The Six Stars of Marathon Running
The Abbott World Marathon Majors represent the pinnacle of marathon running. Completing all six earns you the coveted Six Star Medal — a feat accomplished by fewer than 10,000 runners worldwide. Here's your comprehensive guide to each race.
1. Boston Marathon
When: Third Monday of April (Patriots' Day)
Entry: Qualifying times required (BQ), plus lottery for charity runners
Course: Point-to-point, Hopkinton to Boston — net downhill but hilly
Boston is the world's oldest annual marathon (since 1897) and the only major requiring qualification. Current BQ standards range from 3:00:00 (M 18-34) to 5:25:00 (F 80+), but you'll typically need to beat your BQ by 5+ minutes due to the cutoff. The course features the famous Newton Hills at miles 16-21, with Heartbreak Hill the last of four climbs. Don't go out too fast on the downhill start — save energy for the hills. The Wellesley "Scream Tunnel" at mile 13 is unforgettable.
2. New York City Marathon
When: First Sunday of November
Entry: Lottery (drawing in March), time qualification, or charity
Course: Five boroughs — starts on Staten Island, finishes in Central Park
The NYC Marathon is the world's largest marathon with 50,000+ finishers. The course crosses all five boroughs: Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan. The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge start is iconic, and the roar of First Avenue (mile 16) gives you chills. The late-race hills in Central Park are deceptively tough on tired legs. November weather can range from 40°F to 65°F — layer up at the start and shed as you warm up.
3. Chicago Marathon
When: Second Sunday of October
Entry: Lottery or time qualification
Course: Loop through 29 neighborhoods — fast and flat
Chicago is the BQ hunter's dream. The flat, fast course through the city's diverse neighborhoods makes it one of the best for chasing personal records. October weather is usually ideal (45-60°F), though wind off Lake Michigan can be a factor. The crowd support is legendary — 1.7 million spectators line the course. If you're chasing a PR or BQ, this is your race.
4. London Marathon
When: Late April
Entry: Ballot (lottery), Championship entry, or charity
Course: Greenwich to The Mall, past iconic landmarks
London's ballot has a ~3% acceptance rate — it's one of the hardest majors to enter. The course passes the Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, and Buckingham Palace. The charity entry system is a huge part of London's culture — runners raise hundreds of millions of pounds for good causes. The atmosphere on the Embankment in the final miles is electric. Pack for variable British weather.
5. Berlin Marathon
When: Last Sunday of September
Entry: Lottery or time qualification
Course: Loop through the city — world record fast
Berlin has produced more marathon world records than any other course. The flat, smooth roads and mild September weather create perfect racing conditions. The finish through the Brandenburg Gate is one of the most dramatic in running. Eliud Kipchoge set the world record here (2:01:09) in 2018, and it remains the course to beat for elite and amateur PRs alike.
6. Tokyo Marathon
When: First Sunday of March
Entry: Lottery (extremely competitive)
Course: Shinjuku to Tokyo Station — flat and fast
Tokyo offers an experience unlike any other major. Japanese running culture is deeply respectful — spectators bow and cheer quietly at some points, then erupt at others. The course passes the Imperial Palace, Asakusa's Sensoji Temple, and through the Ginza district. The organization is immaculate, with aid stations offering everything from water to red bean paste. March weather can be cold (40-50°F), so dress in layers.
The Abbott Six Star Medal
Complete all six World Marathon Majors and you'll earn the Six Star Medal at your final finish line. There's no time limit — some runners take decades to complete all six. The medal ceremony is emotional, and you'll join an elite community of global marathon travelers.
Ready to start your Six Star journey? Search for World Marathon Major events on EnduranceFinder and plan your next race destination.
