicago Marathon takes place in autumn and is renowned for its flat course, making it one of the best options for runners looking to achieve a fast time.

The race passes through numerous neighbourhoods, showcasing very different environments and communities across the city. Crowd support is one of its greatest strengths, with thousands of spectators lining the route to cheer on participants. The finish line is located in Grant Park, right in the heart of the city. Chicago has also been the setting for outstanding performances and world records, thanks to the combination of a fast course and conditions that, when favourable, can help runners achieve impressive times.

8. New York City Marathon – United States

One of the most iconic marathons in the world, if not the marathon in the popular imagination, especially among non-runners. The New York City Marathon crosses all five boroughs of the city – Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Manhattan – offering a real journey through New York and its many different personalities.

The start on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge is one of the most exciting moments, as is the final, and incredibly liberating, stretch into Central Park. It isn’t an easy race in terms of elevation: the bridges and constant changes in pace require careful energy management. On the other hand, the crowd support and atmosphere throughout the day make it a truly unique experience. Another special feature is that there is no traditional strict cut-off time, and spectators stay out to support everyone, from the winner to the very last finisher.

As you might imagine, the chances of getting a place through the ballot are extremely slim. If you want to run New York and don’t have a qualifying time, the most realistic option is usually to book through an authorised tour operator.

What is the Six Star Medal?

One of the best-known goals among marathon enthusiasts is completing the original six Majors: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York.

Runners who successfully complete all six can receive the Six Star Medal, an award recognising their achievement.

The addition of Sydney and Cape Town has expanded the circuit, but it hasn’t changed the meaning of the six-star medal, which remains linked to the original six founding marathons. The series is also working towards a possible nine-star recognition, in anticipation of Shanghai potentially joining the circuit.

How do you enter a World Marathon Major?

Taking part in a Major isn’t always as simple as signing up for a local race. As mentioned above, each event has its own rules and entry procedures.

Boston, for example, is famous for its qualifying times, which vary according to age and category. Many other races use lottery systems for a portion of their available places. There are also opportunities to participate through charity programmes, authorised tour operators and other entry channels.

Entry procedures can change for all the races, so it’s always best to check the official website of each marathon for the latest requirements, deadlines and registration fees.

A runner’s dream, one marathon at a time

Completing all the World Marathon Majors is a project that can take years, involving training, travel and a fair amount of organisation. However, you don’t need to set yourself the goal of collecting them all to appreciate what makes these races so special.

Every marathon offers something different: Boston’s history, London’s crowds, Berlin’s speed, New York’s energy or the opportunity to discover fascinating destinations such as Tokyo on foot.

For many runners, that’s exactly what makes the experience so rewarding: turning a passion for running into an opportunity to travel and explore the world. And perhaps, one day, finding yourself with six stars (or even a few more) to proudly show off.

Image credits: Abbott World Marathon Majors