Running a marathon is an achievement to be extremely proud of, but for many runners, one marathon is only the beginning. If you’re currently training for your first marathon, you may not agree with that statement right now but, just wait… Once you’ve experienced the atmosphere, crossed the finish line and collected your medal, it’s surprising how quickly thoughts turn to signing up for the next one! Before long, many runners find themselves dreaming of ticking off some of the world’s most iconic races and embarking on the journey to complete the Abbott World Marathon Majors.
The challenge, however, is no longer just completing the races. Securing a place on the start line has become increasingly difficult as the popularity of marathon running continues to grow. Some races receive more than a million applications through their public ballot, while others require runners to achieve demanding qualifying times or commit to fundraising for charity. Now, with Sydney and Cape Town recently joining the Marathon Majors, interest has reached an all-time high, and competition for race entries shows no signs of slowing down.
If you’re hoping to run your first Major or planning to complete the full collection, understanding how each race allocates its entries can significantly improve your chances. In this guide, we’ll look at the history of the Marathon Majors, explain how each race’s entry process works, discuss the latest changes, and explore the different routes available to help you secure a place.
Join Our Mailing List
History of the Marathon Majors
The Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) was established in 2006 to bring together the world’s most prestigious marathons into a single global series. The aim was to showcase races with a rich history, exceptional organisation and international appeal, while creating a season-long championship for the world’s best marathon runners.
Although the series was originally created with elite competition in mind, these races have always welcomed runners of all abilities. On the same course, you’ll find Olympic champions alongside first-time marathon runners, charity fundraisers, club runners and those simply determined to cross the finish line. This unique mix of elite sport and mass participation is one of the reasons the Marathon Majors have become so popular around the world.
The original series consisted of Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York City, with Tokyo joining in 2013 to complete the now famous Six Star journey. The introduction of the Six Star Finisher Medal in 2016 transformed the series for recreational runners, as we all love our running bling, inspiring thousands to set themselves the challenge of completing every race.
As marathon running has continued to grow worldwide, so too has the Marathon Majors series. Sydney became the seventh Major in 2025, followed by Cape Town in 2027, making history as the first African race to achieve Major status. Shanghai remains the leading candidate to become the ninth Marathon Major, reflecting the organisers’ ambition to create a truly global series.
What began as a championship for elite athletes has evolved into one of the most sought-after achievements in endurance sport. Today, runners of every age and ability dream of collecting Marathon Major stars, but with demand continuing to grow, securing a place on the start line has become almost as challenging as completing the marathon itself.
The expansion of the Marathon Majors has also created a new dilemma for thousands of runners who earned their Six Star Finisher Medal. After years of training, travelling and finally completing the original six races, do you call it a day, or do you keep adding stars as new Marathon Majors join the series? There isn’t a right or wrong answer. Some runners will always treasure their Six Star achievement as completing the original challenge, while others will be booking flights to Sydney, Cape Town and beyond in pursuit of every new star that becomes available.
Tokyo Marathon
Tokyo has become one of the most sought-after marathons in the world, combining an unforgettable atmosphere with the appeal of beginning a Marathon Majors journey. The vast majority of runners enter through a lottery system, but demand is exceptionally high and the odds of success remain relatively low.
If the ballot doesn’t go your way, there are still several alternative options worth considering. Many runners chose to enter via an international tour operator which includes the full travel package.
For many runners, Tokyo requires patience, with several unsuccessful ballot attempts before finally securing a place.
Boston Marathon
Boston stands apart from every other Marathon Major because there is no public ballot.
The traditional route into Boston has always been through earning a qualifying time at a certified marathon. However, achieving the published qualifying standard has not guaranteed entry for many years. Demand regularly exceeds the number of available places, meaning runners generally need to beat their qualifying time by several minutes before being accepted. (You can read about John’s quest for a Boston Qualifier in his book, ‘A Heart for Running‘.)
Recognising the frustration experienced by thousands of runners who achieve a Boston Qualifying time only to miss out because of the cut-off, the Boston Athletic Association has introduced an important change for the 2027 Marathon.
Approximately 1,000 additional places will now be allocated through a random draw among runners who achieved the qualifying standard but narrowly missed out during the initial selection process. It is not a public ballot and runners must still earn a qualifying time, but it provides a welcome second opportunity for athletes who have trained hard enough to qualify but were previously left disappointed.
Boston has also introduced stricter qualification policies in recent years. Qualifying standards have become more demanding, while performances achieved on significantly downhill marathon courses are now subject to time adjustments during the qualification process. These changes are designed to maintain fairness while preserving Boston’s reputation as the marathon that rewards performance rather than luck.
Charity entries and official tour operators continue to offer alternative routes for those who do not qualify.
London Marathon
Ask almost any runner which Marathon Major is the hardest to get into and many will immediately say London.
That reputation has only grown stronger. The 2027 ballot attracted a record-breaking 1,338,544 applications, making it one of the most sought-after sporting events in the world. Even with an expanded field, the vast majority of applicants still missed out on a place.
In response to this unprecedented demand, the organisers have announced a historic one-off change for 2027. For the first time in the event’s history, the London Marathon will be held over two days, on Saturday 24 April and Sunday 25 April 2027, allowing 100,000 runners to take part. Approximately 45,000 runners will run on Saturday and 55,000 on Sunday, creating the largest London Marathon ever staged. Every ballot applicant was automatically entered into the draw for both days and, if successful, was allocated one of the two race days.
Although doubling the field has significantly increased the number of available places, it has not made gaining entry easy. Even with 100,000 runners taking part across the weekend, only around 7% of applicants secured a place, demonstrating just how extraordinary demand has become.
Fortunately, the ballot is far from the only route onto the famous start line. Faster runners can qualify through the Good For Age programme, elite club athletes may be eligible for Championship places, while charities receive thousands of entries in return for fundraising commitments. International runners can also obtain guaranteed entries through official tour operators, although these packages naturally come at a higher cost.
The introduction of the two-day event in 2027 is a welcome step towards meeting demand, but with well over 1.3 million people wanting to take part, earning a London Marathon place remains one of the biggest challenges in distance running.
Sydney Marathon
Sydney has undergone perhaps the most dramatic transformation of any marathon in recent years.
Before joining the Abbott World Marathon Majors, entering the race was relatively straightforward. Since achieving Major status, demand has exploded, with runners from around the world eager to earn one of the newest stars.
As a result, organisers have moved away from simple first-come, first-served registration and introduced a ballot system to manage the demand. Charity places, tour operator packages and elite invitations remain available, but competition is expected to increase further as more runners begin their Marathon Majors journey.
Those considering Sydney may find that entering sooner rather than later provides the best chance of securing a place before demand grows even further.
Berlin Marathon
Berlin enjoys a reputation as one of the fastest marathon courses in the world. Numerous world records have been broken on its famously flat roads, making it the destination of choice for runners chasing a personal best.
Most runners gain entry through the lottery, although time qualification remains available for certain categories. Charity places and official tour operators provide additional opportunities for runners who are unsuccessful in the ballot.
Despite its popularity, Berlin generally offers slightly better odds than London or Tokyo, although demand continues to rise every year.
Chicago Marathon
Chicago is often regarded as one of the more accessible Marathon Majors because it offers several different entry routes.
Alongside the public lottery, faster runners can qualify through published time standards, while charities and official travel partners provide further opportunities to secure a race number.
Although demand remains high, Chicago’s multiple entry options make it an attractive choice for runners beginning their Marathon Majors journey.
New York Marathon
The New York City Marathon is the largest marathon in the world and one of the most iconic sporting events on the calendar.
Its popularity means the lottery is heavily oversubscribed, but runners have several alternative ways of gaining entry. Time qualification, charity places, international tour operators and programmes operated by the New York Road Runners organisation all provide additional opportunities.
Like London and Tokyo, persistence is often rewarded. Many runners spend several years applying before finally earning their place on the start line.
Cape Town Marathon
Cape Town represents the newest edition in the Marathon Majors story.
As the first African race to receive Major status, it offers runners an entirely different marathon experience while showcasing one of the world’s most spectacular cities.
Although demand is expected to rise rapidly, the first few years may present one of the best opportunities for runners hoping to add another star before entry becomes as competitive as London or Tokyo. Ballot entries, charity places and official travel packages are all expected to play an important role in race allocation.
How to Improve Your Chances of Gaining a Marathon Majors Entry
There is no guaranteed formula for gaining entry to every Marathon Major, but there are plenty of ways to improve your chances. The runners who are successful are rarely the ones who simply enter a ballot and hope for the best. Instead, they plan well in advance, understand the different entry routes and remain flexible when opportunities arise.
Know the Key Dates
One of the easiest mistakes to make is missing an application window.
Every Marathon Major has its own timetable for ballots, qualifying periods and charity applications, and these dates often open many months before race day. Some ballots remain open for several weeks, while others have much shorter registration periods.
Create a calendar with the important dates for every race you’re interested in and set reminders well in advance. If you’re chasing multiple Majors, planning ahead can mean the difference between securing a place and waiting another year.
Understand the Good for Age and Qualifying Routes
If you’re capable of running a competitive marathon, qualifying on time can dramatically improve your chances of gaining entry.
Each race has different qualifying standards, and generally require you to achieve your qualifying time within a specific period before entries open. Boston is even more competitive, as simply meeting the qualifying standard is often not enough. Runners usually need to beat their qualifying time by several minutes before being accepted.
If qualifying is one of your goals, don’t wait until your target marathon is approaching. Research the standards early so you know exactly what time you need to achieve and by when.
Don’t Rely on the Ballot Alone
Many runners assume the public ballot is their only option, but every Marathon Major offers alternative entry routes.
Official international tour operators receive guaranteed race allocations, making them an excellent option if you’re already planning to travel overseas.
The London Marathon is unique among the Marathon Majors in allocating guaranteed places to affiliated UK running clubs. If you’re a member of an England Athletics, Scottish Athletics, Welsh Athletics or Athletics Northern Ireland affiliated club, you may have an additional route into the race through your club’s own ballot. Check if your club offers this and what the requirements are to enter a club ballot. None of the other Marathon Majors operate a comparable nationwide club allocation system, making London something of an exception.
The more entry routes you explore, the greater your chances of standing on the start line.
Consider a Charity Place Carefully
A charity place can be an excellent way to secure entry into a Marathon Major while supporting a cause that means something to you. For many runners, it is the most realistic alternative to the public ballot, particularly for races such as London and New York.
However, before committing, make sure you fully understand the charity’s fundraising requirements. Most charities set a minimum fundraising target, and some require runners to make up any shortfall themselves if they fail to reach that amount. While many participants comfortably exceed their target and raise thousands for worthwhile causes, others find asking friends, family and colleagues for donations much more challenging than they expected. If you’re considering this route, choose a charity you genuinely care about, be realistic about your ability to fundraise and make sure you’re comfortable with the commitment before accepting a place.
Be Prepared to Invest Money
Completing the Marathon Majors is rarely inexpensive. Between flights, accommodation, race entries and training, the costs can quickly add up. Bear this in mind when you are entering your ballot.
In some cases, spending a little more can actually improve your chances of getting a place. For example, the New York Road Runners (NYRR) offers several guaranteed entry programmes for the New York City Marathon. The well-known 9+1 Programme allows runners to earn guaranteed entry by completing nine qualifying NYRR races and volunteering at one event during the year. NYRR also offers 5K and 10K Philanthropic Memberships, which include guaranteed marathon entry and other benefits in return for a higher annual membership contribution.
These options aren’t suitable for everyone, particularly if you live outside the United States, but they demonstrate that there are often alternatives beyond simply hoping your name is drawn from the ballot.
Be Patient
Perhaps the most important quality you’ll need is patience.
Very few runners complete all the Marathon Majors in just a few years. Many spend a decade or more collecting their stars, applying for ballots multiple times before finally securing a place. Don’t be discouraged if you miss out on your first attempt. Thousands of runners receive rejection emails every year, yet many eventually reach their goal through persistence, careful planning and a willingness to explore every available route.
There can even be an unexpected advantage to taking your time. If you’re hoping to qualify on time for races such as Boston, Chicago or London, remember that qualifying standards are based on age groups. As you move into an older age category, the qualifying times generally become more achievable. That doesn’t mean qualifying becomes easy, but if you’re narrowly missing the standard today, a few more years of consistent training combined with a more favourable age-group qualifying time could be enough to help you secure your place.
Marathon Majors Entry Comparison
| Marathon | Typical Applications | Places Available | Approximate Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| London | Over 1.1 million ballot applications (2026) | Around 56,000 runners (2027 will see a one off 2-day event with over 100k taking part over the two days) | Roughly 1 in 20 through the public ballot |
| Tokyo | Around 300,000 lottery applications | Around 38,000 runners (including charity, elites and invited runners) | Approximately 1 in 10 through the general lottery |
| Berlin | Typically 150,000+ lottery applications | Around 50,000 runners | Approximately 1 in 6 |
| Chicago | More than 160,000 applications | Around 50,000 runners | Approximately 1 in 2 to 1 in 3, depending on the year |
| New York City | More than 200,000 lottery applications | Around 55,000 runners | Usually around 4–5% success rate |
| Boston | Over 36,000 qualifying applications | Around 30,000 accepted | Entry depends on how far below the qualifying standard you run, rather than luck |
| Sydney | More than 79,000 ballot applications for 2026 | Around 35,000 runners | Around 1 in 4 in its first full Major ballot |
| Cape Town | Expected demand to rise significantly from 2027 onwards | Field expected to grow towards 30,000 | Too early to estimate long-term odds |
Make Memories At The Majors
If running the Marathon Majors is on your bucket list, start planning early and give yourself the best possible chance of securing a place. Familiarise yourself with ballot dates, understand the qualifying standards, explore charity places, club allocations and tour operators, and remember that patience is often one of the most valuable qualities you can have. Very few runners complete the Majors without facing disappointment along the way, but persistence usually pays off.
When your opportunity finally comes, remember why you entered in the first place. With tens of thousands of runners sharing the course, the Marathon Majors aren’t always the easiest races to chase a personal best. The crowded start, busy aid stations and sheer volume of participants can make running your fastest time more challenging than on a smaller marathon course.
Instead, embrace the experience. Soak up the incredible atmosphere, appreciate the famous landmarks, thank the volunteers, enjoy the support from thousands of spectators and celebrate the privilege of running some of the most iconic marathons in the world. Personal bests can be achieved at many races, but the memories of crossing the finish line at a Marathon Major, collecting another star and sharing the journey with runners from across the globe are moments that will stay with you forever.
If your are running your first marathon, your 10th marathon or your first marathon at age 40 or over we have plenty of reading and advice to help you along the way. Check out our range of marathon books.
At Achieve Running Club we also offer training plans for all levels. Marathons are our specialty and we would love to help you have the best experience in whatever marathon you choose or manage to gain entry to.
#MarathonMajors #MarathonMajorsEntry #AbbottWMM #MarathonRunning #MarathonTraining #BostonMarathon #LondonMarathon #BerlinMarathon #ChicagoMarathon #NewYorkCityMarathon #TokyoMarathon #SydneyMarathon #CapeTownMarathon #SixStarFinisher #MarathonRunner #DistanceRunning #RunningCommunity #RunYourBest #EnduranceRunning #RoadRunning #RaceDay #MarathonGoals #BucketList #RunnersLife #RunningMotivation #RunningTips #RunFar #WorldMarathonMajors #MarathonJourney #AchieveRunningClub #lLondonmarathon2028
