For many endurance athletes, the ultimate goal in long-distance road running is completing the Abbott World Marathon Majors (AWMM). This series consists of six of the largest and most renowned marathons in the world: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. Successfully finishing all six earns a runner the coveted Six Star Finisher medal. However, completing this series is as much an exercise in patience and logistics as it is in physical endurance.

The Entry Process

Gaining entry to these events is famously difficult due to overwhelming demand. Generally, there are three primary paths to the start line:

  • Time Qualification: Achieving a specific time standard for your age and gender group. Boston relies almost exclusively on this (the famed "BQ"), but other majors also offer time-qualifying spots.
  • Lottery/Ballot: Entering a random draw. Tokyo, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York all utilize lottery systems. The odds of success vary wildly; for instance, the London ballot often sees hundreds of thousands of applicants for a small fraction of available spots.
  • Charity or Tour Operator: Runners can pledge to raise a significant sum for a partnered charity or purchase a package through an approved international sports tour operator. These packages often include hotel accommodations and guaranteed race entry.

Course Profiles and Strategies

Tokyo Marathon (March)

Typically the first Major of the calendar year, Tokyo offers a generally flat and fast course with tight turns. Runners experience a remarkably well-organized event that winds through the city's historic and modern districts. The logistical challenge here involves navigating international travel, significant time-zone adjustments, and managing dietary shifts in the days leading up to the race.

Boston Marathon (April)

The oldest annual marathon in the world is notorious for its challenging point-to-point course. Starting in Hopkinton, the course trends downhill but features a grueling series of climbs—most famously Heartbreak Hill—between miles 16 and 21. Weather in New England in April is highly unpredictable, ranging from freezing rain to unseasonable heat.

London Marathon (April)

A fast, relatively flat course that serves as a massive city-wide celebration. The route takes runners past iconic landmarks, culminating in a finish down The Mall near Buckingham Palace. The primary challenge is often navigating the sheer volume of runners; early miles can feel congested, requiring patience to avoid surging too early.

Berlin Marathon (September)

Berlin is widely considered the fastest marathon course in the world, routinely hosting world record performances. The pancake-flat, looping course is characterized by wide boulevards and gentle corners. For amateur runners seeking a personal best, this is the prime destination. Logistics in Berlin are highly efficient, making it one of the easier international majors to navigate.

Chicago Marathon (October)

Another exceptionally fast and flat course, Chicago is known for its wide streets and enthusiastic crowds. The looped course starts and ends in Grant Park, taking runners through 29 diverse neighborhoods. The main consideration is the wind coming off Lake Michigan, which can impact pacing strategies in the final miles.

New York City Marathon (November)

The largest marathon in the world by finisher count. The course spans all five boroughs of New York City, starting on Staten Island and finishing in Central Park. It is a technically difficult course with significant elevation changes over several large bridges. The logistics of race morning—often involving a ferry ride and long wait times in the start village—require careful planning regarding warmth and nutrition.

Budgeting and Travel Considerations

Pursuing the Six Star journey requires significant financial investment. When factoring in flights, accommodation, race entry fees, and daily expenses, international runners often budget several thousand dollars per race. It is critical to book flights and hotels months in advance, as host cities see a massive influx of visitors during race weekends, driving up prices and reducing availability.

Furthermore, runners must consider visa requirements, particularly for events in the United States, United Kingdom, and Japan. Ensuring passports are up to date and necessary travel authorizations are secured is a foundational step in planning your global marathon journey.