No Bridge Too Far
Kipchoge heads to the Harbour City
The Abbott World Marathon Majors fall season is always the busiest time of year for me and my team. This season also marks a new and exciting era as four Majors will take place.
Starting on August 31, Sydney will be hosting their first ever race as a Major. The next three races in the series - Berlin, Chicago and New York – quickly follow. All four have announced extremely strong elite fields which will surely provide for a thrill.
The excitement doesn’t stop there! In New York we will crown 18 champions at the AbbottWMM Marathon Tours & Travel Age Group World Championships. It’s always incredibly inspiring to see the world’s best age groupers going head-to-head!
I will also be heading to the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon as they go in search of their second successful assessment to join the series. I want to wish the Cape Town team the very best of luck in their bid to become the eighth member of the Majors’ family.
As I write this letter, my suitcase (which these days never gets stored away) is awaiting to be packed before catching my flight to Sydney. It is going to be a sensational week, and I can’t wait to be Down Under.
So much hard work has gone in since Sydney applied for Major status in 2022 and seeing more than 30,000 runners cross their beautiful finish line – with the Harbour Bridge and Opera House in the background – will be a stunning sight.
Everyone toeing the line in Sydney will be in the presence of greatness as Eliud Kipchoge, one of the greatest ambassadors of our sport, will be vying to win his 12th Major. Wayne Larden, Race Director of the Sydney marathon, has done a wonderful job recruiting a strong field of elite athletes.
We expect more than 3,500 runners to pick up their seventh star in Sydney! I’m constantly in awe of the dedication and passion people have for our sport.
Best of luck to everyone taking part. Whether it’s your first or seventh Major, I will be amongst the hundreds of thousands of supporters cheering you on.
Now, time to pack. See you in Sydney!
Dawna
Dawna Stone, CEO, Abbott World Marathon Majors
The Image
Ethiopia's Tigst Assefa sinks to her knees after smashing the women-only world record at the TCS London Marathon.
Assefa was imperious in London, clocking a sensational 2:15:50 to trim a huge 26 seconds off the previous record which was set by Peres Jepchirchir of Kenya 12 months earlier.
The 28-year-old dominated in the capital, crossing the line nearly three minutes ahead of the field to win her third Major.
Image: Matthew Impey
THE WARMUP
The latest news from around the Majors
TOKYO
GENERAL ENTRIES OPEN FOR 2026
The general entry window will be open until August 29 for the Tokyo Marathon 2026. The window opened on August 15 and had already received more applications than available places in the field for next year’s marathon, so a selection process will take place. Selection results will be announced on September 19, 2025.
BOSTON
NEW DOWNHILL RULES IN PLACE
New regulations for net downhill courses used for 2027 Boston qualification were introduced earlier this summer. Verified times from any course with a net-downhill of between 1,500 and 2,999 feet (457.2 meters and 914.1 meters) will incur a five-minute (+5:00 minutes) time adjustment, while times from any course with a net-downhill of between 3,000 and 5,999 feet (914.2 meters and 1,828.5 meters) will incur a ten-minute (+10:00 minutes) time adjustment. Any course with a net-downhill of 6,000 feet (1,828.6 meters) or greater will not be allowed for qualifying purposes. Registration for the 2026 Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America will occur from September 8 to 12, 2025. The adjustment in qualifying rules will go into effect for the 2027 qualifying window, which opens on September 13, 2025.
LONDON
SPEEDY RUNNERS’ RULES SET FOR 2026
Good for Age and Championship qualification windows for the 2026 TCS London Marathon are not yet open. For Championship entries, there will be 500 places each for men and women. If there are more than 1,000 applicants, these will be allocated on a ‘fastest first’ basis and the slower runners under the qualification time will be moved to the Good For Age start. The 2026 Good For Age places are capped at 6,000 (3,000 men and 3,000 women). Meeting the qualifying time will not guarantee a place but simply the opportunity to submit an application. Places are allocated on a 'fastest first' basis relative to age and qualifying time.
More information
SYDNEY
SEVEN-STAR HOPEFULS HEAD FOR SYDNEY
With Sydney’s first year as a Major now upon us, it’s expected that more than 3,500 runners will earn their seventh AbbottWMM star in the Harbour City. They include the legendary Deena Kastor, who became a Six Star Finisher at the BMW BERLIN MARATHON in 2022. Hear more from Deena in the current episode of Marathon Talk, out now.
BERLIN
SAWE SETS SIGHTS ON RACE TO THE GATE
Reigning TCS London Marathon Champion Sabastian Sawe can maximize his series XVII points tally if he can win the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON on September 21. The Kenyan, who won in London with a time of 2:02:27, was named as the star attraction in the men’s field in July. He has tasted victory in the shadow of the Brandenburg Gate before, winning the 2023 Generali Berlin Half Marathon.
CHICAGO
KORIR AND MANTZ EYE RECORDS
John Korir is looking to continue his hot streak when he returns to defend the title he won last year at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. The Kenyan proved his 2024 win was no one-off, as he followed up with a course record victory at the Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America in April 2025. The race will also set the stage for the USA’s Conner Mantz to take a shot at Ryan Hall’s men’s American record of 2:04:58.
NEW YORK
STATE YOUR NAME
This year, TCS New York City Marathon runners who register by September 8, 2025 can choose to have their first name added to their marathon bib ($10 for NYRR members and $15 for non-members). With your name displayed clearly on your bib, spectators across all five boroughs can show their support by cheering your name to get you hyped!
THE
GREATEST
SHOWMAN
Eliud Kipchoge heads to Sydney hoping to win an
astonishing 12th Abbott World Marathon Major
By Russell Staves
Hassan will be aiming for her third AbbottWMM win
Hassan will be aiming for her third AbbottWMM win
Workenesh Edesa is aiming to retain her title from 2024
Workenesh Edesa is aiming to retain her title from 2024
Sabastian Sawe will aim for his second Majors win of the year in Berlin
Sabastian Sawe will aim for his second Majors win of the year in Berlin
When you have conquered pretty much all you can in a sport whilst redefining it along the way, finding new challenges to keep you motivated can become increasingly difficult.
But Eliud Kipchoge is a different type of beast and despite 11 Abbott World Marathon Major victories, two Olympic golds and a world first sub-two hour marathon, he is not finished just yet.
In late August Kipchoge will travel to Australia for the first time and winning the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS – the first time it has been held as an Abbott World Marathon Major – would be the perfect way to mark his maiden visit to the country.
“Going to Australia will be a blast for me,” said the Kenyan legend, who has won Majors in London, Berlin, Chicago and Tokyo.
“It’s really exciting for me to be there. It was good for the sport and good for Australia that Sydney was added to be the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major.”
However, Kipchoge, who is regarded as the greatest marathon runner of all time, will have a higher purpose as he pounds the streets in Sydney.
“When I picture myself in Sydney I see myself inspiring a lot of people. I see myself actually leaving footprints in the roads and streets of Sydney, which can change lives.
“My job will be to motivate the Australian running community, to inspire them. To tell them to please make running your lifestyle as they will benefit a lot both in their minds and in their bodies.”
Kipchoge will no doubt be successful in his mission to inspire once he arrives in Sydney but whether his trip Down Under ends with him astride the podium in the shadow of the Opera House remains to be seen.
Kipchoge will be pursued all the way by fellow countryman Vincent Ngetich, who has never finished lower than fourth at an AbbottWMM, and Ethiopia’s Birhanu Legese, a two-time Tokyo Marathon winner.
“When you look at the depth of this year’s men’s field, it’s not just star-studded and fast, it’s exceptionally deep,” said TCS Sydney Marathon Race Director Wayne Larden.
“We have multiple athletes capable of running under the course record, rising stars on the brink of global breakthrough, and of course, Eliud Kipchoge, the greatest marathoner of all time.”
While all eyes will be on Kipchoge, the elite women’s race could be the race of the day with Olympic Champion and 2023 Abbott World Marathon Majors Elite Series Champion Sifan Hassan going head-to-head with five-time Major winner Brigid Kosgei.
But the stellar pair will face fierce competition from 2024 winner Workenesh Edesa, who set the Australian all-comers record last year in a time of 2:21:41, shattering the long-standing Olympic record from Sydney 2000.
Included in the field are a host of sub-2:19 athletes including Ashete Bekere, Meseret Belete and Tiruye Mesfin.
“It’s a really well-matched race,” said former London and Chicago winner Deena Kastor, host of the Marathon Talk podcast.
The former Olympic bronze medallist, who is running Sydney and will collect her seventh star, said the winner could come from outside the top two.
“It could be anyone’s race,” she said. “We are seeing there are so many rising stars. There are going to be names in the mix; people that we haven’t heard of or people who have podiumed or just missed out on the podium at some of the Majors that could be up there.”
The cream of elite wheelchair racing will also battle it out to win the first Major in Sydney.
The extraordinary Marcel Hug will be looking for an astonishing 38th Major win but will face a stern examination from Japanese Paralympic bronze medallist Tomoki Suzuki. Sho Watanabe and Kota Hokinoue, who were runner-up and third respectively last year, will also be in hot pursuit.
American Paralympic gold medallist Daniel Romanchuk, a six-time Major winner, and eight-time London Marathon winner David Weir, from Great Britain, will add some international stardust.
In the women’s section, top seed Susannah Scaroni will be the athlete to beat as she looks to add Sydney to her list of Major wins which already includes Boston, Chicago and New York.
Manuela Schär will have a say in the matter, however. The Swiss athlete has an imperious record as a three-time AbbottWMM Series champion, Paralympic medallist and former world record-holder. She made history by becoming the first athlete, male or female, wheelchair or able-bodied, to win all six AbbottWMM races in a single series, completing a clean sweep from Berlin 2018 to Berlin 2019.
The Sydney Marathon is the start of a four-race program which makes up the second half of the Abbott World Marathon Major season.
London Marathon winner Sabastian Sawe will attempt to back up that victory when he sets off at the BWM Berlin Marathon on Sunday, September 21. Rosemary Wanjiru will be hoping to go one better than her marathon debut in Berlin three years ago and win the women’s race.
On Sunday October 12, three defending champions will attempt to retain their titles at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
Kenyan John Korir, who also won in Boston earlier this year, will start the men’s race as hot favourite while Hug and Catherine Debrunner will defend their men’s and women’s wheelchair titles.
The TCS New York Marathon will complete the seven-race series on Sunday November 2.
All four defending champions will return – Abdi Nageeye of the Netherlands, Sheila Chepkirui of Kenya, and US duo Romanchuk and Scaroni.
Reigning AbbottWMM series champion Hellen Obiri is also heading back to the race she won in 2023 and came second in to Chepkirui last year.
Nageeye will be challenged by an incredibly deep men's field containing former champions Albert Korir and Evans Chebet, as well as Abel Kipchumba, twice the NYC Half champion.
They are also joined by current men's AbbottWMM series champion Benson Kipruto.
Sydney’s
26.2-Mile
Masterpiece
The TCS Sydney Marathon takes runners on a thrilling, scenic challenge that captures the very best of one of the world’s most spectacular cities…
WORDS: LOUISE SYLVESTER
When you think of Sydney, certain images spring to mind – golden beaches, endless sunshine, the iconic Harbour Bridge, the one-of-a-kind Opera House, lush parks, sport-loving locals and a city wrapped around the water.
It’s a place like no other, so it’s fitting that its marathon is just as unique, with those very images woven into the 26.2-mile course.
In its quest to join the Abbott World Marathon Majors, the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASCIS has evolved over the years. The result is a route that takes runners on a journey of discovery through the city’s streets, past its most famous landmarks and along some stunning coastal and parkland stretches. Scenic yet challenging, it offers unforgettable moments – none more so than crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
With the help of Helena Granziera, a TCS Sydney Marathon Community Ambassador and member of the official Pace Team, we break down the course and highlight some of the key spots for runners and their all-important supporters.
And so it begins…
The marathon starts in North Sydney, beside North Sydney Oval, echoing the 2000 Olympic Marathon. From the gun, you’ll be treated to stunning Harbour Bridge views, setting the tone for the day.
A Bridge Too Far
It’s not long before the first highlight – running across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. Helena says: “There are few things as incredible as running across the Harbour Bridge. This part is about two to three kilometers into the race, and you get the breathtaking panorama of Sydney Harbour, complete with the Opera House. The bridge only closes for New Year’s Eve and the marathon, so this is a tremendous opportunity to do something very few Sydneysiders ever get to do!”
Into the CBD
Once you descend from the bridge, the route winds through Sydney’s lively CBD, taking in Circular Quay and the historic Rocks precinct. This part is brimming with atmosphere, with supporters lining the streets to cheer you on. The Transurban Rocks zone is located at around 12km so the area will be buzzing with high energy as a DJ and MC spin the best sounds from the ‘80s, ‘90s, and noughties.
Alright Darling
Darling Harbour provides another scenic highlight and a great vantage point for spectators. Film fans may even spot its resemblance to the harbour in Finding Nemo. Not far from here, back towards the CBD, the Spirit of Sydney zone is located at around 13km. The ultimate family-friendly zone right in the city centre, Martin Place will be alive with colorful face painters, live DJ sets and a charismatic MC.
Hyde Park Hype
In the early stages, the course heads south past Hyde Park. Say a prayer for the road ahead as you spy St Mary’s Cathedral which is nearby and one of the city’s most awe-inspiring buildings. Just the sight of the gothic-revival spires will inspire you to dig deep – and if that doesn’t, the locals cheering you on will. Helena says: “There is a fantastic cheer zone in Sydney’s Hyde Park, which is great because you’ll see people at around 14km and again at about 37km.”
Marathon Meets Mardi Gras
The Pride in Sport zone is situated around the 15km mark which doubles as the 36km mark. Here you can expect fierce drag queens, big beats from the DJs and a crowd that knows how to cheer. For spectators it is a great choice as they will see runners twice at this Mardi Gras hotspot!
Staying on the Straight & Narrow
To make up distance lost from earlier route changes, organizers have extended the course along Anzac Parade (20-25km in) – a long, straight section that helps runners find their rhythm. Helena says: “Although it is flat, the section down Anzac Parade and through Dacey Avenue is quite protracted, so you need to draw on your mental strength to keep moving forward. Despite this, Anzac Parade is a great place for spectators as they can see runners going down and back on both sides of the road.”
Green Spaces and Suburbia
A loop through Centennial Park offers green space and wide paths, giving runners a mental reset. The route then threads back through Surry Hills, Waterloo and the eastern suburbs, blending urban charm with natural beauty and the occasional sea breeze.
Footie & Fans
Near Moore Park, the Sydney Swans HQ zone gives spectators the perfect vantage point to catch runners multiple times as they loop through this pivotal section. Set alongside world-class venues like Allianz Stadium and the Sydney Cricket Ground, it’s a reminder of just how deeply sport runs through the heart of this city.
The Final Push
The final push takes runners into the Royal Botanic Garden and around Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. Views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge in the distance signal that the end is near. Helena says: “Mrs Macquarie’s Chair is probably the most difficult part – not because it is excessively hilly but because the undulating rises and dips come at about 39/40km, when you’re hanging on and hoping for the finish. The glimpse of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House tells you you’re nearly there.”
Finish Line Feels
You’d be hard-pushed to find as memorable a finish line as the one on offer at Sydney. The Opera House and the harbour beyond it provide one of those ‘pinch me’ moments for runners as they make their way to the end. It is time to feel the rush of endorphins and bask in the glory of your achievement with world-class scenery helping make it even more special. Helena agrees: “There are few things more iconic than taking a right to run down Macquarie Street and into the finishing chute – as you descend, you see the harbour, the bridge and the Opera House sails. You are absolutely home!”
From its Olympic roots to its world-famous views, the Sydney Marathon is more than a race – it’s a spectacular showcase of one of the world’s great cities.
CANDIDATE RACE UPDATE
CAPE TOWN
FACES
FINAL TEST
Africa’s candidate requires one more pass of all the AbbottWMM criteria to become the eighth Major. Preparations are at full speed for the sold-out race
The finish line has come into view for the organizers of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon.
On October 19, the event will bid to secure its second consecutive pass of the Abbott World Marathon Majors criteria. If it is successful, it will become the eighth Major when it takes place on May 24 in 2026.
In a clear sign of the race’s burgeoning standing, the sold-out signs were put up earlier this year as the field topped out at 24,000 entries for the 2025 race, a moment heralded by key city partners.
“Selling out 24,000 entries at least three months before the event is an incredible milestone, a true testament not only to the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon organisers’ hard work but also to Cape Town and South Africa’s growing commitment to running. The City of Cape Town is thrilled to lend support to the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon as it takes another big step toward becoming a World Marathon Major,” said JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security.
Race CEO Clark Gardner also declared that the news showed his race – and his city – are ready for the final hurdle.
“This third consecutive sell-out is not just a testament to the marathon’s popularity, but a powerful statement of intent. It signals that Africa is ready and deserving to stand shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Boston, London, New York, and the other Majors. Our runners, sponsors, partners, and the entire Cape Town community have made it clear that we are united in our vision to bring an Abbott World Marathon Major home.”
And Tom Brown, Senior Brand Director at adidas South Africa, the event’s Technical Partner, said: “This milestone is bigger than a sold-out start line, it’s a sign that the dream of an Abbott World Marathon Major on African soil is within reach. adidas is privileged to support this historic journey alongside the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon teams and the incredible running community.”
Cape Town has been steadily growing in international participation as its name continues to spread around the global running community.
Organizers expect the true transformation will unfold once Major status is officially conferred if they can pass their assessment in October. From 2026 onwards, the race is projected to welcome more than 20,000 international visitors each year.
They need only to look at the explosion in overseas demand for the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS once the race was announced as a Major.
Almost 80,000 runners applied for the inaugural running of the event as part of the series this year, with nearly 70 per cent of those coming from outside Australia.
With some 35,000 expected to take to the start line in North Sydney, it will mark a steep growth curve from less than 4,000 finishers in the race’s first year of candidacy.
As Cape Town readies itself for its final hurdle, the Shanghai Marathon will go in search of its first assessment pass in late November. The AbbottWMM evaluation team will be on the ground to run the rule over the race as it bids to become China’s representative in the series.
The Abbott World Marathon Majors content channels will be the first place to get information on the progress of our candidate races. Sign up today to ensure you receive the news first and fast!
Deena’s Road to Seventh Heaven
Deena Kastor will toe the line in Sydney to become one of the first to reach seven stars. From her first Major to this one, Kastor’s journey has been fuelled by a passion for the sport and the belief that running can shape who we are, both on and off the course
You’ve already completed six of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, how does it feel to be on the cusp of becoming a Seven Star runner?
In Berlin, I was surprised at how emotional experiencing my sixth star was. When Sydney became an Abbott World Marathon Major it seemed a perfect opportunity to challenge myself and run the race. The top seven marathons in the world are in a class of their own because of the experience offered to participants, fans and volunteers. It’s special to be a part of it in any way, but running is what I do and love.
Tell us more about that emotion in Berlin…
I’m used to celebrating the finish line and identifying how the build-up and the race weaved into the fabric of who I’m growing to be, but that Six Star Medal represented a 17-year journey that was part of immense growth, athletically and personally. I am excited to continue that journey in Sydney.
Deena beat Eliud Kipchoge in Berlin... to the Six Star medal
Deena beat Eliud Kipchoge in Berlin... to the Six Star medal
How have you prepared physically and mentally for this seventh Major?
Every marathon is its own passage in our lives. I always look to how I’ll be challenged, how I’ll grow, how I’ll thrive in the miles I’m afforded. It’s been a challenging build-up to prioritize the longer runs, but the few I’ve done have been magical in experience. I also tripped recently on a run and got a bit banged up in my left hip. That being said, I’ve taken where I am and reassessed my race plan to really take in the city and the hype of this marathon joining the majors. It’s an honor to join 35,000 other runners in such a world class event.
Of all the marathons you’ve run so far, which has been the most challenging, and which has been the most fun?
I expect Sydney to be the most challenging and the most fun, but if I were to think of these words in association with marathons I’ve already done, I’ve had the most fun at the ASICS L.A. Marathon because of all the iconic sights runners pass in the span of 26.2 miles. The most challenging was definitely TCS New York City Marathon. For some reason, the asphalt seems harder and less forgiving than any other streets I’ve run. I always feel so beat up after that race regardless of how I run it. But if I am honest, I love the pain.
How has your approach to training evolved since your early competitive days to now?
My approach to running is always evolving, just as any healthy relationship would. In a nutshell, I used to use my mind to see how manipulating my thoughts could drive my physical performance. Now, I use running to drive my mental strength. It is such a teeter-totter of body and mind, but keeping each tuned and fit offers a great balance.
"Running is the way I love to experience any city I’m visiting. To tour Sydney during the marathon is going to showcase the best of what it has to offer visually. I anticipate the locals who tirelessly helped Sydney become a Major to show their spirit by cheering the 35,000 runners taking on the race."
What do you think is the key to your longevity and success in the sport?
The key to longevity in anything is making it enjoyable. I truly cherish time in my running shoes whether it is solo, with my teammates, or with 35,000 other participants in a major race. If you want to make something part of your routine or lifestyle, it’s important to prioritize enjoying it. I enjoy being in awe of nature, exploring new places and meeting new people with a shared passion in sport.
Which of your records are you most proud of?
I would say that breaking Joan Benoit Samuelson’s American record in the marathon in 2003 was a memorable record, because it represented the climb in the sport to meet the face of the marathon’s most iconic woman. Joan called me at the finish line to congratulate me, and it was yet another lesson that whether we are at our best or having a hard day, the moment should always be met with grace. She showed me that.
Completing all the Majors is an amazing achievement. What has kept you motivated to continue chasing these goals?
Even though I’m slower than I was 20 years ago, I still get all the rewards from running. I love the feeling of accomplishment, but even on the days where I struggle in the final miles or doubt my ability, I always grow into a better version of myself when I rise above those scepticisms and finish.
How has your perspective on running and competition changed since your Olympic medal days?
I was in Sydney, Australia 25 years ago when I made my first Olympic team. Representing the USA was so special. Back then I was looking at ways to improve my running whereas now, I look at running to improve who I am. Running offers such a special relationship between our physical bodies and our mind that I truly cherish time in my running shoes.
What excites you most about running Sydney for the first time?
Running is the way I love to experience any city I’m visiting. To tour Sydney during the marathon is going to showcase the best of what it has to offer visually. I anticipate the locals who tirelessly helped Sydney become a Major to show their spirit by cheering the 35,000 runners taking on the race.
Its course features some iconic landmarks but also some challenging sections, what part of the route are you most looking forward to?
As with most marathons, my favorite part is the hype and anticipation of the start and the elation and celebration of the finish line. Sydney is the most beautiful city I’ve ever visited and to run this race will give me a much more intimate connection with the sites along the way.
How do you expect the Sydney atmosphere to compare to other major marathons?
I expect Sydney to be magical. They hosted such a memorable Olympic Games in 2000 and have grown this event so quickly into one of the best races in the world when they joined the Abbott World Marathon Majors. It seems race director Wayne Larden is always looking for ways to grow and create a better experience for runners, volunteers, locals, sponsors, and his staff.
Once you’ve achieved Seven Star status, do you have another big running goal on your horizon?
Well, my plan is to hope that Cape Town continues on its path to join the Abbott World Marathon Majors and I’ll make sure I am better prepared to run faster there!
You’ve already been a role model for so many, how do you hope your Seven Star journey inspires the next generation of runners?
I hope runners can see that even when you age out of running personal bests, you can still have a rewarding relationship with running. We need to reinvent our purpose, we need to find ways to reignite our spark along the way, but always nurture our relationship with running because of what it gives us in return.
"I hope runners can see that even when you age out of running personal bests, you can still have a rewarding relationship with running. We need to reinvent our purpose, we need to find ways to reignite our spark along the way, but always nurture our relationship with running because of what it gives us in return."
Do you have any pre-race rituals or superstitions you still follow?
I tie my running shoes when I first get them and never tie them again. Instead, I slide into and out of them and think of all the hard work locked up in those laces. I have a similar ritual with racing shoes, but slide out of them and retie them for a hard workout or race and think similarly of all I’ve done in them. It’s a way to get my head in a place to support my preparedness.
Can you share a memorable moment from any of your Majors races?
Chicago in 2015 as I was chasing the American Masters Record was a beautiful synopsis of all the physical and mental conditioning I’ve done over the years. My build up was terrible and my race was messy, but whenever a challenge arose, I recommitted to the goal of chasing that record. I would have validated the million excuses to not start the race or drop out during, but it was such a great lesson in being persistent in your striving. Much to my surprise, I broke the record that day.
After all these miles, what does the perfect post-marathon celebration look like for you?
A post marathon celebration always incudes sharing local foods. There is no other way I want to experience a city than running, dining, and sharing it with family and friends.
Finally, what would you say to someone thinking about starting the Six (or seven) Star journey?
I encourage anyone to start their Seven Star journey. It takes a while but is a great way to rediscover the breadth of your capabilities, the expansiveness of your community, and your love of adventure.
Age Groupers set to assemble in the Big Apple
A total of 2,429 runners will be running in New York on November 2 hoping to become an AbbottWMM Marathon Tours & Travel Age Group World Champion.
The event, which takes part within the TCS New York Marathon, sees the best male and female runners competing across 18 categories, starting at aged 40-44 and going up to 80+.
This year those runners are from 85 nationalities with 846 Americans taking part in a home marathon.
There will be 304 runners from Great Britain heading over to New York, 186 runners hail from Japan while 155 are crossing over the border from Canada.
There are 657 athletes competing who also ran in last year’s championship race, which was held in Sydney.
Eleven of last year’s champions will line up in New York hoping to win another gold medal.
They include Cesar Lizano Cedeno, who ran 2:24:15 to win the male 40-44 category in Sydney last year.
The Costa Rican runner, who is an Olympian having run the marathon in London in 2012, was the quickest age grouper last year.
Also competing is German Silva, a decorated Six Star Finisher who won the New York City Marathon in 1994 and 1995.
He wrote himself in marathon folklore during that first win when he took a wrong turn by following a TV truck with half a mile to go, falling 40 yards behind fellow Mexican Benjamín Paredes in the process.
With police and spectators shouting to Silva and pointing the correct direction he should run in, he regrouped and ran an astonishing 5:15 last mile to sprint past his compatriot with the finish line in sight.
Silva, who also took part in two Olympics, will run in the 55-59 category.
2025
TOP 5
NATIONS
Year on Year
RETURNING RUNNERS
Age Group Races in Focus
Still plenty of time to book your spot in Cape Town 2026 with these qualifying events coming up
TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon
October 18-19
Discover Toronto's Iconic Marathon Weekend! Join 30,000 runners at the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K on October 18-19, 2025. Known for its flat, fast and scenic course, don’t miss the vibrant, welcoming atmosphere and the best community support in Canada at this World Athletics Elite Label race.
ALTRA Yorkshire Marathon
Sunday October 19
Yorkshire’s biggest running event returns on October 19 with the Altra Yorkshire Marathon. Set in historic York, this scenic course attracts runners of all levels and an electric atmosphere.
Istanbul Marathon
November 2
Istanbul Marathon is the world's only intercontinental marathon, taking runners from Asia to Europe across the bridge over the Bosphorus. Scheduled for November 2, 2025, it offers a route through Istanbul’s rich history, passing by major landmarks, including Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Including the 15km side race, 45,000 participants are expected to take part this year.
TCS Amsterdam Marathon
October 18
In 2025 the TCS Amsterdam Marathon will celebrate its 50th anniversary. The special edition will take place during the weekend of Saturday, October 18, and Sunday, October 19. The start and finish take place in the iconic Olympic Stadium. Other highlights of the World Athletics Platinum Label marathon include the passage under the Rijksmuseum, the kilometers along the Amstel River, and through the green heart of the city: the Vondelpark.
St George Marathon
Experience the exhilaration of the St. George Marathon, where 49 years of history meet breathtaking scenery and a downhill PR course. This iconic race winds through Utah's stunning landscapes, offering runners a challenging yet awe-inspiring journey from Pine Valley Mountains to the heart of St. George. Discover why it's renowned as one of America's premier marathons.
A new marathon-running community
Team Abbott is putting the power of health on display at the World Marathon Majors.
Ask anyone who has run one and they’ll tell you: Marathons are a team sport.
Literally speaking, no, marathons can’t be relayed by a team of athletes, nor are they won by team organizations. But the process of training to run 26.2 miles, and attaining the health needed to do so, is a team effort.
As the title sponsor of the Abbott World Marathon Majors – a series of seven of the largest and most renowned races in the world: Tokyo, Boston, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago and New York – we’ve been fortunate to meet thousands of these teams. Whether running to improve their health, raise awareness for a cause, honor a loved one or accomplish a personal goal, they embody what’s possible when we’re at our best and our healthiest.
To support runners’ journeys as they chase down their best selves and, inspire others to follow in their footsteps, we’re proudly establishing Team Abbott, a community of individuals who champion health through running.
Abbott will select runners to join the Team who have been impacted by health challenges but refused to let those define them.
For them, the start line is not where a marathon begins – the start line was the trials they’ve had to navigate to be able to run a marathon in the first place.
Team Abbott runners aren’t only getting the opportunity to run these sought-after Majors (as well as our Abbott Chicago 5K and Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K in New York). They’ll also benefit from our experts across hydration, nutrition, mentality, race course logistics and more. This expertise guides the training process and gives runners the confidence they need to toe the starting line.
And aside from exclusive events, opportunities to meet elite athletes and a premier race weekend experience, Team Abbott members will gain a community of hundreds of runners sharing their same purpose. As we build the team, we’re aiming to provide a space where runners can champion one another, share tips and provide inspiration — something especially important for first-time marathoners.
Now, we’re seeking people who champion health through running, and are looking to inspire others to do the same. Whether you’re just starting out, are pushing a new PB or chasing your six star medal – registering for a chance to run with Team Abbott can be a transformative health opportunity with the experts and resources needed for your best race and best health.
Team Abbott runners will be chosen based on their connection to health and the impact they’ve made on others/their community. Ultimately, we are looking for individuals whose stories will inspire others to live healthy lives.
As the team puts the power of good health on full display across the Abbott World Marathon Majors, we’re cheering for them in the marathon (and team sport) that we call life.
Register for a chance to run the Abbott World Marathon Majors with Team Abbott.
GLOBAL RUN CLUB
QUALIFY FOR THE 2026 AND 2027 AGE GROUP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Fall 2025 Global Marathon can earn you a place at BOTH!
The Fall 2025 Global Marathon is your opportunity to earn an invitation to both the 2026 AND 2027 Age Group World Championships! The 2026 event will be hosted by the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, and the location of the 2027 event will be announced early next year. Sign up for this virtual event in the Global Run Club!
To complete the Fall 2025 Global Marathon, run 26.2 miles (either an in-person race or virtually on your own) and place in one of the top spots in your age group to earn your invitation!
Register for the Fall 2025 Global Marathon today!
NEW York City Marathon, Nov 6, 1994
MAJOR MOMENT
German Silva is part of an exclusive club whose members have won back-to-back New York City Marathons. He also competed in two Olympics and ran the length of his native Mexico.
But it’s a legendary wrong turn - that he thankfully made right - which he’s best known for.
The Mexican’s bizarre moment happened on November 6, 1994.
Then aged 26 and wearing the number 10 bib, Silva had run a controlled race in the New York drizzle and was favorite to win as he entered the final mile alongside training partner Benjamin Paredes.
The expectant crowds lining the route in Central Park were readying themselves for a thrilling finish but nobody could have expected what happened next.
At the 25.5 mile mark, Silva erroneously followed a TV truck and veered off course, turning right leaving Paredes to run straight on towards the finish fine.
The New York crowd and a marshalling policeman shouted to Silva and pointed the direction in which he should have run.
Taking a second or two to gather himself, he rejoined the race and somehow hauled in his compatriot, overtaking him in a sprint finish to win by two seconds.
“I was lucky,” he reflected years later. “There was half a mile left and that was enough for me to catch him.”
Silva had a slightly easier time when he defended his title in 1995, finishing in 2:11:00 – 21 seconds faster than his maiden win to edge out Great Britain’s Paul Evans.
The Mexican, who was inducted into the New York Road Runners Hall of Fame in 2014 and completed his Six Star Journey in Tokyo this year, will return to the Big Apple in November having qualified for the AWMM Marathon Tours & Travel Age Group World Championships.
MEET THE TEAM
As Social Media Manager for the Abbott World Marathon Majors, Dave Macnamara has the dream job of connecting with one of the most passionate running communities on the planet. From tracking race-day action, to meeting finishers chasing their Six Star Medal, he shares how his love of running shapes the way he tells the story of the Majors online…
How long have you worked at Abbott World Marathon Majors?
I joined Abbott World Marathon Majors just over three years ago. I've previously worked in the running space, and my career has always been in social media, so this job is my absolute dream!
You are Social Media Manager, what does that involve?
It's pretty simple, my responsibility is everything that everyone sees on all of our social media channels. I plan, manage and set up the content on race days and throughout the year. I complete community management (I try my best to read every comment!) and perform performance analysis, working with our creative partners to develop social ideas that involve our community in a way that I hope is both interesting and engaging.
How do you connect with such a huge global audience?
At heart, I'm a runner. I've been running for nearly two decades, so I have a huge interest in every level of the sport. I've been a parkrunner, run club member, gear reviewer, Strava geek, fascinated by training, nutrition and performance, but I also understand the connection the community has and how running can bring people together.
One of the highlights of my role is meeting people face-to-face, away from the computer. The people I meet and stories I hear at both the finish line and our expos inspire me, and it's vital because I get to hear from our audience firsthand, and understand what they are interested in and what elements that make up the world of Abbott World Marathon Majors we need to explore more of.
"I'm going to have to be like everyone else in our community and say the Six Star Medal is the ultimate goal. When you spend as much time as I do at the finish line, and see what it means to people, you can't help but want to have a taste of it. I reckon that when the time comes, I'll have a good chance to get my #medalpic featured on the AbbottWMM Instagram channel too!"
What type of content seems to go down best with the audience?
Everyone loves the stats! We produce a graphic twice a year that provides a breakdown of all our Six Star finishers, and it consistently ranks among the most engaging pieces of content we publish, generating numerous questions and requests for more detailed information. I often say I'd love to put out more content like that. Maybe Statman Stew and I need to have our own spin-off social channel!
Apart from that, it's been fascinating to see how our audience has grown on TikTok over the last year or so. Over the past six months, we've had some of our most successful videos on TikTok. It now accounts for more than 50 per cent of our video views, so we're learning more about our audience and exploring ways to expand our reach.
What's the best part about running the social side of such a well-loved race series?
It's got to be the travel. Seeing parts of the world I'd never been to and meeting new faces and making new friends at every race. The only downside of our trips is that we don't get to see more of each city. We're so busy on race day that you can end up missing out on the local culture, so I try, on every trip, to see a bit more of each city that I haven't been to before and learn more about both its running culture and its broader history.
Are you training for anything at the moment?
Indeed, I am. I'm in the middle of training for the Irish Life Dublin City Marathon, which will take place in October, so I'm looking forward to the 34km training run I've currently got scheduled for the morning of the BMW Berlin Marathon!
Have you taken part in any of the Majors, and if so, what is your favorite?
Due to the nature of my job, it's actually quite challenging for me to run our races, as I'm often working flat out all day on race day. However, I am currently a two star athlete, having completed London in 2013 and the Berlin in 2023. That Berlin run was a lot of fun, as it meant I could document the day through our social media channels and give those people at home a taste of what it's like to experience the city on race day.
If I had to pick a favorite? How could I pick my favorite child?! Each one has its own, unique quality. Tokyo bring a unique culture to the series, Boston has the history, London is home, Berlin has a party vibe that you can't beat, Chicago is special as I've got quite a few family and friends there, so it makes it a lot more sociable, and New York is the end of the season and we celebrate it. I'm excited to see what Sydney brings to the table, and hopefully, we'll have the opportunity to experience Cape Town and Shanghai in the not too distant future.
Do you have a favorite race to create content for?
I think New York is probably my favorite. It's the end of the season, and the entire city serves as the perfect backdrop. You have great storylines of athletes coming from around the world. We'll have our Age Group World Championships there this year, so I'm looking forward to that. You get a beautiful low autumn sun, which makes the photos look amazing, it's just the best.
What is top of your bucket list?
I'm going to have to be like everyone else in our community and say the Six Star medal is the ultimate goal. When you spend as much time as I do at the finish line, and see what it means to people, you can't help but want to have a taste of it. The way things are going, it'll probably take me a lot longer than most, but I'm happy to bide my time. I reckon that when the time comes, I'll have a good chance to get my #medalpic featured on the AWMM Instagram channel too!
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