Marathons: The Six Abbott World Marathon Majors

What are the six best marathons?

The six marathons widely regarded as the "best" due to their prestige, competitive fields, and global recognition are the Abbott World Marathon Majors: Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York City, and Tokyo.

Understanding Marathon Prestige: The World Marathon Majors

In the realm of endurance running, certain marathons stand out for their historical significance, elite competition, and unparalleled participant experience. While "best" can be subjective and depend on individual runner preferences, the consensus among the global running community points to the Abbott World Marathon Majors as the pinnacle of the sport. This series comprises six iconic races held annually in major international cities, drawing tens of thousands of runners and millions of spectators. Completing all six is a highly coveted achievement for amateur and professional athletes alike, earning them the prestigious Six Star Finisher medal.

These marathons are distinguished not only by their massive scale but also by their challenging qualification standards (for some), their deep fields of professional athletes, and the unique cultural and historical backdrops they offer. They represent the ultimate test of physical and mental fortitude, often serving as the culmination of years of dedicated training.

The Six Iconic Marathons: A Closer Look

Each of the Abbott World Marathon Majors offers a distinct experience, characterized by its unique course, atmosphere, and historical narrative.

1. Boston Marathon

• History and Prestige: The world's oldest annual marathon, first run in 1897. Its rich history and challenging qualification standards make it a dream race for many serious runners.
• Course Characteristics: Known for its hilly profile, particularly the infamous "Heartbreak Hill" in Newton. The course runs point-to-point from Hopkinton to downtown Boston.
• Why it's "Best": Its legacy, the rigorous qualification process (making it a race for accomplished runners), and the incredible crowd support along the entire route, especially through Wellesley College.

2. London Marathon

• Charity Focus: Renowned for its immense fundraising capacity, often generating more for charity than any other single-day event globally.
• Course Characteristics: A relatively flat and fast course that winds through historic London, passing landmarks like the Tower of London, Big Ben, and finishing in front of Buckingham Palace.
• Why it's "Best": The unparalleled enthusiasm of its spectators, the iconic landmarks, and its significant impact on charitable causes. Its ballot entry is notoriously difficult to secure.

3. Berlin Marathon

• Speed and Records: Widely considered the fastest marathon course in the world, responsible for numerous world records in both men's and women's categories.
• Course Characteristics: Exceptionally flat and well-paved, with wide roads and long straightaways, culminating in a finish line that passes through the Brandenburg Gate.
• Why it's "Best": Its reputation as a record-breaking course, the efficient organization, and the historic finish through one of Germany's most famous landmarks.

4. Chicago Marathon

• Urban Spectacle: Known for its large, enthusiastic crowds and its tour through 29 diverse neighborhoods of Chicago.
• Course Characteristics: Another very flat and fast course, making it popular for runners seeking personal bests. It starts and finishes in Grant Park.
• Why it's "Best": Its incredible crowd support, the architectural beauty of the city, and its accessibility as a major American marathon for achieving fast times.

5. New York City Marathon

• Global Celebration: The world's largest marathon by number of finishers, famous for its five-borough journey and incredible street party atmosphere.
• Course Characteristics: Begins on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, offering challenging climbs in the early miles before flattening out. It traverses all five boroughs, ending in Central Park.
• Why it's "Best": The unparalleled energy from millions of spectators, the unique experience of running through diverse neighborhoods, and its status as a global running pilgrimage.

6. Tokyo Marathon

• Culture and Hospitality: The newest addition to the World Marathon Majors, celebrated for its exceptional organization, polite crowds, and unique Japanese cultural experience.
• Course Characteristics: A relatively flat course that showcases Tokyo's modern skyline and traditional districts, starting at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and finishing near the Imperial Palace.
• Why it's "Best": Its immaculate organization, the respectful and enthusiastic Japanese crowds, and the opportunity to experience running in one of the world's most vibrant cities.

Beyond the Majors: What Makes a Marathon "Best" for You?

While the Abbott World Marathon Majors represent the pinnacle, the "best" marathon for an individual runner often depends on personal goals, preferences, and circumstances. Considerations include:

• Course Profile: Do you prefer a flat, fast course for a personal best (e.g., Berlin, Chicago), or a more challenging, hilly course (e.g., Boston, San Francisco) that tests your strength?
• Logistics & Travel: How accessible is the race location? What are the travel costs and accommodation options?
• Atmosphere & Support: Are you motivated by massive crowds and loud cheering (e.g., NYC, London), or do you prefer a smaller, more intimate race experience?
• Personal Goals: Are you aiming for a Boston Marathon qualifying time, seeking to complete your first marathon, or running for a specific charity?
• Timing & Climate: Does the race date align with your training schedule, and is the expected weather conducive to your performance?
• Scenery & Experience: Do you want to run through historic city streets, scenic natural landscapes, or alongside coastal views?

Preparing for a Major Marathon: Key Considerations

Entry into a World Marathon Major can be highly competitive, often requiring lottery entry, charity fundraising, or meeting stringent qualifying times. Regardless of the entry method, preparing for a 26.2-mile race demands meticulous planning and dedicated training.

• Training Demands: A structured training plan, typically 16-20 weeks, is essential. This includes progressive long runs, speed work, tempo runs, cross-training, strength training, and adequate rest.
• Qualifying & Entry: Research the specific entry requirements for your chosen race well in advance. Boston requires a qualifying time for your age group, while others heavily rely on lottery systems or charity entries.
• Race Day Strategy: Develop a comprehensive race day plan, including nutrition (carbohydrate loading), hydration, pacing strategy, and gear selection. Practicing these elements during training is crucial.
• Recovery: Post-marathon recovery is as important as the training itself. Focus on active recovery, proper nutrition, hydration, and rest to facilitate physiological adaptation and prevent injury.

Conclusion: Your Marathon Journey

The six Abbott World Marathon Majors offer unparalleled experiences and represent the zenith of competitive and recreational marathon running. While they stand as global benchmarks, the "best" marathon ultimately aligns with your individual aspirations and the unique journey you wish to embark upon. Whether you aim for a Six Star Finisher medal or a local race with personal significance, the pursuit of 26.2 miles is a testament to human resilience and dedication.