World Marathon Majors: 2026 Race Calendar
The World Marathon Majors are the most prestigious marathon races in the world. These iconic events attract elite runners, charity participants and everyday runners alike. Completing even one Major is a huge achievement. Running multiple can put you on the path to earning elite-level recognition within the Abbott World Marathon Majors series.
This article lists every major marathon in the 2026 season, where they take place, their confirmed dates and official websites. It also gives you insights into what makes each race special and tips on the gear you might want with you on race day.
What Are the World Marathon Majors?
The World Marathon Majors (also called AbbottWMM) are a globally recognised series of long distance races including the biggest city marathons in the world. They bring together world class competition and massive participation from runners of all abilities.:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
The Majors series currently includes seven marathon events in 2026:
- Tokyo Marathon
- Boston Marathon
- London Marathon
- Sydney Marathon
- Berlin Marathon
- Chicago Marathon
- New York City Marathon
Some candidate races such as Cape Town may join the list in future seasons if they meet qualification standards.:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
World Marathon Majors 2026 Dates and Locations
Below you’ll find details on each race, where it’s held, the 2026 date and a link to the official website so you can learn how to register or plan your travel.
| Marathon Major | Location | 2026 Date | Official Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Marathon | Tokyo, Japan | 1 March 2026 | marathon.tokyo |
| Boston Marathon | Boston, Massachusetts, USA | 20 April 2026 | baa.org/boston-marathon |
| London Marathon | London, United Kingdom | 26 April 2026 | londonmarathonevents.co.uk |
| Sydney Marathon | Sydney, Australia | 30 August 2026 | tcssydneymarathon.com |
| Berlin Marathon | Berlin, Germany | 27 September 2026 | bmw-berlin-marathon.com |
| Chicago Marathon | Chicago, Illinois, USA | 11 October 2026 | chicagomarathon.com |
| New York City Marathon | New York City, New York, USA | 1 November 2026 | nyrr.org/tcsnycmarathon |
These seven races make up the official series for the Abbott World Marathon Majors in 2026. They span Asia, North America, Europe and Australia, offering distinct marathon experiences across global terrains and cultures.
What Makes Each Major Unique?
Tokyo Marathon
As the first of the Majors each season, the Tokyo Marathon offers vibrant city scenery, fast races and huge spectator support. Many runners use this as their first World Marathon Major experience.
Boston Marathon
The Boston Marathon is legendary for its challenging course and rich history. It’s one of the oldest annual marathons in the world and a bucket list race for many.
London Marathon
The London Marathon is famous for its diverse crowd, philanthropically driven entries and iconic landmarks along the route. The course is typically fast with lots of cheering supporters.
Sydney Marathon
One of the newest additions to the Majors, Sydney Marathon showcases striking harbour views and offers a unique scenic challenge for runners.
Berlin Marathon
Berlin’s flat, smooth course is known as one of the fastest in the World Marathon Majors series. Many world records have been set on this course
Chicago Marathon
The Chicago Marathon is another fast and level course that sees huge international participation. It’s well known for excellent organisation and crowd support.
New York City Marathon
NYC Marathon offers a truly global race experience. The event traverses all five boroughs and finishes in Central Park, making it both scenic and culturally rich.
How to Approach Training for the Majors
Preparing for a World Marathon Major requires smart planning. Many runners follow structured training blocks lasting 16–20 weeks with a mix of long runs, easy runs, strength sessions and recovery days. For detailed marathon training plans and gear advice, explore the training tips and performance blog on STRYQ. Keeping mileage consistent, prioritising rest and building strength all help reduce injury risk and improve performance.
Gear to Take You Through the World Marathon Majors
Running across multiple World Marathon Majors means you also need reliable running gear. Comfortable socks, hydration and storage can make all the difference on race day:
- Secure and minimal bounce storage such as the STRYQ Running Belt to hold gels, keys and phone.
- Hydration and storage solutions like the STRYQ Running Vest for long race days or hot conditions.
- High quality running shoes suited to your gait and race goals.
- Technical running socks with blister prevention and moisture management.
For more gear inspiration, visit the STRYQ Running Socks collection, designed to complement your marathon footwear and enhance comfort on long training runs and race day itself.
FAQ
How many World Marathon Majors are there in 2026?
There are seven World Marathon Majors in 2026. These include Tokyo, Boston, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago and New York City.:contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Which Major race is first in the year?
The Tokyo Marathon is first on 1 March 2026, followed by Boston and London in April.:contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Can I run all seven Majors in 2026?
It’s theoretically possible to enter all seven but would require careful planning around qualifications, travel and recovery between races. Most runners focus on one or two Majors per season.