The Six World Marathon Majors

What are the 6 Major Marathons?

The Six World Marathon Majors are a series comprising six of the largest and most renowned marathons in the world. These are the Boston Marathon, the London Marathon, the Berlin Marathon, the Chicago Marathon, the New York City Marathon, and the Tokyo Marathon. They span four continents and attract over a hundred thousand participants each year, from professional elite runners to passionate amateurs.

The History of the World Major Marathons

- The Inception

The idea of the World Marathon Majors series was conceived in 2006 to advance the sport of marathon running, increase its profile, and showcase the elite athletes competing. This series was a way to tie the major marathons under a single umbrella and enhance their prestige.

- Who Was The First Person to Complete the World Major Marathons?

The first person known to have completed all six marathons was Steve Hibbs in 2006, the year the series was established.

- Why Those 6 Marathons?

The six marathons were chosen because they are considered to be the most prestigious, based on their history, the quality of competition, and their global appeal. They all have unique features that set them apart, such as the historic nature of the Boston Marathon and the extremely fast course of the Berlin Marathon. They also have the capacity to host large numbers of runners and spectators, making them some of the biggest sporting events in the world.

- Was it Always 6 Major Marathons?

Initially, the series included five marathons: Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. Tokyo was added to the series in 2013 as the sixth major marathon, expanding the geographical diversity and global attraction of the series.

- Will They Add a 7th World Major Marathon?

As of now, there has been no official announcement regarding the expansion of the World Marathon Majors to include a seventh race. The series has maintained a consistent lineup since the addition of Tokyo. However, the world of marathon running is dynamic, and the organization behind the World Marathon Majors may always decide to evolve its selection to include another of the world's great marathons.

In summary, the World Marathon Majors are a celebration of the endurance, commitment, and passion that define long-distance running. They not only represent the zenith of marathon running but also symbolize the global unity and spirit of competition that transcend borders and cultures.