In 2026, the Abbott World Marathon Majors will once again captivate the globe with a compelling seven-race series, spanning Asia, Europe, Australia and North America.
Each event boasts its own distinct character, history and racing dynamic, yet together they represent the pinnacle of marathon competition worldwide.
Here is the confirmed 2026 World Marathon Majors calendar:
- Tokyo Marathon – 1 March 2026
- Boston Marathon – 20 April 2026
- London Marathon – 26 April 2026
- Sydney Marathon – 30 August 2026
- Berlin Marathon – 27 September 2026
- Chicago Marathon – 11 October 2026
- New York City Marathon – 1 November 2026
Seven races. Seven cities. One global championship narrative.
Season Opener in Asia
The series commences with the Tokyo Marathon on 1 March. Renowned for its flat course and meticulous organisation, Tokyo has become a consistent stage for fast times and tactical, early-season showdowns. Elite athletes often use Tokyo to establish their form for the year, and occasionally to pursue course records.
April: A Month of Marathon Royalty
April remains the heart of the marathon calendar.
The Boston Marathon, on 20 April, returns to its traditional Patriots’ Day slot. With its point-to-point course from Hopkinton to Boylston Street, Boston remains the ultimate test of racing intelligence, strength and endurance. In Boston, you don’t just run; you compete.
Six days later, the London Marathon, on 26 April, offers a different dynamic: deep elite fields, aggressive pacing and often the fastest head-to-head racing of the spring season. London has become a proving ground for Olympic champions, world record holders and emerging stars alike.
The April double-header – Boston and London – continues to define legacies.
Sydney’s Growing Influence
The Sydney Marathon, on 30 August, strengthens the Majors’ global reach. As the newest addition to the series, Sydney represents the championship’s expansion into Oceania, adding a late-summer championship feel before the traditional autumn races in Europe and America.
Its inclusion reshapes how athletes structure their seasons. With Sydney now part of the mix, the Majors truly encompass the globe.
Fall Speed Season
The Berlin Marathon, on 27 September, remains synonymous with world records. Its flat, fast course has witnessed some of the greatest performances in distance running history. For athletes chasing records, Berlin is often the preferred battleground.
Two weeks later, the Chicago Marathon, on 11 October, continues the speed theme. Chicago’s downtown course has produced extraordinary times and dramatic finishes. It blends American racing culture with global elite competition in one of the sport’s most electrifying settings.
The Grand Finale in New York
The New York City Marathon concludes the 2026 series on 1 November. Five boroughs, 26.2 miles and over two million spectators lining the course. New York is rarely about world records; it’s about resilience, atmosphere and championship racing. It’s the ultimate test of strength over speed.
The hills of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and the roar in Central Park ensure that the season ends with drama.
The Bigger Picture
The 2026 calendar highlights the evolution of the World Marathon Majors into a truly global championship. With seven events spanning three continents, the series now demands strategic planning from elite athletes and offers recreational runners the opportunity to pursue the coveted Six (now Seven) Star journey.
For professionals, the Majors series often determines annual rankings, sponsorship leverage and historical standing. For age-group runners, it represents a bucket-list achievement. For fans, it offers almost nine months of high-level marathon drama.
From Tokyo’s precision to Boston’s grit, London’s speed, Sydney’s emergence, Berlin’s records, Chicago’s rhythm and New York’s spectacle – the 2026 World Marathon Majors promise another unforgettable season.
SOURCE: MY BEST RUNS
