Tokyo Marathon
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Usual month: March
Why it matters: Asia's Major, known for organisation, city atmosphere and a deep elite field.
Entry note: Ballot, charity, tour and qualification routes vary by year.
Official linkRunning World / Marathon Majors
The Abbott World Marathon Majors.
The Majors are the most recognised marathon series in the world. For everyday runners, the Six Star journey is a long-term challenge: finish each Major and collect the Six Star medal.
Six Star journey
What makes the Majors different?
These races combine elite competition, mass participation, huge crowds and global city identity. Entries are usually through ballot, qualification, charity, tour operators or other race-specific routes.
Boston Marathon
Location: Boston, USA
Usual month: April
Why it matters: The historic point-to-point race with strict qualifying standards and legendary course features.
Entry note: Mainly qualification, charity and invitational routes.
Official linkTCS London Marathon
Location: London, UK
Usual month: April
Why it matters: Huge charity culture, fast elite racing and one of the world's best-supported marathon routes.
Entry note: Ballot, charity, championship, good-for-age and club routes.
Official linkBMW Berlin Marathon
Location: Berlin, Germany
Usual month: September
Why it matters: Flat, fast and famous for world-record performances.
Entry note: Ballot, charity, tour operators and time qualification options.
Official linkBank of America Chicago Marathon
Location: Chicago, USA
Usual month: October
Why it matters: Fast city course, major crowd support and recent marathon world-record history.
Entry note: Ballot, guaranteed entry, charity and tour routes.
Official linkTCS New York City Marathon
Location: New York City, USA
Usual month: November
Why it matters: The five-borough experience, enormous field and unmatched crowd energy.
Entry note: Drawing, charity, qualifying times and NYRR programmes.
Official linkSydney Marathon
Location: Sydney, Australia
Usual month: August / September
Why it matters: Sydney has joined the Abbott World Marathon Majors family, expanding the global Major map into Oceania.
Entry note: Ballot and entry routes are published by the event each year.
Official linkSources: Abbott World Marathon Majors and official race websites.