Known as the most prestigious marathons in the world, the Abbott World Marathon Majors represent the ultimate bucket list challenge—earning the Six Star Medal.
Since its inception in 2006—with founding marathons London, Boston, Berlin, Chicago and New York City—over 20,000 runners have completed all six major marathons to receive their prized Six Star Medal. In 2013 Tokyo was added and this year, there is something special. A new race has entered the ranks—Sydney Marathon.
Even with the addition of a seventh race, the Six Star Medal remains unchanged. The plan? Two more races will be introduced in the coming years—potentially Cape Town and Shanghai—setting the stage for an even more formidable challenge—the Nine Star Medal. But until then, let’s explore the Abbott World Marathon Majors as they stand in 2025.
Tokyo, Japan | March
Tokyo is arguably one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Boasting the title of most populous city on earth, the metropolitan area of Tokyo is home to more than 37 million people. With a rich culture and a striking contrast between ancient temples and modern skyscrapers, deep-routed traditions and sophisticated technology, Tokyo is a city that exudes excitement. So, what better place to run a marathon?
There are countless reasons that the Tokyo Marathon should be high on your list. For one, it’s one of the most technologically advanced marathons, with live tracking, results, and cutting-edge health measures for runners. And for a race that hosts nearly 40,000 runners, the organization and logistical precision is bar none.
Beyond the logistics, the Tokyo Marathon is something to behold. Millions of spectators take to the street, some donned in costumes, many holding homemade signs, all cheering enthusiastically as they spur on the runners.
Live performances add to the atmosphere as runners pass through Tokyo’s most impressive districts. The relatively flat route begins close to the world’s busiest train station—Shinjuku Station. Course highlights include Sensō-ji Temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in the city; Tokyo Skytree, the tallest freestanding structure in Japan; and Ginza, an upscale area known for luxury shopping.
London, England | April
It’s not hard to be convinced of London’s charm. It’s a diverse city with something for everyone. From Michelin Star restaurants to spectacular street markets, world-class musicals and plays to world-famous sites like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square and Tower Bridge, London has a lot to showcase.
And then there is the London Marathon. One of the most popular marathons in the world, the idea for the marathon was actually born in a pub when some members of a local running group were reminiscing about the New York City Marathon and believed London deserved one too. Now, more than four decades later, the London Marathon is the world’s largest one-day fundraising event, having raised more than 1.3 billion pounds (approximately $2.4 billion CAD) since its inception in 1981.
The people of London know how to make this event extra special. There are roaring crowds the entire way along the route, and locals hand out beer instead of water in the East End. Then there are the costumes. Creative and impressive, runners dress up in all manners of attire from Superman to Big Ben and even a pint of beer, you’ll see just about anything on the race course.
The route itself is a spectacular distraction from the hard work at hand. Beginning in Greenwich Park, runners must test their restraint as the first few kilometres are downhill. Runners pass over the Tower Bridge and run along the Thames River past London classics like Big Ben, the Parliament Buildings, and the London Eye. Once beyond St. James Park, they lay eyes on the finish line—the Mall in front of Buckingham Palace.
Boston, U.S.A. | April
One of America’s oldest cities, Boston is steeped in history. There is a vibrant, almost romantic “true American” atmosphere about Boston, which also boasts two of the top universities in the world—Harvard and MIT. With diverse neighbourhoods, a sports culture in a league of its own, and a string of parks and green spaces for all to enjoy, Boston is a city one easily falls in love with.
It’s only fitting that a city with such history also takes the crown for oldest annual marathon in the world. First held in 1897, the Boston Marathon has become iconic, attracting runners from 120 countries and all 50 U.S. states.
Despite the prestige and long history, Boston is not for the faint of heart. It’s considered one of the slowest marathons to complete, partly due to the unpredictability of the weather and the hills. Weather in the past has varied from freezing rain, strong winds to extreme heat. From kilometre 24 to 34, runners must contend with the Newton Hills, the last of which is known as Heartbreak Hill. But once they have completed the hills, they are two-thirds of the way done and the growing crowds have enough enthusiasm and support to will the tired runners across the finish line on Boylston Street.
One notable thing. Boston is a net downhill course—meaning the total descent is greater than the elevation gain. Because of this, world records can not officially be made on the course.
Berlin, Germany | September
It’s hard to imagine that a city as vibrant and culturally rich as Berlin could have a recent history as dark and complicated as it does. Visit it today and you’ll still see the remains of WWII, which ravaged the city. Holes from bullets and shrapnel have been left in the facades of buildings as a reminder of those perilous days.
As has a small part of the Berlin Wall, which stretched 155 kilometres, separating East and West Berlin for nearly 30 years beginning in 1961.
Today, Berlin is a hub of culture and creativity. It’s a city that never sleeps with a legendary nightlife, thriving art sphere, and impressive food scene. The city also happens to be a pretty perfect place to run your first marathon.
Known as being flat and fast, the route doesn’t have much elevation change and with temperate weather in late September, runners aren’t exposed to the extremes they are in some of the other major marathons.
The Berlin Marathon is also the perfect opportunity to take a sightseeing tour of the city. Beginning west of the Brandenburg Gate, runners pass sights like the Victory Column, the German House of Parliament and Checkpoint Charlie. After 42.195 kilometres passing through the boroughs of Berlin, runners run through the iconic Brandenberg Gate before crossing the finish line.
Chicago, U.S.A. | October
So much can be said about Chicago. It’s a city where grit and glamour have coexisted pretty much since the day it was founded. During prohibition, infamous gangster Al Capone called the city home. Then, there is the long history of music—Nat King Cole, Chaka Khan, Jennifer Hudson, and Sam Cooke are just some of the legends that came out of the windy city.
Chicago is a city full of character, with stunning architecture and an energy you can’t recreate. Go for the deep-dish pizza, watch a ball game at Wrigley Field, and stay for one of the world’s most-loved marathons.
Every October, the Chicago Marathon welcomes more than 50,000 participants on an epic tour of 29 of the city’s unique neighbourhoods. Starting and ending at Grant Park, the route is truly something to behold. After running under the shadows of skyscrapers downtown, runners experience the vibrancy that is Chicago. They pass through Boystown—the city’s LGBTQ+ district—Greektown, Little Italy, Chinatown, and Pilsen, where mariachi music fills the air.
The cultural richness of Chicago is reason enough to participate in this marathon. But, if that’s not enough, the Chicago Marathon route is flat and currently holds the record for fastest marathon time for both men and women at 2:00:30 and 2:09:56 respectively. So, if you want a gentler initiation into the Abbott World Marathon Majors, Chicago may be the perfect race for you.
New York City, U.S.A. | November
New York, New York. What can be said about New York that hasn’t already been sung about by some of history’s greatest lyricists? It’s just one of those cities that everyone needs to experience at least once in their lives. There is an energy about the place that is unmatched. The buzz of traffic, the rush of the people, the mixture of cultures and traditions all exist in unison within a city defined by high fashion and big business.
Millions of people from around the world flock to the city that never sleeps to live out their own big-city fantasies. They want to grasp a piece of the excitement. While New York City is known for its shopping, sports, food, and chaos, the New York City Marathon allows people to see the city differently.
It’s almost no surprise that the New York City Marathon is the largest in the world, with 1.2 million runners finishing the spectacular race since its inception in 1970. Runners get to encounter the best of NYC and its citizens. Each year, approximately two million spectators take to the route to cheer on runners and offer encouragement as they tackle the trying course.
Despite the electric energy and unparalleled atmosphere, runners beware. The NYC Marathon is thought to be the toughest of the majors. Starting in Staten Island, runners cross the spectacular Verrazano-Narrows Bridge before facing a multitude of hills, over
five bridges and through the city’s famous boroughs before crossing the finish line in Central Park.
New this year: Sydney, Australia | August
It’s one of the most iconic and recognized cityscapes in the world. Setting eyes on the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge sits atop the bucket lists of people the world over. With beautiful beaches such as Bondi and Manly and with a food scene that would make a foodie cry tears of joy, Sydney is a haven unlike any other city in the world.
When it seemed like Sydney couldn’t possibly get any better, the Abbott World Marathon Majors announced the city as the newest edition to its ranking in 2025. Sydney will host its first world major marathon this August, which runners will surely relish given the cooler average temperatures—an advantage unique to the only major marathon held south of the equator.
Unlike Berlin, London and Tokyo, Sydney is not a flat city and therefore has the added challenge of hills to contend with. Despite having the most elevation gain of any of the majors, the scenery is sure to distract. Runners begin in North Sydney before crossing the Harbour Bridge, taking in the awe-inspiring views of the harbour.
Winding through Darling Harbour and the Royal Botanical Gardens, runners have the thrill of crossing the finish line at the Sydney Opera House.
Congratulations to our IMPACT Magazine guest editor, Louise Hodgson-Jones on earning her Six Star Medal in Tokyo this year.
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Read This Story in Our 2025 Running Issue
IMPACT Magazine Running Issue 2025 featuring some incredible Canadian women ultrarunners who are on the rise on the world trail stage. Run your way around the world to earn your six star Abbott World Marathon Majors commemorative medal. Train for 10 km right up to a marathon – plus a 50 km trail run and 70.3 program. Strength workouts for runners, carb load with these pasta recipes and so much more.
