- The World Marathon Majors began in 2006 – there are 6 major marathons in the world today
- Boston, London, New York City, Chicago, Berlin and Tokyo Marathon are the 6 major marathons held every year
Every successful runner in the world wants to get a taste of what winning the 6 major marathons in the world –Boston, London, New York City, Chicago, Berlin and Tokyo Marathon – feels like.
Many harbour the dream of becoming an Abbott World Marathon Majors six-star finisher. Some have made it, others are yet to realize this dream.
Nevertheless, It’s safe to say that each of these races has an interesting past and a powerful present.
The World Marathon Majors, which began in 2006, is an annual competition that includes the Boston, Tokyo, Berlin, Chicago, London, and New York City marathons.
World Championship and Olympic marathons are also featured when they are held. Athletes compete for points based on their placement in the top five.
The 6 major marathons in the world races are well-attended. Therefore, it’s essential to plan ahead when registering and, in some cases, even years in advance about how you’re going to secure that coveted entry.
In order to win the six-star medal, you must complete all 6 marathons in the world on your bucket list. This article tells you everything you need to know about the races.
Chicago Marathon. Photo/The New York Times
HAS ANYONE WON 6 MAJOR MARATHONS?
No one in the history of athletics is yet to win all the marathons. Why? Not every elite athlete competes in all the 6 major marathons in the world held every year. It would take at least two years to compete in all the six marathons
But, Jeff Adams, a former athlete and now the president of Marathon Tours & Travel paints a picture of what each marathon is like.
According to Adams, who has competed in all six events, each course…has its own highs and lows. Boston and New York, have the most hills: Boston has Heartbreak Hill, and New York has the bridges.
As for difficulty, he places London in the center, as it may be busy in the back and there are a lot of 90-degree curves. Tokyo is rainy followed by Berlin and Chicago, which are typically flat and fast.
WHO RAN 6 MARATHONS IN 6 WEEKS?
Shalane Flanagan made history by running all the 6 major marathons in the world in six weeks.
The 2017 New York City Marathon winner is now the coach of Nike’s Bowerman Track Club in Portland, Oregon. Her chance came from the crowded schedule that the coronavirus pandemic forced upon her by pushing three spring races into the fall.
Most marathoners only aspired to complete one race in their lifetimes. But Flanagan planned to run in all six, hoping to accomplish each one in under three hours, a pace of fewer than 6 minutes 50 seconds per mile.
WHO HAS WON THE MOST MAJOR MARATHONS?
Eliud Kipchoge Guards his mental health jealously. Photo/Athletics Illustrated
World marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge from Kenya has won the World Marathon Majors series four times.
He won in 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18, and 2018/19. But, he says his career is far from over until he wins the 6 major marathons in the world
How DO I GET INTO TOKYO MARATHON 2022?
Even if you don’t satisfy the requirements for a particular World Marathon Major, you can still acquire a bib. Running with a charity is a popular choice, but you may be needed to raise a certain amount of money before you can participate in any of the races—specifics vary, so check out each race’s website for more information.
TOKYO MARATHON
Only citizens of the United States, Canada, or a member of the Seven Continents Club (SCC) are eligible for guaranteed entry into the event. In the event of a cancellation, you will forfeit your entire $1000 deposit.
Typically, registration lasts until August. The “semi-elite entrance,” also known as the Race As One program for international runners, may be available to those who run fast enough.
Men must complete the marathon in 2:21:01 to 2:45:00, while women must finish in 2:52:01 to 3:30:00.
BOSTON MARATHON
Boston Marathon. Photo/GivenGain
Qualifying times for Boston must be obtained at another marathon within a certain time frame. Participants who qualify by 20 minutes or more gain priority registration in September.
This is followed by a five-minute window for runners who qualified by ten minutes or more. Entrance is also by charity or tour group if you don’t qualify.
Prize: $150,000
LONDON MARATHON
The lottery is for Americans because international runners can’t qualify with fast times. Application deadlines are April-May, with results announced in October.
The odds of winning the London lottery are in the single digits.
Prize: $55,000
CHICAGO MARATHON
You can apply for the lottery starting in October and find out the results in December. You’re assured entry if you’ve finished the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K four times or more since 2000 and signed up for the following year’s Shamrock Shuffle.
Prize: $55,000
BERLIN MARATHON
Registration is open from mid-October through early November. Good luck if you qualify! Otherwise, you can try your luck at the lottery, which is less competitive than London but growing in popularity due to its historic and PR-friendly setting.
Prize: $50,000
NEW YORK CITY MARATHON
If you didn’t qualify in time, you can enter the random drawing, taking place in mid-January and mid-February. Consider the 9+1 program if you reside in NYC.
Join the New York Road Runners (NYRR) in January of the year before the marathon, run nine recognized NYRR races, and volunteer once. And if you run 15 or more NYC Marathons, you get lifetime access.
Prize: $130,000.
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