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 Marathon | Tokyo, Japan | First Sunday of March |
| Boston Marathon | Boston, USA | Third Monday of April |
| London Marathon | London, UK | Last Sunday of April |
| Berlin Marathon | Berlin, Germany | Last Sunday of September |
| Chicago Marathon | Chicago, USA | Second Sunday of October |
| New York City Marathon | New York, USA | First 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 Marathon | £69.99 (UK) / £146 (International) |
| Berlin Marathon | $175–$200 |
| Chicago Marathon | $230 (US) / $240 (International) |
| New York City Marathon | $295 (US) / $358 (International) |
👉 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
👉 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 | $80,000 | Up to $100,000 for course/world record |
| Boston Marathon | $150,000 | Up to $50,000 for course/world record |
| London Marathon | $55,000 | Up to $100,000 for course/world record |
| Berlin Marathon | $50,000 | Up to $50,000 for world record |
| Chicago Marathon | $100,000 | $75,000 for world record |
| New York City Marathon | $100,000 | Up 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).
