My World Marathon Majors Journey
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If you have run a marathon, you might have heard about the Abbott World Marathon Majors. It started as a series of 6 marathons (Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, New York, and Tokyo) and lately has expanded to 8, adding Sydney and Cape Town.
What is different about these marathons? Well, technically nothing since you still need to run more than 26 miles, or 42 kilometers, but the organization, field size, pro field, spectators and the energy around them make them feel different. Starting with the selection process: for most of them, it is not just a sign-up. Generally speaking, you need to qualify by time, win a spot via lottery, or fundraise for a charity.
Here is the summary of my marathon majors journey so far. For the ones I’ve run more than once, I focus on the general aspects of the race rather than a specific year. A detailed recap of each is underway.
New York City Marathon
Quick Facts
First Run / Times Run: 2021 / 4 times (2021, 2023, 2024, 2025)
Entry method: 9+1 program
Course type: Point-to-point (Staten Island to Central Park), rolling hills
Overall rating: Best overall major for atmosphere and spectator energy
Highlights
This is the best marathon major overall. It checks all the boxes for a great atmosphere, a huge number of spectators that don’t leave you alone for most of the race, and the largest field size (every year they compete against London on this).
The Experience
Pre-race. Logistics are the primary drawback of this race. For starters, bag check happens before race day: you must drop your bag in Central Park by Saturday at the latest, which is a completely different location from the Expo at the Javits Center. Because of this, you might find yourself touring NYC and racking up thousands of steps before you even reach the start line.
Race morning presents the next big hurdle: getting to the start village in Staten Island. Whether you take the official bus early and spend hours waiting in the village, or use a combination of subway, ferry, and local bus, it requires a solid plan. Rideshares or taxis are also options, depending on your starting location and wave time.
During the Race. The starting line is split into three colors (two starting on the upper level of the Verrazzano bridge and one in the lower level) allowing space for everyone to settle into their race. The course is full of rolling hills and you are always going up or down, not a single flat mile here. You get to run through the five boroughs of the city, although the distance is not equally distributed. Staten Island is just where you start and a few meters on the Verrazzano Bridge, Queens and The Bronx are also a short distance, while Manhattan, where you go twice during the race, and Brooklyn are where you will spend most of the time.
Post-race. Along with your medal, you receive a bag of amenities: water, Gatorade, an apple, and pretzels. Be prepared to walk a lot after the race as the exit from the runners-only area is long, unless you are a VIP and have access to a shortcut.
My Takeaway
Judging strictly from the start to the finish line, NYC is the gold standard for crowd energy, but you definitely need to plan your pre- and post-race logistics carefully. If you plan to run only one of the eight majors, I strongly suggest you pick NYC. And to ease a little bit of the logistics pain, plan your stay close to the finish line.
Chicago Marathon
Quick Facts
First Run / Times Run: 2022 / 3 times (2022, 2023, 2024)
Entry method: Lottery and 2x Charity (American Cancer Society and Team for Kids)
Course type: Loop (Start and finish at Grant Park), flat
Overall rating: Best overall major for pre- and post-race logistics
Highlights
This race has the easiest logistics of all the majors I’ve run so far. With hotels just two blocks from the security checkpoints, you won't have to worry about being late and can easily avoid the worst of the porta-potty lines. The course is flat and fast, giving you a very high chance of getting a PR.
The Experience
Pre-race. The Expo is well-organized and lines move fast. It is easy to reach by train or bus, and some nearby hotels even offer shuttle service. On race morning, you can check a bag and use the porta-potties inside Grant Park. While I’ve never used them, the porta-potty lines can get insanely long; you can easily spend all your prep time waiting and feel like you aren’t moving. Also, the corrals can feel tight for the number of runners assigned to them. I’ve had to wait outside of my corral until the crowd started moving; don’t worry if this happens, they won’t close it on you and you will get in.
During the Race. There are a lot of runners around you, so you need to be careful if people are weaving or passing, but overall there is plenty of space for everyone. There is an underpass right after the start that can be very dark. If you plan to wear sunglasses for the race, make sure to take them off first so you can see any potholes or bumps in the road. After that, it is smooth sailing. The course is flat with support most of the time, though it can feel a bit quiet around the United Center where crowds thin out. Another mentally tough spot is around mile 22: you have to turn right while seeing other runners heading left toward the finish line, and you still have to cover about a mile and a half just to loop around and reach that same point.
Post-race. You did it, and you get a free beer: enjoy! There is also a post-race party in Grant Park open to the public where you can purchase extra food and beverages and meet up with your crew. If you stay near the finish line, you just have a short walk back to your room to rest.
My Takeaway
I’ve run Chicago 3 times because its logistics are the best and it is a well-balanced marathon. The course is flat and fast for a potential PR, the Expo is straightforward and accessible by public transportation, the post-race perks and party are fantastic, and the crowds are amazing, even if a bit lacking in a few isolated spots.
Tokyo Marathon
Quick Facts
First Run / Times Run: 2025 / 1 time
Entry method: Charity (Ronald McDonald House Charities)
Course type: Point-to-point (Shinjuku to Tokyo Station/Imperial Palace), flat
Overall rating: Incredible organization in all aspects before, during and after the race, and a course that, despite being flat, might be challenging with several out-and-back segments.
Highlights
Tokyo's public transportation system is excellent and it makes race-week logistics easy regardless of where you stay in the city. Everything is well organized, allowing your morning race to flow smoothly. The course is flat but has a few u-turns that might impact your pace.
The Experience
Pre-race. The Expo is easy to reach by train and it is well-organized. If you arrive before they open, you will find long lines but once the doors open, they move fast. There are two entrances, one for bib pick-up and the other for the public Expo; make sure you line up in the right one. It is known that marathon jackets sell out super quickly, but they might replenish a few times so you need to be willing to wait for one of them (online purchase outside of Japan is not possible). On race morning, you can check a bag and use the porta-potties inside the starting area. I used both and it was super easy and quick with lines for porta-potties moving with no delays. Are you a Megadeth fan? Pay attention to the starting line as Marty Friedman is playing while you cross it.
During the Race. As in every race, be careful if people are weaving or passing, but there is plenty of space for everyone. Roads are in perfect condition and there is no need to worry about potholes. Cut-off times are strictly enforced and they start around the 5K mark, the difference with other majors is that even if you have 7 hours to finish, if you fail to get to a checkpoint before they close it, you are not allowed to continue and finish the race. Every water station is organized with several tables numbered so there is plenty of fluids for everyone, read the instructions in your race booklet to know what table is for you. If you plan to use the bathrooms during the race, keep in mind that there are no porta-potties right on the course and you might have to walk/run several meters away from the course and back. Finally, the most difficult part of this race is all the out-and-backs and u-turns that might affect your pace and play with your mind seeing runners going in the opposite direction right next to you, but it is also a good chance to see the pros in action.
Post-race. The finish line is beautiful right in front of the Imperial Palace. There are plenty of perks for you to choose from and volunteers are super attentive in case you need any help. There are several exits depending on your bib color, charity and bag check so you need to plan accordingly; even if you have to walk a longer distance, Tokyo station is right next to you and logistics won’t be a problem to go back to your hotel.
My Takeaway
Logistics and the overall experience in Tokyo are amazing. Although the course is flat, it has two challenges: the out-and-backs with their u-turns and the strictly enforced cut-off times. Even if you have a 7-hour gun-time to finish, there are several cut-off points along the race so you really need to plan your race strategy carefully.
London Marathon
Quick Facts
First Run / Times Run: 2025 / 1 time
Entry method: Charity (Victa)
Course type: Point-to-point (Greenwich to Buckingham Palace), flat
Overall rating: Amazing crowd support in a flat course with just one single hill at the half. A great experience except for the post-race logistics.
Highlights
One of the largest field sizes of all Majors (competing with NYC year over year) on a flat, fast course with energetic crowds supporting you. The last miles and finish area are beautiful, London course saves the best for the last.
The Experience
Pre-race. The Expo at Excel London is well organized but getting your bib might take some time as they are printed on site when you claim it. Going to the Expo is easy by train, even if you go straight from the airport. Note that if you choose to be part of “Team Green” and want to check a bag, you must do it the day before close to the finish line. On race morning, getting to the starting point in Greenwich is made easy and convenient by the Tube (as the London underground train system is called). There are several starting areas and each has their own entrance; once inside, porta-potties and other amenities are available. The starting area is set in a huge greenfield. If you don’t feel like sitting on the grass because, say, it is super wet due to rain the day before, bring a blanket or plastic.
During the Race. The course is flat and fast although the first part has some speed bumps along the road and might feel a little cramped. In general, London streets are narrower than NYC’s (I compare these two as the field size is similar), but after running a few miles you can find your space. Tower Bridge is a great spot for a picture and it is right before the half point, around mile 12; also, it is where the most challenging hill of the course is. I know I said, and everyone does for that matter, it is flat, but there is one hill, which should not scare you. Right after passing this physical hurdle, a mental one comes up. You will turn right just before the mile 13 marker but the finish is to the left, and actually you will see runners in front of you who are heading in the opposite direction at mile 22. The last two miles are iconic. First, you run next to the Thames river, then pass right next to Buckingham Palace, to finish at The Mall.
Post-race. There are limited goodies after the race; I just received a bottled protein shake and water. You don’t have to walk much to get out of the runners-only area but the surrounding area is pure chaos. There are a lot of people around and catching public transportation is super hard. Be patient or be ready to walk... a lot!
My Takeaway
The London Marathon is great, it exceeded my expectations. Crowds are amazing and loud, they support you along the way and their intensity and energy increases as you get closer to the finish. The course has two challenges, a (very manageable) uphill and the mental hurdle of seeing runners at mile 22 when you are at mile 12-13. Other than that, you get great sightseeing in the city. As I said, the London course saves the best for the last.