The Abbott World Marathon Majors is the most prestigious marathon series in the world, hosting over 250,000 runners per year, with millions applying for a bib. Many runners in our audience are working toward their Six Star Medal (I only need 1 more star).
In broad strokes there are basically 4 ways to get into each one if you are a non-elite runner.
- Enter the lottery
- Run for charity
- Qualify with a fast time
- Travel with a tour company
In this detailed guide we will go through each Major in calendrical order and talk about the nuances of getting in. Please note that this post is written in 2025. Qualifying times and other details are subject to change.
The Tokyo Marathon
The Tokyo Marathon is held toward the end of February or beginning of March in Japan. They receive approximately 300,000 entries for 37,000 spots. This well organized marathon has a point to point course that is mostly flat and runs through famous parts of the city. Trevor and I ran the 2024 Tokyo Marathon for the charity Room to Read.
1. Enter the Lottery.
What are the odds? According to what we could find, the acceptance rate has been around 8-10% due to high demand. For 2025, the total field size was around 37,500 runners, with roughly 25,000–30,000 slots allocated to the general entry lottery (the rest go to charity, elite, and other categories). Applications for the 2025 race were reported to be close to 300,000. We tried the lottery for many years before going the charity route last year.
Secondary Lottery Chances
If you become a One Tokyo Global member you get a secondary lottery chance for entry to the marathon for a yearly fee of 30,000 yen (which is around $204 USD). About 8,000 spots are given out this way. You can also participate in their virtual events which provide another chance at the lottery. Also, if you get three unsuccessful lottery drawings you get entered into another lottery (which consists of around 3,800 spots). We can’t find info on how much your odds increase by being a One Tokyo Global Member
If you have completed all the other Majors and only need Tokyo, there is a special lottery held by Abbot where 100 entries are given out so people can reach their six star goal.
2. Run for Charity
The charity program is called Run with Heart and around 5,000 entry spots are typically available this way. What you need to know is that people bid on the charity spots. Once the doors open, you can go look at a list of charities on the website and select one to apply for. In 2025 there were 39 donor organizations. Some of them only accept runners from Japan. The charity will list a minimum donation (around $700) and then you pledge how much you will donate beyond this number. It is like a silent auction. Charities will obviously choose the highest donations. The donation does not include your race entry fee. Our charity Room to Read wanted runners to raise $4k each.
3. Qualify with a fast time. (Super fast)
Through the Run as One program, semi-elite overseas runners who achieve a qualifying time in a World Athletics Label Road Race can apply through the Japan Association of Athletics Federation. Marathon qualifying times for men are currently sub 2:28 and sub 3:09 for women. There are only 25 male and 25 female bibs available through this program and they take the fastest qualifiers.
4. Go with a Tour Company
See the Tokyo Marathon website for a list of International Tour Operators who have guaranteed entries. There is currently only 1 tour operator for North America: Marathon Tours & Travel. You have to book their travel package which starts around $4440 for 5 nights. The packages are in high enough demand that they recommend you join the Seven Continents Club ($200 one-time fee) so you get first dibs.
Our friends at Sports Tours International has offices in the UK, France, and Ireland that offer tour packages to residents of those countries. Their USA office is working to get approved for Tokyo as well. For reference, UK runners can get a double/twin room for five nights, race bib, and other perks starting round £4,459.00 per person.
Other Ways to Get Into the Tokyo Marathon
- Go as a Support/Guide Runner. Every physically challenged runner is able to have a single support runner.
- Apply to be a Pacer. There are around 45 total spots and you have to be a member of One Tokyo Global to apply. Coach Kris on our team ran it this year as a 3:30 pacer. She said it helps if you have paced for affiliate majors.
The Boston Marathon
The Boston Marathon is held every April (Patriot’s Day) and has a challenging point to point course with notoriously fickle weather. The Boston Marathon is the oldest marathon in the world dating back to 1897. The first starting field had 15 participants and the race now hosts around 30,000 runners. I’ve run the Boston Marathon three times as a qualifier (in 2015, 2021, and 2022).
There is no general Lottery for the Boston Marathon.
1. Run a Qualifying Time
Qualifying times must be run in a certified marathon within a specific timeframe before the application window. You can check the BAA website for full details on qualifying times, which change every few years based on demand for race spots.
Beware of the cut-offs! When I first qualified for Boston I finished 3 minutes and 48 seconds under my qualifying time. The cutoff that year was 1 minute and 2 seconds. For the 2025 race the time required under your qualifying time was 6:51 faster. 24,069 applicants were accepted and 12,324 were not accepted.
We coach a lot of runners who are working on a BQ. Our client Robin Walters, for example, is running Boston this year having qualified in 2024. You can hear her story in this podcast episode. We also just released an interview with a community member named Debbie Gelber who trained with me to break 4 hours and get her BQ.
2. Run for Charity
The Boston Marathon has nearly 150 charity partners with fundraising amounts on the higher side. The BAA requires a minimum of $5k but charities set their own number and it is often $10-15k.
3. Go with a Tour Company
If you live internationally you may be able to get a spot with a tour group that services your country. Tour operators offer the best value, in my opinion, because for about $4,000 you get a bib and hotel. But they sell out quick! For context, hotels on marathon weekend are legendarily expensive! If you stay near the finish line it can run you $1000 a night whereas if you look at those same rooms 1 week earlier they are less than $200 a night. If you are on a budget, you can look for a room out by Logan Airport which is cheaper. Public transportation in Boston is good. Unfortunately if you live in the US or Canada you can’t run Boston with a tour company.
Other Ways to Get Into the Boston Marathon
- Sponsors: Do you know anyone at Bank of America or Adidas? Big sponsors get a certain amount of race invitations to hand out. It’s often not what you know, but who you know. I think every sponsor gets some bibs and they will often do contests or give-aways.
- BAA Team: If you live in the New England area you can join BAA Team at the pro, elite, and club level and they give their members certain privileges to get into the marathon.
- Support guide: If you want to assist an impaired athlete that you know and they have an entry you can get a bib as a support guide.
The London Marathon
The London Marathon is held every April. In the last few years it has become notoriously difficult to gain entry, especially through the lottery. There were a record of 840,000 applications through the lottery for the 2025 race. Trevor and I ran the London Marathon in 2019.
1. Enter the Lottery
What are the odds? The odds for getting in through the lottery are even lower than Tokyo and currently stand at around 4%. Random ballot opens the day before the current marathon and remains open for 1 week. The odds are so low because the London Marathon is massively popular. 840,318 people applied to run the 2025 London Marathon. This figure comes from the public ballot, which saw a record-breaking number of applications.
There is a separate UK ballot that gives you better odds. The ballot entry for next year opens shortly after the marathon takes place. If you’re a member of a British Athletics running club you may be eligible to get an entry if you’re among the first two to enter. Usually 1,500 spots are given out this way.
2. Run for Charity
Many charity organizations require a minimum commitment of 2,000 pounds. The good news is that the charity commitment for London is usually lower than Boston, often $2,200 to $3,000. The charity spots usually open right after the ballot results (April-May for the next year’s race) and fill up quickly. We ran the London Marathon to raise money for the John Muir Trust.
3. Run a Qualifying Time
London has the Good for Age Entry for UK residents. If you’ve met a specific qualifying time in a certified marathon you can apply during a specific time period (this does not give you guaranteed entry). About 6,000 entries are given out this way and they take the fastest times first.
There is also a Championship Entry for elite and high performing amateur runners (faster qualifying times than Good for Age). You do not have to live in the UK to qualify. For the 2025 marathon the standards were: Men- sub 2:40 marathon, sub 1:12:30 HM, women- sub 3:10 marathon, sub 1:28 HM. Check the race websites for the current standards.
4. Go with a Tour Operator
We highly recommend Sports Tours International USA! There are actually about eight tour operators in the USA to get a bib from but we are biased towards Sports Tours since they sponsor the podcast! Just a heads up that they sell out fast every year. For around $4,000 you get a guaranteed bib, 4 nights in a 4-5 star hotel with breakfast included, pre-race briefing, private coach transfer to the start line, and a huge afterparty.
Other Ways to Get Into the London Marathon
- Disabled Runner: there are various entry methods for runners with a disability.
- Go as a guide or support runner.
- Pacer: there are over 130 pacers at the marathon and you must be part of the official pace team.
- Race Sponsor: most race sponsors get free entries.
- Follow the London Marathon Social Media account: they have run contests in the past giving away free entries.
The Sydney Marathon
The Sydney Marathon is held in September in Sydney, Australia. It was started in 2001 as a legacy race following the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. It has grown steadily over the years and for the last three years was in consideration for a WMM spot (approved to start in 2025). It hosts around 35,000 runners from around the world and has a scenic point to point course.
What about the Six Star Program?
When Sydney was announced it cause a lot of confusion for those working on getting their six stars. The World Marathon Majors has clarified that the Six Star Program is remaining in place for now. From the website,
Sydney became the seventh Major in November 2024, but the Six Star medal remains in place for the original six. Abbott World Marathon Majors is evaluating two more candidates: Cape Town and Shanghai. Should these races pass their evaluations, the Nine Star medal will be introduced in addition to the Six Star medal. Please note: the Six Star medal will be awarded for the original six only.
1. Enter the Lottery
What are the odds? Since Sydney just became a major, we don’t know what the odds are for getting in via lottery. It might not be too bad. There is a general ballot in December. The 2025 ballot saw an eight-fold increase in international applications compared to 2024, with interest from runners in 156 countries.
2. Run for Charity
There are a variety of charity partners available and each charity sets its own minimum. From what I’ve been able to find, you can expect to raise between $3,000-$5,000 AUD.
3. Go with a Tour Operator
Check the website to see if there is a tour operator in your country. There are currently 5 US based tour operators to choose from. Sports Tours USA has sold out of their 2025 packages but, to give you an idea, they sell them starting at $1,845 for 5 nights with tons of perks.
Additional Way to Get a Bib for the Sydney Marathon
Candidacy Club: runners who completed the marathon in 2022, 2023, or 2024 were offered a guaranteed entry to the race in 2025, 2026 or 2027.
The Berlin Marathon
The Berlin Marathon is held every September in Germany and has one of the flattest and fastest courses. It was started in 1974 and had a total of 244 finishers that year. In 2024 it set a record of 54,280 finishers and had an estimated 1 million spectators. Trevor and I ran the Berlin Marathon in 2016 and we got in through the lottery.
1. Enter the Lottery
What are the odds? We got into the Berlin Marathon through the lottery on our first try on a team entry. Historically, the lottery pool gets around 170,000 applicants for roughly 35,000 general entry slots. That’s a 20.6% chance. Check the website to see the entry dates. It is usually between Oct-Nov with the results announced in Dec. You can apply to the lottery individually or as a team of up to 3 people— if you register as a team the first person choses the team name and gets a code which is used for the other team members to register, if one team member gets chosen then all get in.
2. Run for Charity
They have around 120 charity partners with the commitment being around 2,500-4,000 Euros and the spots fill up.
3. Run with a qualifying time.
Fast runners with a qualifying time at an official race that is part of the Abbott WMM Wanda Age Group World Rankings from the past two years are eligible to apply (not a guarantee of entry). Current marathon standards for males up to 44 years must run under 2:45; up to age 59 must run under 2:55; age 60 and older must run under 3:25. Females up to age 44 must run under 3:10; up to 59 under 3:30, over 60 must run a 4:20. Please check the website for current standards.
4. Go with a Tour Operator
If you go the the website you will see a map of all the countries with tour operators. The USA has six tour operators. Last year Trevor went to the Berlin Marathon with our podcast sponsor Sports Tours International USA and loved it! In addition to a guaranteed bib they put you up in a hotel near the Brandenburg Gate and give their guests tons of support on race weekend.
Other Ways to Get into the Berlin Marathon
- Media Selection: there are a limited number of bibs reserved for members of the media who want to run and report on their experience.
- Jubilee Club (those who have completed 10+ Berlin Marathons)
- Skate to Run: if you inline skate the Berlin Marathon and finish before the 2:10 cutoff you get a guaranteed entry to the next year’s running marathon.
The Chicago Marathon
Trevor and I ran Chicago in 2014, it was marathon number 26 for me.
1. Enter the Lottery
What are the odds?. The lottery usually happens in November and historically around 50% of runners get in through the lottery. However, with more runners applying every year the odds are now probably around 20-25% from what we’ve read. You should submit your application as soon as the lottery opens. I got into Chicago on a qualifying time and Trevor got in via the lottery on his first try.
2. Run for Charity
There are around 200 charity partners and fundraising requirements start at $1,500 for early entrants to $2,100 for later entry. About 10,000 entries come from this program. Each charity team has their own requirements. In general it’s a lower amount and not the $10k+ you need to raise to get into Boston.
3. Run a Qualifying Time
You can qualify on a USATF certified marathon course. The standards appear tougher than Boston but Chicago does not have a cutoff. Chicago’s times guarantee entry if met and verified.
4. Go Through a Tour Operator
If you live internationally you can go through a tour operator in your country. If you live in the US you are out of luck. However, there’s a potential workaround through the Seven Continents Club at Marathon Tours & Travel. If you’re a U.S. resident and an SCC member (meaning you’re chasing marathons on all seven continents), their U.S. branch sometimes offers guaranteed Chicago Marathon entries bundled with travel packages.
Other Ways to Get a Bib for the Chicago Marathon
- Bank of America Chicago Distance series: if you complete a series of three races in one year you can get guaranteed entry into next years marathon. The races are Shamrock Shuffle 8k, Chicago 13.1, and Chicago Marathon. Each race fills up quickly.
- Para Athletics: must meet specific criteria.
- Duo Team Participant: an athlete who is pushing a permanently disabled person in a competition wheelchair.
- Guide Runner: visually impaired runners need guides. If you know a blind runner you can partner with them or check out United in Stride which is an organization that connects visually impaired runners and guides.
- Legacy Runners: if you’ve completed the race 5 times in the last 10 years you can get a guaranteed entry.
The New York City Marathon
The New York City Marathon is held every November in New York, U.S. The New York Road Runners (NYRR) owns and operates the TCS New York City Marathon. Founded in 1958 as a small running club, NYRR has grown into the primary organizer of this iconic race, which it first staged in 1970 with just 127 runners looping Central Park. The entry fee was $1. Now the entry fee is $315 for US residents and $363 for non-US residents.
Neither Trevor nor I have run this race yet, although we’ve hosted meet ups for listeners there. This point to point course can be challenging and goes through the five city boroughs.
1. Enter the Lottery
What are the odds? The NYRR announced that 2-3% of applicants were selected to run the 2025 edition of the race. I recently received my 16th rejection through the lottery. The application window is a couple weeks in February and drawing is early March. NYC hosts the largest marathon in the world and it’s also one of the hardest to gain entry to through the lottery.
There is a second chance drawing for members of NYRR.
2. Run for Charity
NYC Marathon partners with a number of great charities every year and many of them fill up very fast. Most require a commitment of $4000 and above.
3. Run a Qualifying Time
The standards are tougher than Boston but you can qualify with a half marathon time. There is no published cut off time but they take the fastest people first.
Head-to-Head Comparison withe Boston
Men 18–34: NYC 2:53 vs. Boston 3:00 → NYC is 7 minutes tougher.
Men 35–39: NYC 2:55 vs. Boston 3:05 → NYC is 10 minutes tougher.
Men 40–44: NYC 2:58 vs. Boston 3:10 → NYC is 12 minutes tougher.
Men 45–49: NYC 3:05 vs. Boston 3:20 → NYC is 15 minutes tougher.
Men 50–54: NYC 3:14 vs. Boston 3:25 → NYC is 11 minutes tougher.
Women 18–34: NYC 3:13 vs. Boston 3:30 → NYC is 17 minutes tougher.
Women 35–39: NYC 3:15 vs. Boston 3:35 → NYC is 20 minutes tougher.
Women 40–44: NYC 3:19 vs. Boston 3:40 → NYC is 21 minutes tougher.
Women 45–49: NYC 3:26 vs. Boston 3:50 → NYC is 24 minutes tougher.
Women 50–54: NYC 3:35 vs. Boston 4:00 → NYC is 25 minutes tougher.
3. Go with a Tour Operator
If you come from a country outside the US that has an associated tour company you may purchase a travel package. There are 3 in Canada. Marathon Tours & Travel’s U.S. branch offers guaranteed NYC Marathon entries to U.S.-based Seven Continents Club (SCC) members. You’d need to join SCC ($200 one-time payment), book a package (three nights minimum, likely $1,000–$2,000+).
Other Ways to Get into the NYC Marathon
- 9+1 Program: run nine NYRR races and volunteer once during a calendar year and you are eligible to get a guaranteed entry to the following year’s race.
- Virtual Racing: runners who completed the Virtual NYC Marathon the year before gain entry to the following years race.
- Legacy: if you’ve Completed 15+: runners who have completed 15+ NYC Marathons are able to guarantee a bib.
- 5k & 10k Memberships: Members of NYRR who donate at the 5K and 10K level receive guaranteed entry to the TCS New York City Marathon among other annual benefits in thanks for their support of NYRR’s mission to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running.
Other Ways to Get into the Majors Through Abbott
- Join the WMM Global Run Club and enter special virtual half marathons that you can complete to earn an entry into a special lottery to get into a Major.
- Abbott WMM Gold Club: this is a paid club with added bonuses including extra lottery draws, there is currently a waitlist as they only open to a certain number of people per year. https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/gold-club
- Abbot WMM: if you have already run 4+ WMM except Boston there is a special selection process offered over at their website, usually in November before the race.
- Use Marriott Convoy Points to bid on an entry spot into all WMM using your points.
Conclusion
Is it worth trying to get into the World Marathon Majors? We think it is. Having run Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, and Chicago I can speak to the incredible energy of these events (and cities). And they are becoming ever more popular.
Besides, what other premier sporting event allows you to participate on the same turf as the elites? You might love soccer but if you go to a World Cup game they don’t let the masses out on the field to kick a ball around. You might love Formula One Racing but can you drive your mini-van around the track? Running is truly a democratized sport.
We also dive into this topic on the podcast. Listen to our 2 part podcast series on ‘How to Get Into the World Marathon Majors’.
