World Marathon Majors Explained: Cities, Dates and Past Winners

A record 59,830 runners finished the 2026 London Marathon, and Sabastian Sawe ran 1:59:30 at the front. So that one Sunday sums up why the World Marathon Majors matter. Seven big city races now sit in one series, and each one has its own story. So which cities are on the list, when do they run, and who has won lately? Here’s a clear guide to all of it.

What Are the World Marathon Majors?

First, the World Marathon Majors began in 2006. At the start, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York City joined forces to showcase the sport’s top level. Then Tokyo was added in 2012. After that, Sydney became the seventh member in 2025, after being named in November 2024. As a result, the series now spans four continents.

Still, the list may keep growing. Meanwhile, Cape Town staged its first edition on 24 May 2026, and Shanghai faces an assessment on 6 December 2026. Because both are in the expansion talk, the World Marathon Majors could look different within a few years. For now, the seven races below form the core calendar. Because the list can change, always check the official series site for the current count.

World Marathon Majors Dates for 2026

Here’s how the 2026 season ran, step by step. Notably, every race falls on a Sunday except Boston, which runs on a Monday. Meanwhile, the final race of the year is still to come.

• Tokyo: Sunday 1 March
• Boston: Monday 20 April
• London: Sunday 26 April
• Sydney: Sunday 30 August
• Berlin: Sunday 27 September
• Chicago: Sunday 11 October
• New York City: Sunday 1 November

New York comes next, and it’s a milestone edition. Meanwhile, the TCS New York City Marathon marks the 50th anniversary of the five-borough course. New York Road Runners received more than 240,000 applications for the drawing, which was announced on 4 March. In fact, it’s also the largest marathon in the world. Looking ahead, Tokyo returns on 7 March 2027, and Boston follows on 19 April 2027.

Past Winners of the World Marathon Majors

2026 Winners So Far

Because six of the seven races are done, this World Marathon Majors season has already produced several records. Here are the elite winners, with times as reported in race results.

• Tokyo: Tadese Takele (2:03:37) and Brigid Kosgei (2:14:29, course record)
• Boston: John Korir (2:01:52, course record) and Sharon Lokedi (2:18:51)
• London: Sabastian Sawe (1:59:30) and Tigst Assefa (2:15:41, women-only record)
• Sydney: Addisu Gobena (2:04:42, course record) and Peres Jepchirchir (2:18:31)
• Berlin: Guye Adola (2:02:50) and Tigst Assefa (2:11:04, course record)
• Chicago: Amos Kipruto (2:01:09) and Hawi Feysa (2:13:33)

Takele won Tokyo again, so he became only the second man to win back-to-back titles there. Likewise, Korir and Lokedi both defended their Boston crowns. In Berlin, Assefa was on world record pace late in the race before an injury slowed her. Even so, her 2:11:04 still ranks among the fastest women’s marathons ever.

Recent Champions From 2025

In fact, last year set up many World Marathon Majors storylines. Back then, Takele won Tokyo in 2:03:23, while Sawe took Berlin in 2:02:16. In Chicago, Jacob Kiplimo won the men’s race, while Feysa won the women’s in 2:14:57. Meanwhile, Hailemaryam Kiros won the first Sydney race as a Major. Then at New York, Benson Kipruto held off Alexander Mutiso at the end.

Course Personalities and Famous Records

Still, each city has its own character. For instance, Berlin has hosted more marathon world records than any other race. Meanwhile, Chicago has seen seven marathon world records on its course. Because it first ran in 1897, Boston is the oldest annual marathon in the world. London staged its first race in 1981 and has since grown into one of the biggest events on the planet.

By contrast, Sydney offers a very different picture. Here, runners start at North Sydney Oval, cross the Harbour Bridge and finish in front of the Opera House. In 2026, Gobena then broke the course record there by more than a minute. Meanwhile, New York takes runners through all five boroughs. Because every course feels different, the World Marathon Majors reward very different skills.

Money, Medals and Stars to Watch

Meanwhile, prize money adds to the pull. For instance, at Boston in 2026, winners received $150,000, and Korir earned another $50,000 for the course record. Beyond cash, many amateurs chase a place in the series itself. Runners who finish several Majors collect star medals, with the Six Star Finisher medal being the most famous. So the World Marathon Majors serve both elite athletes and everyday runners.

As for stars, this year’s winners lead the list. Among the men, then, Takele, Korir, Sawe, Gobena, Adola and Kipruto have all won a Major in 2026. Likewise, among the women, Kosgei, Lokedi, Assefa, Jepchirchir and Feysa have done the same. Because the New York field isn’t covered here, check the official entry list before you plan to watch. Note too that these names reflect results as of October 2026.

A Season of Firsts in 2026

This year changed how fans talk about the sport. Before 20 April 2026, only four men had ever run under 2:02 for the marathon. By London weekend, nine men had done it, including Korir at Boston. On the day, Sawe and Yomif Kejelcha became the first two people to break two hours in a record-eligible race. That was the first time the barrier fell in a race that counts for records.

Beyond the front of the race, London also set a participation mark. So its 59,830 finishers formed a world record for the most finishers in a marathon. In addition, Assefa broke the women-only world record there with 2:15:41. So the biggest race of the spring delivered both depth and speed. Because of that, one running site called that April week a leap forward for men’s marathon running.

Wheelchair Racing at the Majors

Of course, the wheelchair races deserve a place in the story too. At Boston, Marcel Hug won his ninth title, while Eden Rainbow-Cooper took the women’s race. Later, in Sydney, Daniel Romanchuk won the men’s race in 1:26:50. Meanwhile, Manuela Schär took the women’s race in 1:42:04. Berlin then added Catherine Debrunner’s win in 1:35:01. As a result, the World Marathon Majors now offer a full stage for para athletes as well.

How the Series Scores Athletes

Points have long been part of the format. In the original system, the top five finishers in each race earned points toward a series title. Because points reward consistency, entering several Majors can pay off. Still, a single win carries huge prestige. So the World Marathon Majors blend long-term strategy with one-day drama.

How to Get Into a Major

Still, getting a place isn’t easy. Boston doesn’t use a lottery, so runners must hit a qualifying time. For the 2026 race, in fact, those times had to be run between 1 September 2024 and 12 September 2025. By contrast, Tokyo, London, Berlin, Sydney and New York rely mostly on ballots. Meanwhile, Chicago also offers charity places. Meanwhile, the 2027 Sydney ballot ran from 29 September to 19 October 2026.

How the Majors Connect to Records and National Marks

So the biggest records often come from these races. For example, Sawe’s world record came in London, and Chepngetich’s women’s record came in Chicago. For the full list of marks, see our guide to World Athletics records. Meanwhile, Indian runners are chasing faster times too, as our look at Indian marathon records shows. Every one of those times depends on the same fixed length, which our explainer on the marathon distance breaks down. So the World Marathon Majors sit at the centre of the whole record story.

Key Takeaways

• Seven races: Tokyo, Boston, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago and New York City.
• Newest member: Sydney joined in 2025 as the seventh Major.
• 2026 so far: Takele, Kosgei, Korir, Lokedi, Sawe, Assefa, Gobena, Jepchirchir, Adola, Kipruto and Feysa have won.
• Next race: New York City runs on 1 November 2026.
• Expansion: Cape Town and Shanghai are in the growth conversation.

FAQs

How many World Marathon Majors are there?

Seven races make up the series in 2026, from Tokyo to New York City.

Which race joined most recently?

Sydney became the seventh Major in 2025.

When is the next World Marathon Major?

The TCS New York City Marathon runs on 1 November 2026.

Who won London in 2026?

Sabastian Sawe won the men’s race in 1:59:30, and Tigst Assefa won the women’s race in 2:15:41.

Which Major is the oldest?

Boston is the oldest annual marathon in the world, first run in 1897.

Conclusion

The World Marathon Majors bring seven cities, one standard distance and the sport’s biggest names into one series. In 2026, the winners rewrote course records and even the men’s world record. With New York still to come, the season has one more chapter left. Whatever happens in November, the World Marathon Majors remain the clearest guide to where marathon running stands today.