“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.
- Time Qualifications These vary depending on the city and are based on both age and gender.
- 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.
- 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
- Learn how to utilize credit card points with our Basic Travel Course
- Top Credit Cards
- Running the NYC Marathon for $300 with Flights and Hotel
- How I Traveled to the Chicago Marathon for free
- Running the Las Vegas Half Marathon at Night Dressed as Elvis
- The Most Beautiful Race in the World
- Basic Guide to the Abbott World Marathon Major Challenge
