From Boston to Berlin: A guide to the Abbott World Marathon Majors and what sets them apart
Running has taken off in the past few years, and marathons are more popular than ever.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Abbie Latymer takes a look at the big seven races.
Tokyo Marathon
Held on the first Sunday of March, the Tokyo Marathon will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2027.
The race is organised by the Tokyo Marathon Foundation and supported by approximately ten thousand volunteers.
It’s undeniably the most organised and efficient marathon.
Wheelchair competitors kick off the race at Tokyo’s Metropolitan Government Office at 9:05 am. Other runners follow in waves at 9:10am.
Throughout the route, runners will travel across the City’s districts and have the opportunity to see famous landmarks.
Tokyo Dome Stadium, Nihombashi Bridge, Senso-ji Temple, Ueno Park, Tokyo Tower and Ginzo shopping district are among the many beautiful sights to see and photograph.
Its smooth organisation and pancake-flat profile make it a popular route to achieve PBs.
Spectators often choose to spot their friends and family at regions including Asakusa, Ryogoku, and Tokyo Station, where the race finishes.
It’s advisable to get a Pasmo or Suica card to use public transport.
Boston Marathon
The Boston Marathon, traditionally held on Patriots’ Day, has been running since 1897.
It’s the oldest annual marathon in the world.
The point-to-point course begins in Hopkinton and ends in Copley Square.
Popular spectator stands include Wellesley College at mile 13, Newton Hills at mile 17 and the notorious Heartbreak Hill between miles 20 and 21.
Unpredictable weather patterns have made watch parties a popular alternative for spectators, too.
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London Marathon
A Guinness World Record holder for the largest number of finishers in a marathon, the London Marathon takes place each April and offers a sightseeing tour like no other.
From the historic Cutty Sark to Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, the race showcases the capital’s most iconic attractions.
Canary Wharf and Tower Hill were the year’s favourite spots to spectate, and the London Underground makes it easy to cheer runners at multiple spots.
Sydney Marathon
The newest marathon within the World Abbott Majors, the Sydney Marathon, takes place in late August.
The event first took place in the year 2000, when Australia held the Sydney Olympic Games.
Be warned: this is not an easy marathon. It’s the hilliest of the Majors and arguably the toughest.
Runners are advised to focus on hill sprints, running both uphill and downhill and regularly doing strength training in the gym to target hamstrings, glutes, calves and quadriceps.
The race kicks off at 6:31 am and aims to have final starters across the start line by 8:15.
The scenic but challenging route crosses Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Rocks, the CBD, Oxford Street, Centennial Park, the Botanic Gardens and finishes at Sydney Opera House.
Top spectator areas include The Rocks, Surry Hills, Centennial Park and Martin Place.
Public Transport runs throughout the day for spectators and is offered to participants for free.
Berlin Marathon
Taking place on September 27, 2026, the Berlin Marathon is officially the fastest and flattest marathon globally - a fact that fuels runners’ confidence and PB ambitions.
The energy at the start line is unmatchable, so I advise spectators to stay here or at the Victory Column (0.6km) before progressing to other popular spots, such as Potsdamer Platz, the Reichstag and Brandenburg Gate.
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Chicago Marathon
The autumn marathon winds through 29 of Chicago’s neighbourhoods and begins at 7:20 am.
Spectators can purchase tickets to the East Side Viewing Area for $30 or choose to spectate at a few of the many brilliant free sports.
Recommended locations include mile 1, La Salle Street at mile 3, Lake View East at mile 9, The Riverwalk at mile 12, Chinatown at mile 21 and the finish line.
If you are organised and understand the City’s transport links, it is possible to spot your runner five times.
New York City Marathon
The penultimate Abbott Major will take place on the 1st November this year.
It’s a race with humble roots dating back to 1970.
The run began with only 127 participants doing laps around Central Park, but now takes over the City’s five boroughs, providing the opportunity to see as many as fifty of the City’s landmarks.
Best spectator spots include Fourth Avenue in Brooklyn, Central Park, and First Avenue and Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.
New York’s hustle and bustle make it not the most suitable City to spectate at multiple locations.
Final word
Whether you are a runner or a spectator, marathons offer an unforgettable experience.
Make sure that you research public transport routes, access to food and water, and accommodation well in advance and remember to have fun.
Good luck to all future marathoners.
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