The Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) is a series of seven (previously six) of the largest and most renowned marathons worldwide: Tokyo, Boston, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago, and New York. TCS Sydney Marathon was added to the original six-race series as we reported last year and will be held on Sunday, 31 August 2025.

The AbbottWMM series incorporates an annual masters competition, now known as the AbbottWMM Marathon Tours & Travel Age Group World Championships, which is due to be held within the TCS New York City Marathon on Sunday, 2 November 2025. The new name reflects the sponsorship by the Approved International Tour Operator for AbbottWMM events.

This year's Age Group Championships in New York will see 2,429 qualified runners from 85 nations, including 11 defending champions among the 657 who competed last year. The USA will have the greatest representation, with 846 competitors, but Britain has the next largest team with 304 runners, followed by Japan (186) and Canada (155).

Marathon Tours & Travel is your top tour provider for any of the AbbottWMM races, whether or not you have secured an entry to one of these prestigious events. If you are unsuccessful in the entry process, Marathon Tours & Travel offers guaranteed race entry as part of their travel packages. There are bespoke tours available for all qualified participants in the AbbottWMM Marathon Tours & Travel Age Group World Championships at New York this year, and at Cape Town in 2026 – click here to learn more.

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon and Shanghai Marathon are currently in the AbbottWMM candidacy process. They will become the eighth and ninth in the series if they pass and meet the credentials required to become an Abbott World Marathon Major. The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon should join the series in 2026, and the Shanghai Marathon will join in 2027, subject to both meeting the criteria.

The revised AbbottWMM draw process and Runner Portal, which is how runners will be able to claim their place at any Abbott World Major Marathon, is explained here.

Full details of Marathon Tours & Travel trips are available here.

Photo of Berlin Marathon courtesy Marathon Tours & Travel website