How to enter the Abbott World Marathon Majors
The Abbott World Marathon Majors are among some of the most prestigious and sought-after marathons in the world. The series, set across Asia, Europe and North America consists of the largest and most renowned marathons in the world; the Tokyo Marathon, Boston Marathon, TCS London Marathon, BMW Berlin Marathon, Bank of America Chicago Marathon and the TCS New York City Marathon. The organisers of these events are united in their effort to advance the sport, raise awareness of its elite athletes and increase the level of interest in competitive marathon racing among running enthusiasts. As a result, demand for all of these marathons is high and entries can be hard to come by, as dedicated runners look to complete the set.
Here at Marathon Tours & Travel, we are keen to help runners of all abilities compete in the race of their dreams. This is our guide to how to get in to each individual Abbott World Marathon Major…
BMW Berlin Marathon – how to enter
A special event for a number of reasons, the 2024 Berlin Marathon promises to be even more special as the marathon celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Ballot: 2023 saw 47,912 runners enter the BMW Berlin Marathon. Participants must be aged 18 or older and must finish within the time limit of 6:15 hours. Applicants for the BMW Berlin Marathon will find out if they’ve made it in to the race on Wednesday, December 6, via email.
Entry with Marathon Tours & Travel: Guaranteed race entry with exclusive anniversary poster and 4 day public transport ticket included. Marathon Tours & Travel offer 3, 4 or 5-night packages staying at a choice of hotels, located within the course limits and the heart of the city centre. As part of our expertly created packages, we include invitations for you to take part in activities such as welcome reception, escorted race number pick up, warm-up runs, pre-race dinner, post-race celebrations and the Marathon Tours & Travel team will be on hand for guidance and support to help make your trip a fun, enjoyable and successful time.
Charity entry: Limited entries available
Boston Marathon – how to enter
Managed by the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) the Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon and ranks as one of the world’s most prestigious road racing events.
Ballot: Each runner must secure their own race entry with B.A.A. The Boston Marathon is the only Abbott World Marathon Major that requires a qualifying performance time.
Entry with Marathon Tours & Travel: We do not sell Boston Marathon race entries. Each runner must secure their bib directly with the B.A.A. Once you have secured your entry, we offer a wide choice of excellent hotels for the independent runner who requires accommodation only, all of which offer great value and ideally located for the marathon. Take a look at our packages here…
Charity entry: Limited entries available
Bank of America Chicago Marathon – how to enter
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is one of the most renowned marathons in the world, and is the location of the current world records for both the fastest men’s and women’s marathon times.
Ballot: Applicants for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon will find out if they’ve made it in to the race on Thursday, December 7, via email.
Entry with Marathon Tours & Travel: Guaranteed Chicago Marathon 2024 entry available. Marathon Tours & Travel offer 3, 4 or 5-night packages staying at deluxe accommodation, located within the course limits and the heart of the city centre. As part of our expertly created packages, we include invitations for you to take part in activities such as welcome reception, escorted race number pick up, warm-up runs, pre-race dinner, post-race celebrations and the Marathon Tours & Travel team will be on hand for guidance and support to help make your trip a fun, enjoyable and successful time. Unfortunately, we cannot sell race entry to full time residents of USA.
Charity entry: Limited entries available
TCS London Marathon – how to enter
The TCS London Marathon is one of the most famous marathons in the world, and Marathon Tours & Travel have held a strong relationship with the London Marathon team since our first trip in 1982.
Ballot: The ballot for the 2024 TCS London Marathon has now closed. Entries for the 2025 TCS London Marathon will open around the time of the 2024 marathon, which takes place on Sunday 21 April 2024. Stay up-to-date with the latest news by signing up to our newsletter.
Entry with Marathon Tours & Travel: Our London Marathon package with a guaranteed entry is sold out and the waitlist is closed. Due to high demand this was only available to our Seven Continents Club (SCC) Members. You can learn more about the SCC here. For 2025 packages, sign up to our newsletter.
Charity entry: Limited entries available
TCS New York City Marathon – how to enter
Starting out in 1970, the New York City Marathon has evolved from a local road race held entirely in Central Park, to what is now the world’s largest marathon.
Ballot: The ballot for the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon takes place from February 28 to March 21, 2024. The draw for accepted entries will take place on March 28, 2024.
Entry with Marathon Tours & Travel: Guaranteed entry without the need to enter a lottery. Marathon Tours & Travel offer 3, 4 or 5-night packages staying at deluxe accommodation, located within the course limits and the heart of Manhattan. As part of our expertly created packages, we include invitations for you to take part in activities such as welcome reception, escorted race number pick-up, warm-up runs, pre-race dinner, post-race celebrations and the Marathon Tours & Travel team will be on hand for guidance and support to help make your trip a fun, enjoyable and successful time. Unfortunately, we cannot sell race entry to full time residents of USA.
Charity entry: Limited entries available
Tokyo Marathon – how to enter
The Tokyo Marathon has become the most popular running event in Japan, if not the world, with about 320,000 runners vying for an entry through the lottery.
Ballot: The ballot for the 2024 Tokyo Marathon has now closed. Stay up-to-date with the latest news by signing up to our newsletter.
Entry with Marathon Tours & Travel: The best chance of securing an entry spot for future editions of the Tokyo Marathon is by signing up to our Seven Continents Club (SCC). SCC Members will receive priority for tour packages in high demand, as well as new destinations that are offered.
Charity entry: Charity entries for the 2024 Tokyo Marathon has now also closed.
For athletes across the globe, competing in an Abbott World Marathon Majors race is a significant accomplishment. Once you have successfully completed the six events, you will earn the Six Star Finisher Certificate and Six Star Finisher Medal. Following the 2023 Tokyo Marathon, more than 11,000 runners have completed this exclusive quest, with 96 runners having accomplished the Six Star journey more than once. We are proud to note that 360 of the 2023 Tokyo Marathon Six Star Finishers travelled with Marathon Tours & Travel.
Keep an eye out for further developments in the future as well; the Sydney Marathon is under consideration to be included as an Abbott World Marathon Major and could soon be included in the selection. Upon confirmation, the Sydney Marathon could become one of the most sought-after marathons in the world, so take a look at our packages here…
Marathon Tours & Travel works closely with the Abbott World Marathon Majors team and the individual race teams to enhance our runners (and their guests) experience, while pursuing their aspirational running goals. Marathon Tours & Travel can provide guaranteed entry to each of the races, convenient hotels and activities customised for each location. Our goal is to provide value, comradery, and a low-stress trip experience for our clients. Fancy competing in the Abbott World Marathon Majors? Book with Marathon Tours & Travel now…