Races and calendars
How to get into a World Marathon Major: ballots, qualifying times and charity places
How to get into a World Marathon Major: the ballots, qualifying times, charity places and tours, and when to apply for Boston, London, Berlin and more.
To get into a World Marathon Major you need one of four things: a qualifying time, a win in the ballot (lottery), a charity place or a tour package. Which one works best depends on the race, because each of the eight majors has its own rules, and most of them fill up months before race day. This guide explains the four routes, when to apply for each race and how to improve your chances.
What are the eight World Marathon Majors?#
The Abbott World Marathon Majors are a series of eight big city races: Tokyo, Boston, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago, New York City and Cape Town. Sydney was added in 2025 and Cape Town joins in 2027. Each has a page on this blog with its course, cut-off and spectator spots, listed on our marathons page.
Because the fields are huge and demand is higher still, you rarely just sign up. The race calendar below is built around the dates that matter most: when entries open.
What are the four ways to get in?#
- Qualifying time. Run a marathon in a set time for your age and gender, and you can apply with it. Boston works this way almost entirely. Berlin and Chicago also offer a guaranteed place for fast times, so there is no ballot for those runners.
- The ballot. You enter your name in a draw. New York City, London, Berlin, Chicago, Tokyo, Sydney and Cape Town all use one. Odds differ a lot, and London and Tokyo are widely reported to have the lowest.
- Charity place. A charity gives you a bib if you raise an agreed amount for them. The target is often high, but it is a reliable way in for London, New York and others.
- Tour package. An official travel company sells a bib with flights and a hotel. It costs more, but you are sure of a place if you can pay.
Some races add more routes. New York lets runners earn a guaranteed place by taking part in local events, and London's Good for Age entry is open only to UK residents.
When do entries open for each major?#
Most windows open between four and ten months before the race and close quickly. The dates change each year, so check the official site, but this is the usual pattern.
| Race | Usually runs | Entries usually open |
|---|---|---|
| Boston | April | A short window in mid-September |
| New York City | November | February |
| London | April | Just after the race in late April, for about a week |
| Berlin | September | 1 October to mid-November |
| Chicago | October | About three weeks in October |
| Tokyo | March | Mid to late August |
| Sydney | August | Late September to mid-October |
| Cape Town | May (check the date) | Mid-June |
Our race calendar shows the same thing by month, so you can see what opens next.
How much does a place cost?#
The entry fee is only part of the cost, and it is usually charged only if you are accepted. The published fees we have seen are about $260 for Boston, $250 to $260 for Chicago, about €215 for Berlin, and £80 for UK residents in London against £275 for international runners. New York is about $255 for US residents and $358 for international runners. Charity places and tours cost more. Always confirm the current fee on the official site.
How do you improve your chances?#
- Apply every year. Ballots are random, so each application is a fresh chance. Put the opening dates in your calendar.
- Pick the right race for you. If you can run a fast time, Berlin and Chicago give a guaranteed place. If you live in the UK, London's Good for Age route is open to you.
- Look at charity places early. They are often released before the ballot result and fill up.
- Keep a good marathon time. Even if you do not qualify for Boston, a time you can use for a guaranteed place elsewhere is worth having.
- Do not forget your supporters. The people who will cheer for you need to book travel too. See how to support a runner from far away and where to stand to watch a marathon.
For each official site, start with Boston, London, Berlin and Chicago.
Is any major a good first marathon?#
Yes, but the best first majors are also hard to get into. We rank all eight for a first-timer on the marathons page, and Chicago comes first. For a wider view, read our first marathon guide for family and friends.
Once you have a place, RaceTale lets your family and friends add photos, clips and cheers to one private link, so the whole day is in one story.
Frequently asked questions#
Can I just sign up for a World Marathon Major?#
Not usually. Places are given through qualifying times, ballots, charity partners and tour operators, and most fill months before the race.
Which major is easiest to get into?#
There is no easy one, but a fast time gives a guaranteed place at Berlin and Chicago. Without one, a charity place is often the most reliable route.
When should I start planning?#
Look at the entry window for your chosen race as soon as you decide on it. Windows can be short, and some close within days.
Do I pay if I do not get a place in the ballot?#
Usually not. For several majors the fee is taken only if you are drawn or accepted. Check the rules of each race.
Can supporters come without a bib?#
Yes. Anyone can watch, and many spectators plan two or three spots along the course. Use the spectator timing planner to work out the times.
