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Basic Guide to the Abbott World Marathon Major Challenge

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“It’s only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth – and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up, we will then begin to live each day to the fullest as if it was the only one we had” – Elisabeth Kubler-Ross 

I love seeking out unique experiences throughout the world that continue to humble and motivate me to keep going. Some of my favorite recent bucket-list experiences include skydiving over the island of Oahu, running the Las Vegas Marathon dressed as Elvis, getting in on Sumo Wrestling in Japan, and exploring the Galapagos Islands!

The Chicago Marathon was very special to me because it earned me my second Abbot World Major Marathon star and its the city where Lisa and my story began! 

What is The Abbott World Marathon Major Challenge?

The Abbott World Marathon series includes six of the world’s largest marathons that take place throughout the world every year. 

Which cities participate in the Abbott World Marathon Major Challenge?

The six cities include Boston, New York, Chicago, Berlin, London, and Tokyo. 

What do you receive to complete the Abbott World Marathon Series?

At the completion of a runner’s sixth Marathon Major, they will be rewarded with an official completer medal and the title of “six-star finisher”. The medal looks fantastic and portrays all six major marathon cities. 

How do you enter or participate in an Abbott World Major?

There are typically three ways to enter an official Abbott World Marathon Major. 

  1. Time Qualifications These vary depending on the city and are based on both age and gender. 
  2. Lottery For all of the majors excluding Boston, there is a lottery in which you can enter and have a random chance at being selected to participate. This is how I was able to participate in both Chicago and New York City. 
  3. Fundraising There are limited opportunities to join a fundraising campaign in order to participate in all six Abbott World Marathon Majors. 

Timing is key!

Whether you’ve hit the time qualifier or would like to enter the lottery or apply for a fundraising campaign the window to enter will be quick! Below you’ll find all 6 Abbott World Marathon Majors with every important date. 

TCS New York City Marathon 

Date – November 1st, 2020 

Application Period is open from January 30th, 2020 through February 13th, 2020

Registration Fees are $295 for US Citizens and $358 for Non-US Citizens

You can find the time qualifier breakdown HERE

Bank of America Chicago Marathon 

Date – October 11th, 2020 

Application Period is open from October 21st, 2019 through December 3rd, 2019

Registration Fees are $205 for US Citizens and $230 for Non-US Citizens

You can find the time qualifier breakdown HERE

John Hancock Boston Marathon

Date – April 20th, 2020

Application Period was open from September 9th, 2019 through September 15th, 2019

Registration Fees are $205 for US Citizens and $255 for Non-US Citizens

You can find the time qualifier breakdown HERE

You can find a list of Charities that provide entry HERE

BMW Berlin Marathon

Date – September 27th, 2020

Application Period was open from October 1st, 2019 through October 31st, 2019

Registration Fee is $140 for all runners 

You can find the time qualifying breakdown HERE

You can find a list of Charities that provide entry HERE 

Virgin Money London Marathon

Date – April 26th, 2020

Application Period was open from April 28th, 2019 through May 3rd, 2019

Registration Fee is $90 for non-UK Citizens and $44 for UK Citizens 

You can find the time qualifier breakdown HERE

You can find a list of Charities that provide entry HERE 

Tokyo Marathon 

Date – March 1st, 2020

Application Period was open from August 1st, 2019 through August 31st, 2019

Registration Fee is $168 for Non-Japanese Citizens and $150 for Japanese Citizens 

You can find the time qualifier breakdown HERE

You can find a list of Charities that provide entry HERE 

As you can see, becoming a six-star finisher will take heart, persistence, dedication, time, and grit. There’s no way to accurately articulate the feelings that I’ve experienced in NYC and Chicago. There was a time in my life when I sat in a hospital bed for over a month not knowing what the future held. Today I am writing about my quest to complete the Abbott World Major Marathon Challenge. Life is amazing! I hope that this guide can help both inspire and provide information for others to gain entry into these bucket-list races!

If you’re interested in cutting costs and learning Basic Travel Strategies to the Abbott World Major Marathons you might like How I Traveled Cheap to the Chicago Marathon, How I booked two hotels for FREE to the Chicago Marathon, and How I Traveled cheap to the NYC Marathon

Check out these Related Running Articles


Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.

Disclosure: Basic Travel Couple, LLC has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Basic Travel Couple, LLC and CardRatings and MileValue may receive a commission from card issuers. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

The comments section below responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

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