Abbott World Marathon Majors (AWMM) - Six Races. Six Cities. One Legendary Journey!

By: Gopal Krushna Sahu

Publised Date: 25th Feb 2025



Abbott World Marathon Majors

The Abbott World Marathon Majors (AWMM) is a series of six of the world’s most prestigious marathons. These races are known for their elite competition, high participation, and global recognition.

1. Major Marathons & Tentative Dates

Marathon Location Tentative Date
Tokyo MarathonTokyo, JapanFirst Sunday of March
Boston MarathonBoston, USAThird Monday of April
London MarathonLondon, UKLast Sunday of April
Berlin MarathonBerlin, GermanyLast Sunday of September
Chicago MarathonChicago, USASecond Sunday of October
New York City MarathonNew York, USAFirst Sunday of November

2. Tentative Registration Fees

(Fees vary based on nationality, charity entry, and additional services)

Marathon Approximate Registration Fee
Tokyo Marathon$120–$150
Boston Marathon$225 (US) / $235 (International)
London MarathonΒ£69.99 (UK) / Β£146 (International)
Berlin Marathon$175–$200
Chicago Marathon$230 (US) / $240 (International)
New York City Marathon$295 (US) / $358 (International)

πŸ‘‰ Charity Entries: Runners can enter through charity organizations by raising a minimum fundraising amount (usually $1,500–$5,000 depending on the event).

3. Registration Criteria

πŸ‘‰ Each marathon has different entry methods, including lottery, qualifying times, charity, and tour operators.

A. Lottery Entry (Ballot System)

  • London, Tokyo, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City have a lottery system.
  • Runners apply and are randomly selected.

B. Qualifying Time Entry

  • Boston Marathon: Requires the strictest time qualifications.
  • Chicago, Berlin, Tokyo, London, and NYC have qualifying times, but not as strict as Boston.

Boston Marathon Qualifying Times (2025)

Age Group Qualifying Time (Men) Qualifying Time (Women)
18–34 3:00:00 3:30:00
35–39 3:05:00 3:35:00
40–44 3:10:00 3:40:00
45–49 3:20:00 3:50:00

(Times differ by age and gender. Runners must run a certified marathon within a specific window.)

C. Charity Entry

  • Runners can gain guaranteed entry by fundraising for designated charities.
  • Fundraising targets vary from $1,500 to $5,000 depending on the marathon.

D. Tour Operators

  • Runners can secure a spot through approved travel agencies offering marathon packages (includes race entry, hotel, etc.).

4. Prize Money

Each marathon offers prize money for elite runners, generally with bonus incentives for breaking course or world records.

Marathon Winner Prize Bonus for Record
Tokyo Marathon$80,000Up to $100,000 for course/world record
Boston Marathon$150,000Up to $50,000 for course/world record
London Marathon$55,000Up to $100,000 for course/world record
Berlin Marathon$50,000Up to $50,000 for world record
Chicago Marathon$100,000$75,000 for world record
New York City Marathon$100,000Up to $50,000 for course record
  • Additional Prize Money for Wheelchair Division: Around $20,000–$25,000 for winners.
  • Masters (40+ Age Category) Prize Money: Usually $5,000–$10,000.
  • AbbottWMM Series Champion Bonus: $250,000 for the overall champion (based on cumulative points from multiple races).

5. Six Star Medal


Runners who complete all six marathons receive the prestigious AbbottWMM Six Star Medal.

Final Thoughts

  • Participation: Over 250,000 runners across all six events yearly.
  • World Records: Berlin is known for the fastest course.
  • Boston: The only major requiring a qualifying time (no lottery for general entry).


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