If you’re a serious runner or even just a passionate fan of endurance sports, you’ve probably heard of the Abbott World Marathon Majors (AWMM) — a series that represents the pinnacle of long‑distance running.
In this article, we’ll break down what the Abbott World Marathon Majors are, how you can qualify or gain entry, what’s new for 2026, and why completing all Majors still makes you a Six Star Finisher, one of the most prestigious titles in global marathon running.
What Are the Abbott World Marathon Majors?
The Abbott World Marathon Majors is a series of the world’s most prominent marathons. It launched in 2006 to elevate long-distance running, standardise elite competition, and celebrate mass participation.
Historically, the series has included six races: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. However, in 2025 the Sydney Marathon officially became the seventh Abbott Major.
As Sydney joins, the series is evolving, though the Six Star Medal tradition (for completing the original six) remains intact.
The Seven (or More) Abbott Majors in 2026
Here are the known or expected dates for the Abbott Major marathons in 2026:
| Marathon | Expected / Confirmed Date in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Tokyo Marathon | March 1, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Boston Marathon | April 20, 2026 (Monday) |
| London Marathon | April 26, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Sydney Marathon | August 30, 2026 (Sunday) as a new Major |
| Berlin Marathon | September 27, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Chicago Marathon | October 11, 2026 (Sunday) |
| New York City Marathon | (Still part of the series; full 2026 date not confirmed) |
Note: Cape Town is a candidate race and is expected to host the 2026 Age‑Group World Championships on May 24, and may become a future Major if its evaluations pass.
With Sydney now integrated, runners aiming for a complete set can strive for a Seven Star Medal in future years.
Why the World Marathon Majors Matter (Still)
The AWMM series is more than just a collection of marathons:
- Elite competition & record attempts — Many world records have been set in Major marathons (Berlin is a frequent venue).
- Global prestige & bucket-list appeal — For recreational runners as well as elites.
- Unified ranking & annual champion — Elite runners accumulate points across the Majors.
- Star system & incentives — Finishers in each Major earn a “star” in their AbbottWMM profile; collecting multiple stars gives access to special opportunities (draws, priority entries, etc.).
How to Qualify or Gain Entry
Entry into these races is highly competitive. Here are common pathways, including updates for 2026:
- Time Qualification
- Boston remains the only Major that strictly requires a qualifying time. For the 2026 Boston Marathon, qualifying standards have been tightened: many age groups are required to run 5 minutes faster than in prior years.
- The qualifying window for Boston 2026 runs from September 1, 2024, until September 12, 2025.
- Lottery / Ballot Entry
- Many Majors (Tokyo, London, New York) use lotteries due to overwhelming demand.
- For 2026, Tokyo offers 300 spots via an AbbottWMM “draw” for international entrants who are collecting stars.
- London 2026 also uses an Abbott draw system; eligibility includes having earned at least 3 AbbottWMM stars (i.e. completed three different Majors) to enter the draw.
- Boston also offers a limited number of spots (150) via an AbbottWMM draw reserved for runners actively collecting stars.
- Charity / Fundraising Entry
- Many events allocate dedicated spots to runners raising money for official charity partners.
- Tour Operators & Guaranteed Entry Packages
- Some tour companies bundle guaranteed entries with travel, lodging, and logistics support.
- For example, Marathon Tours & Travel is offering a Boston 2026 “AbbotWMM Journey Package” (though it doesn’t include the race entry itself).
What Is a Six Star (or Seven Star) Finisher?
- Six Star Finisher: Completing the original six Majors (Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York). Even though Sydney is added, the original “Six Star” concept is maintained.
- Seven Star / Nine Star: With Sydney joining in 2025, the possibility of a Seven Star Medal arises for runners completing all seven. And as Cape Town and Shanghai progress through candidacy, a Nine Star concept is anticipated.
To earn these recognitions, runners must register their finishes via the AbbottWMM official site and maintain their AbbottWMM profile.
Pro Tips for Aspirants
- Plan early — Many ballot deadlines and draw registrations close months in advance.
- Track your star count — The number of AbbottWMM stars you have can unlock entry routes (especially in London, Tokyo, and Boston draws).
- Monitor major announcements — Some entry conditions shift year to year (e.g. Boston’s tightened standards for 2026).
- Diversify entry paths — If you miss a time qualification, aim for a draw or charity spot.
- Stay flexible with travel & lodging — Especially important for Majors with high global demand (e.g. London had over 1.1 million applications for its 2026 race).
Final Thoughts
The Abbott World Marathon Majors aren’t just races — they’re global milestones for endurance athletes. Whether you’re chasing a personal best, running for charity, or aiming to become a Six Star Finisher, the journey through these iconic cities is a life-changing experience.
