It has been a landmark year for the Abbott World Marathon Majors.
More than seven years since we began looking for the next Major, in November I had the privilege of announcing that the TCS Sydney Marathon will be joining the family in 2025.
Sydney’s arrival comes after a huge amount of work by the team there to make their dream a reality. It was also exciting to see the reaction of the community in Sydney as well as our runners around the world who cannot wait to travel Down Under for their Sydney star.
As you all know, the candidate program does not stop there. This year, we were delighted to see the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon secure its first assessment pass, and we also welcomed the Shanghai Marathon into the process.
Seeing the passion for the marathon in these new parts of the world underlines how important it is for the Abbott World Marathon Majors to bring these experiences to the people in those growing running communities.
Our mission to inspire the world through the power of the marathon has been personified from the front to the back of every race in 2024.
Whether it was Ruth Chepng'etich smashing the world record in Chicago, or the inspirational Chris Nikic becoming the world’s first runner with Down Syndrome to become a Six Star Finisher in Tokyo, those sources of inspiration come from every section of this awesome family.
Whichever races you have on your calendar for the 12 months to come, I hope you find the inspiration and motivation that drives you on to achieve your goals in 2025.
For now, join me in reflecting on a phenomenal year that has just passed and celebrating everything this sport has given to each of us.
See you in 2025!
Dawna Stone, CEO, Abbott World Marathon Majors
The Image
The Abbott World Marathon Majors Race Directors
celebrate the addition of the TCS Sydney Marathon
into the fold at a ceremony in New York City.
Image: Creagh Cross
THE WARMUP
TOKYO
Tokyo wants YOUR story
The Tokyo Marathon has launched a new Interview Relay campaign, aiming to connect 42 runners’ stories together to tell the story of the race from a wide range of perspectives.
Beginning with Tokyo Marathon Foundation Chairman Tad Hayano, who stepped down as race director last year after the 2024 event, the relay is underway, and you can join in by posting your story on Instagram and tagging @tokyomarathonfoundation.
BOSTON
Boston makes a BIG impact
The Boston Marathon revealed an economic impact for 2024 topping the $509m mark in a study released in November. The figure encompasses the costs of staging the event plus the spending by marathon participants and spectators as well as the impact of household and vendor spending among others.
LONDON
London goes in search of Nessie
The organisers of the TCS London Marathon have expanded their reach into Scotland with the purchase of the Loch Ness Marathon. The race, that takes runners from the southern end of the famous loch into the town of Inverness, will next take place on September 28, 2025.
BERLIN
Berlin 2025 registrations closed
After a record-setting finisher number of 54,280 in 2024, registrations for the 2025 BMW BERLIN-MARATHON are now closed. The race attracted 58,212 starters from 161 different nations. The aggregate finish time of the entire field was 4:19:59, which made this year’s 50th anniversary race the 12th fastest marathon in history and the fourth fastest ever in Berlin.
CHICAGO
Ruth’s record produces stunning numbers
The amazing world record set by Ruth Chepng'etich at this year’s Bank of America Chicago Marathon produced some incredible statistics. Her first half was clocked in 1:04:16, the fifth fastest half marathon time ever. Her second half of 1:05:41 would have put her 6th on the all-time list, and her 5km average across her eight splits was 15 minutes and 24 seconds. What’s more only 10 men in the race ran a quicker time than the 30-year-old Kenyan. St-Ruth!
NEW YORK
New York hits the big number
The TCS New York City Marathon wrenched Berlin’s finisher world record away in style at the 2024 race in November, welcoming 55,646 athletes over the line in Central Park. Impressively, 56,012 people started the race this year, which gave organizers a 99.3% completion rate. They don’t call it the BIG Apple for nothing.
In April 2017, the world learned that the Abbott World Marathon Majors were ready to expand the family.
Since the addition of the Tokyo Marathon in 2013, the six races had come to represent the Grand Slam of mass participation sport. Joining them would be no easy task, but the search got under way for the next three members of the world’s greatest marathon series.
In fact, it took more than seven years before a candidate race met the requirements set down by the Majors evaluation team. The day finally came on November 3, 2024, in a packed media center just yards from the finish line of the TCS New York City Marathon.
AbbottWMM CEO Dawna Stone took to the stage to officially declare that Sydney had made it, capping an 831-day journey since becoming a candidate in 2022 to getting over the finish line.
It represented a defining moment for the race, and for its figurehead, race director Wayne Larden.
Larden’s story is one of passion, resilience, and vision. A lifelong runner turned trailblazing event manager, he has played an instrumental role in transforming the race into a globally-celebrated event.
“Running has been a part of my life since I was 12,” he says. “I wasn’t a big kid, so sports like rugby weren’t my thing. But running? That was different. It gave me a way to channel my energy and be part of something bigger.”
Larden excelled at cross country running, a sport that allowed him to embrace nature while competing at the highest levels. “I ran in four World Cross Country Championships. Those were incredible experiences, running against the best in the world,” he recalls.
Transitioning to longer distances, he debuted in the marathon at the 1995 Gold Coast Marathon, finishing third in the Australian Championships. However, injuries often sidelined his ambitions. “I was one of those athletes who struggled to string training blocks together,” he admits.
From Running to Race Directing
By the time Larden’s competitive career ended, he had already begun carving out a new path. His first role out of university was as Assistant Race Director for Sydney’s City2Surf. “That job taught me so much about event logistics and what it takes to put on a world-class race,” he says.
In 2005, he acquired the rights to the Sydney Marathon, an event that started modestly with fewer than 1,000 participants as the legacy event from the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
“Back then, marathon culture in Australia was different,” he says. “The half marathon and shorter fun runs dominated.”
Over nearly two decades, he gradually increased the marathon’s appeal by introducing family-friendly events, redesigning the course to showcase Sydney’s iconic landmarks, and consolidating the finish line at the Opera House.
“We wanted to create an event that was quintessentially Sydney. Running over the Harbour Bridge and finishing at the Opera House was key to that vision.”
A pivotal moment came when the Sydney Marathon entered candidacy for the Abbott World Marathon Majors in 2022. Achieving this status required overcoming significant cultural and logistical challenges. “We had to triple our finisher numbers and change perceptions about marathon running in Australia,” he explains.
The event’s growth skyrocketed post-pandemic, with entries jumping from 5,300 in 2022 to 24,500 in 2024.
Sydney’s bid was boosted by government support. The New South Wales authorities provided funding and coordinated efforts across multiple agencies to facilitate extensive changes. These included altering the course to enhance the runner experience and implementing extended road closures, which could have been major hurdles without the government’s backing.
Marketing also played a crucial role. The event leveraged digital marketing, influencer campaigns, and a loyalty program known as the “Candidacy Club.” This initiative rewarded runners who participated during the candidacy period with guaranteed spots in the first three years of Sydney's status as a major, creating a sense of investment in the marathon’s success.
“We leaned heavily into digital marketing, influencer partnerships, and a loyalty program for runners. The New South Wales government also played a crucial role, providing funding and helping us manage large-scale changes like new course layouts and extended road closures,” Larden adds.
It all culminated in a first stage pass of every single point on the Majors’ criteria list in 2023 and following it up with another complete list of checked boxes in September 2024, including welcoming more than 20,000 finishers across the line for the first time ever.
Looking Ahead
Now that the Sydney Marathon is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, Larden and his team are preparing for the challenges of this new chapter.
“We’re introducing a lottery system for general entries, refining the course, and aiming for 35,000 runners next year,” he says.
For the man known to his colleagues as 'Lardy', the recognition is both professional validation and a testament to the work of his team in the Harbour City.
“As a former athlete, it’s an honor to stand among the world’s best race directors. But more than that, it’s about the runners, the community, and everyone who’s believed in this vision. The Sydney Marathon has always been bigger than any one person.”
With its stunning backdrop, a committed community, and a visionary leader, the Sydney Marathon is set to inspire runners from around the globe for years to come.
What happens now that Sydney has joined?
To read more on what Sydney’s addition means for our current programs and future plans, visit our FAQs page.
You can also listen or watch back to our Q&A session with Chief Content Officer Danny Coyle on what expansion means for our medal program going forward
AFRICA AWAITS
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon now has one more hurdle to clear to become the eighth Abbott World Marathon Major
Hot on the heels of the induction of the TCS Sydney Marathon into the Abbott World Marathon Majors, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon received the news that it had passed stage one of the evaluation process in its bid to join the series.
After joining the candidacy process in 2021, the race has steadily built towards checking every box required by the AbbottWMM evaluation process, and reached the point in October where its 2024 edition got a resounding tick in each and every area.
The race will now have to repeat this achievement in 2025 in order to secure a second pass. If it can do so, it will join the Majors in 2026.
“Cape Town has continued its impressive progress since joining the candidacy process and we are thrilled that it has now met all of our criteria for the first time,” said AbbottWMM CEO, Dawna Stone.
“We know how much the city, the country and the whole continent want the race to become Africa’s first Major, and they have taken a great step in the right direction.”
Clark Gardner, the Cape Town Marathon CEO, said: “We are obviously delighted to pass to the next stage and to enjoy the progress after a significant effort this year.
“I believe the key to passing this stage one was the collective effort from our team, the city, sponsors, service providers, participants and residents who have all bought into the benefits that an AbbottWMM would deliver to the city, country and continent.”
AbbottWMM recently announced a new Nine Star medal will be introduced as the next milestone when two more races are added to the series.
AbbottWMM has also committed to keeping the Six Star medal in place for runners who complete the original six AbbottWMM races of Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York.
To help commemorate every runner’s journey and race achievements, AbbottWMM also introduced a commemorative coin for each race. Custom displays can be purchased to showcase the runner’s achievements from two races to all seven.
If Cape Town is successful in its second stage of evaluation, the collectible range would expand to recognize its race. The full range is available here.
THE 2024
ROLL OF HONOR
The champions across our elite and Age Group competitions in another historic year for the Abbott World Marathon Majors
Elite women’s champion:
Hellen Obiri
After losing out in a Race Director vote in 2023, Hellen Obiri found herself in the exact same position as she crossed the finish line of the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon.
Having already secured back-to-back Boston crowns, Obiri could not muster the power to outlast Sheila Chepkirui in Central Park to retain her New York title, but her second place was enough to tie her at the top of the leaderboard with Ethiopia’s Amane Beriso. There was no head-to-head contest to separate the athletes, which left it once again to the Race Directors’ vote. This time, they unanimously went for Obiri.
Elite men’s champion:
Benson Kipruto
Benson Kipruto placed himself at the top of the leaderboard from the outset of Series XVI with a course record win in Tokyo.
He stayed there thanks to a battling third place in Paris in the Olympic Marathon.
Tamirat Tola, the Olympic gold medallist, was bidding to unseat Kipruto if he could come third or better in the TCS New York City Marathon on the final day, but he faded to fourth place on the road in the final miles.
That left Kipruto free and clear at the top of the standings to claim his first series win, and continue a streak of dominance for Kenya in the men’s series that extends back to 2013.
A course record in Tokyo, bronze in Paris and the AbbottWMM Series title. A stellar year for one of the very best in the business.
Elite women’s wheelchair champion:
Catherine Debrunner
If there was one phrase to describe Catherine Debrunner’s defense of her series title in 2024, it would be ‘ruthless efficiency’.
The Swiss athlete was absent for the first two races of the season, then promptly strung together four wins on the bounce before retreating back from the heat of battle to let her rivals try and catch her.
They could not.
Debrunner won London, then took Olympic marathon gold, then conquered Berlin and Chicago to rack up enough points to make it impossible for the rest to haul her back in. Job done. Her success was not limited to the roads either.
Her marathon victory in Paris was one of five gold medals she plundered at the Games, winning the 5000m in a new Paralympic record and adding 400, 800 and 1500m golds, plus silver in the 100m.
The hat-trick of AbbottWM series titles beckons in 2025.
Elite Men’s wheelchair champion
Marcel Hug
Marcel Hug locked in his third straight men’s wheelchair series in emphatic style, sealing the deal before he arrived in New York for the season finale.
And it proved just as well that he had secured the title, as things did not all go his way in the final race of the season.
Another year, another series trophy for Marcel Hug
Another year, another series trophy for Marcel Hug
Hug clashed with great rival David Weir in the late miles of the race and suffered damage to his hand that saw him drop way back, leaving Daniel Romanchuk to beat Weir in the final sprint.
Nevertheless, Hug continues to set the standard for the rest to match.
He broke the course record in Boston with a huge margin of victory, and showed six days later that he could win in a fierce battle too, out-muscling Romanchuk at the final turn onto The Mall.
His Berlin and Chicago wins were imperious, and he shoehorned an Olympic marathon gold in amongst it all, too.
Can anyone close the gap in 2025?
Age Group World Champions
What a day it was at the TCS Sydney Marathon for our AbbottWMM Marathon Tours & Travel Age Group World Championships. On a demanding course, the best Age Groupers in the world battled it out to claim their titles. Congratulations to all of our 2024 champions.
Men
M40-44 Cesar Lizano CEDENO CRC 2:24:15
M45-49 Minori HIGUCHI JPN 2:28:31
M50-54 Mustapha LHAMZI FRA 2:32:40
M55-59 Robert ASHBY USA 2:38:56
M60-64 Fernando VILELA POR 2:48:18
M65-69 Toshihiro SUZUKI JPN 3:09:34
M70-74 Gerald GRAF USA 3:15:11
M75-79 Martin FLUCKIGER SUI 3:41:29
M80+ Myung Joon KIM USA 4:24:32
Women
F40-44 Ingrid CREE NZL 2:46:56
F45-49 Mai FUJISAWA JPN 2:49:57
F50-54 Dilfuza ALLAYAROVA UZB 2:55:53
F55-59 Jill WILKIE AUS 3:00:05
F60-64 Sally GIBBS NZL 2:57:26
F65-69 Gwen JACOBSON USA 3:20:05
F70-74 Grace WASIELEWSKI USA 3:43:58
F75-79 Roselyne LELEU FRA 4:32:54
F80+ Elizabeth BORRETT CAN 5:52:08
QUALIFIED ATHLETES FOR THE 2025 CHAMPIONSHIP WILL BE CONTACTED IN THE NEW YEAR
What Tom did Next
Since becoming a Six Star Finisher, Thomas Eller has continued breaking barriers and inspiring change in his own unique way
You would be hard pressed to find a more inspiring human than Thomas Eller. The deaf-born runner achieved Six Star Finisher status in 2023 and continues to push himself to achieve more personally, and for the Deaf community as a whole…
Where is home for you?
Home is Essen, Germany, where I live and work as a teacher for deaf children and teenagers. But in a broader sense, ‘home‘ is wherever I’m surrounded by people who share the same passion for breaking barriers and creating an inclusive world.
Were you always into running?
Growing up in Germany as a deaf child, my early years were all about overcoming barriers - both physical and societal. Sports became my way of expressing myself, proving to the world that being deaf was not a limitation. My first love was tennis, I loved the strategy, precision, and the sense of individuality it offered.
Running came later, almost by accident. As a deaf student in Cologne, I began running casually around the campus. It wasn’t something I took seriously at first, just a way to clear my mind and stay active. Then, a few years later, I met a friend in a café, and he asked me to join a marathon with him. At first, I thought he was joking - it sounded so far out of reach! But somehow, I said yes, and before I knew it, I was running my very first marathon in the desert of Petra, Jordan.
How did being born and raised deaf impact your ability to participate in sports?
It has certainly shaped my journey in sports, both in challenges and in triumphs. As a child, I often faced the assumption that sports required perfect communication, which could have limited my opportunities. But I never saw my deafness as an obstacle; I saw it as a unique perspective.
In team sports like tennis, I relied on visual cues and developed a heightened sense of awareness. While others may have depended on sounds or spoken instructions, I learned to adapt, think independently, and anticipate situations. These skills became my superpowers on the court and later on the running track.
Running, in particular, became a space where my deafness didn’t matter. It’s a sport that transcends language and sound. All I needed was my own rhythm, my own pace, and the drive to keep moving forward.
Tell us more about that first marathon
Petra Marathon was an experience that completely transformed my life. On race day, the experience was surreal. Running through the ancient landscape of Petra, surrounded by breathtaking views and the raw power of nature, I felt an overwhelming sense of freedom and accomplishment. Crossing that finish line wasn’t just about completing 26.2 miles; it was about proving to myself that I could achieve the seemingly impossible.
That first marathon was more than a race - it was the beginning of a new chapter. It sparked a passion that has since taken me around the world, running in iconic races and inspiring others to dream big and chase their goals. 2018 wasn’t just the year of my first marathon; it was the year I discovered who I truly was. And the race itself set the tone for the runner (and person) I am today: someone unafraid to take the road less traveled.
IMAGE: MARATONPHOTO
What does running mean to you?
It’s a sanctuary where I find clarity, strength, and balance. For my mental health, running is my therapy. As a deaf individual, the world can sometimes feel overwhelming or isolating, but when I’m running, everything simplifies. It’s just me, my thoughts, and the rhythm of my footsteps. Running clears my mind, helps me process emotions, and gives me a sense of control when life feels chaotic.
As a deaf person, I am an 'eye human‘ I rely heavily on my vision - whether reading lips, interpreting sign language, or navigating through everyday life. My eyes are constantly at work, and after a full day of intense visual focus, running helps me recover and reset. Physically, running has transformed me in ways I never imagined. It keeps me strong, energized, and connected to my body in the most empowering way. It’s taught me discipline and the importance of pushing through discomfort to achieve growth.
But running is more than personal - it’s also a bridge to connect with others and inspire change. It’s a platform where I can show the world, and especially the Deaf community, that no obstacle is insurmountable.
And the Six Star Challenge, when did that journey begin and what prompted it?
It all started in 2019 with the London Marathon. I traveled to the race alone, knowing nobody there. But guess what? London turned out to be the birthplace of new friendships. The race itself was incredible, but it was the people I met along the way that truly made it unforgettable. I was no longer alone in this journey - I had found a community that would support and motivate me throughout the entire challenge.
Following London, I ran Berlin, Chicago, and New York City, all in the same year. Each race was unique and unforgettable, filled with its own set of challenges and triumphs. But as I kept ticking off each race, I began to realize that I was on the verge of something monumental. Following the Covid pandemic, in 2021, I ran the Boston Marathon, and finally, in 2023, I completed my final race in Tokyo, earning my Six Star medal.
"Tokyo marked the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and belief in something greater than just a personal goal. It was proof that when you push beyond limits, the rewards are far beyond what you could ever imagine."
What prompted me to pursue this challenge was more than just the desire to collect medals. It was about something much deeper. Completing the Six Star Challenge wasn’t just a personal achievement; it was a statement. It was proof that with determination, passion, and a relentless spirit, we can turn the impossible into reality.
You’ve also run the newest Major – Sydney, tell us more about your experience there…
The city's beauty, with the stunning backdrop of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, provided an incredible setting for the race. The course itself, while challenging with its hilly terrain, offered breathtaking views that made every step worth it. The scenery, especially from the harbor and bridge, truly made it an unforgettable experience.
There is some room for improvement in terms of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). While Sydney offers great potential, making the race more inclusive for all, especially for runners with disabilities, would take it to the next level. I’m hopeful that as Sydney evolves into a more established Major, it will implement changes to ensure that it truly becomes an event for everyone, regardless of ability.
You’ve taken part in countless events, what is your marathon count to date and your PB?
I’ve completed 51 marathons and my personal best of 02:47:11 was achieved at the Berlin Marathon in 2019. Berlin’s fast course and the crowd’s energy made it the perfect place to set that time.
Where does your mind go to on those long runs?
During my runs, especially the long ones, my mind is constantly engaged, even though I can’t listen to music or chat with others.
Since I rely so much on my eyes, it’s a chance for me to connect with my surroundings in a different way. I often find myself reflecting on my journey, thinking about the barriers I’ve overcome, and the Deaf community that I’m representing with every step I take.
I also think a lot about my students and how I can be a role model for them. The solitude of running gives me time to plan, to dream, and to strategize about my next steps in both life and running. Sometimes, I focus on the pure act of running itself - how my body moves, the rhythm of my breathing, and the satisfaction of each stride. There’s a sense of peace in that, a mental clarity that I can’t quite find anywhere else.
On some runs, my thoughts go beyond the race ahead. I think about making the world more inclusive, and how I can continue to raise awareness for the Deaf community, not just as a runner, but as a teacher and advocate. It’s in these moments of quiet reflection that I feel most empowered to push through the tough spots, knowing the impact of what I’m doing.
You’re not only a Six Star runner you are also a history maker as the first deaf person to achieve this status – tell us more about that?
Becoming the first deaf person to achieve Six Star status is something that still fills me with pride, but it’s not just about the medal itself. It’s about what that achievement represents, not just for me, but for the Deaf community around the world. When I set out on this journey, I knew it would be challenging, but I also knew that breaking barriers and inspiring others was a key part of my mission.
As a deaf person, there are so many invisible barriers that we face in everyday life, but running has always been a way for me to show that those barriers don’t define us. The Six-Star status was a milestone, yes, but it was also a powerful way to say, “Deaf people can achieve the same things as anyone else.” I also think about the next generation - the deaf children I teach and the future deaf athletes I hope to inspire. This achievement is not only mine; it’s a piece of history for all of us. And that, for me, is what makes it so much more meaningful.
What are the main hurdles you face as a deaf runner, particularly in a race environment?
One critical issue is the danger posed by safety and emergency vehicles on the course. Since I can’t hear the cars approaching, I rely on my visual awareness to avoid them.This is why I’ve advocated for ‘deaf runner‘ back-bibs, which would alert officials to be extra mindful when approaching deaf runners.
Another area where races can improve is the presence of sign language interpreters at all panel talks, expo events, and race briefings. Sign language interpreters ensure that the Deaf community can fully participate in these important moments, feeling included and connected.
An earlier start time for runners with disabilities is another aspect that would help ease the challenges for deaf runners. At the start line, the crowded and often congested race environment can be especially difficult for us. Deaf runners sometimes struggle with balance due to their hearing loss, and the constant jostling and bumping from other runners can cause a feeling of disorientation—almost like being drunk.
For me, these aren’t just inconveniences - they’re safety issues. Deaf runners have every right to feel safe, included, and supported during a race. These changes would make a world of difference, not only for me but for all deaf athletes who wish to participate fully in marathons and other Major races.
Which race has been the best in terms of accessibility for deaf runners?
The most supportive event I’ve experienced so far has been the TCS New York City Marathon. The race organizers have made significant efforts to ensure that deaf runners feel safe, supported, and included, which is incredibly important to me and to the Deaf community at large. It’s a race that truly recognizes the importance of breaking down barriers and fostering an inclusive, supportive atmosphere for all.
So what is next? There must be something up your sleeve...
Well, I have some big dreams and exciting challenges ahead! One of my main goals is to complete the seven marathons on seven continents in seven days. I’m still figuring out ways to get it sponsored or supported financially, but I’ll continue working towards making this dream a reality. Who knows, maybe one day I'll find a way to make it happen!
Another major goal is to run the last continent: Antarctica. It’s an incredible challenge, and I’m determined to find a way to get there. It would be the final piece of my marathon journey and a huge achievement for me.
For next year, I’ve already secured entries for some incredible races, including Tokyo Marathon (my third six-star medal), Boston Marathon, London Marathon, Rome Marathon, and the famous half marathon on the Oresund Bridge between Denmark and Sweden.
I’m also working hard to continue making races more inclusive. My ultimate aim is to get a race category for deaf runners at every major race, similar to the categories for wheelchair runners, blind runners, and non-binary runners.
But the icing on the cake would be the creation of an inclusivity department that serves as an interface between Abbott World Marathon Majors and all seven world marathon major races. This department would feature a team of runners with disabilities who would serve as experts and share their valuable perspectives with the Abbott World Marathon Majors and the seven major races.
Lastly, I hope to have the honor of pacing Dawna Stone, the CEO of Abbott World Marathon Majors, on her first marathon one day. That would truly be a dream come true.
Age Group Races in Focus
Take your pick from some fantastic marathon events to earn your spot in the AbbottWMM Marathon Tours & Travel Age Group World Rankings
Houston Marathon
Make your way to Houston in January and you might be the lucky recipient of a new PR as well as experiencing the city's world-renowned hospitality. At Houston Marathon Weekend of Events runners can choose from a variety of flat and fast courses including the Chevron Houston Marathon, Aramco Houston Half Marathon and We Are Houston 5K.
Miami Marathon
Each year, thousands of athletes from around the world experience a breathtaking journey weaving through palm-lined avenues, alongside shimmering turquoise waters at the Miami Marathon. Iconic landmarks like the Art Deco buildings of South Beach and the magnificent Port of Miami only add to the overall race day experience.
The Life Time Miami Marathon and Half Marathon presented by FP Movement offer an exhilarating celebration of athleticism, endurance, and the vibrant spirit of Miami.
Richmond Marathon
The Allianz Partners Richmond Marathon is the perfect reason for you to visit the capital of Virginia! The route features street art, river views, historic architecture, the best crowd support as well as an iconic downhill finish followed by a party on the riverfront! The marathon is also one of the top 25 qualifying races for the Boston Marathon. This fall, discover why 'America's Friendliest Marathon' is all that and more!
Nice-Cannes
Surpassed only by the Paris Marathon in terms of popularity, the French Riviera Marathon Nice-Cannes will welcome over 18,000 runners on Sunday 9 November. The athletes will race from the famous Promenade des Anglais in Nice to the Croisette Boulevard in Cannes, a few meters from the steps of the legendary Palais des Festivals!
Since its inception in 2008, participants have praised the breathtaking beauty of the course between Nice and Cannes that crosses five emblematic French Riviera towns: Saint-Laurent-du-Var, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Villeneuve-Loubet, Antibes Juan-les-Pins and Vallauris Golfe-Juan. Each of these towns brings a unique feel to the coastal course, offering a stunning backdrop that combines snow-capped mountains and palm trees.
Last year, the race was sold out several weeks before, so be quick to book your place for 2025.
California International Marathon (CIM)
California International Marathon (CIM) is one of the world's premier performance running events. Ideal northern California late-fall weather, a forgiving course, and throngs of performance-focused racers make CIM the United States' #1 Boston and Olympic Trials qualifying race.
The point-to-point, net-downhill course has remained unchanged for 41 years, starting from Folsom’s scenic foothills and ending at the historical California State Capitol.
Spotting the Spikes
Foods you might not expect can impact your glucose levels and how you feel as a result
Hey, did you know that loading up on cake, pizza and ice cream every day might not be good for your health? Well, yeah, of course you did. Most of us understand that junk food is called that for a reason.
But did you know that some other foods — ones you probably wouldn’t label “junk” — can impact your overall wellbeing because they make your glucose spike?
Foods with rapidly digestible carbohydrates release a rush of glucose into your bloodstream after you eat them, and that can cause a spike in your glucose levels. Frequent glucose spikes can affect not only how you feel from day to day,1 but are also associated with other long-term health consequences, like insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.1, 2 (Read a more detailed breakdown of what’s happening during a glucose spike here.)
You could spend your whole day reading about this phenomenon. Science has a lot to say about which foods make your glucose spike, and how much to take that into account as you decide what to eat and drink.
Treat this article as an introduction to a much deeper topic. Here are five examples of foods that can cause glucose spikes.
5 Foods that May Spike Glucose
1. Rice
White rice is a staple in diets around the world, but it’s also a very starchy carbohydrate and therefore can cause a big glucose spike.3 Brown rice, while often considered healthier due to its higher fiber content, can also deliver a sizable glucose wallop — depending on factors such as cook time, portion size and the presence of other macronutrients (think protein and fat) in the meal.3 And the same goes for rice crackers, which are sometimes viewed as a “lighter” vehicle for cheese, dips and spreads but have a high glycemic index (GI), meaning they can have a significant impact on glucose.4
2. Oat Milk
There are plenty of reasons people drink this popular dairy alternative, but its high carb content and high GI put it on our watchlist for glucose spikes. When it comes to non-dairy milk in general, opt for lower-sugar versions like unsweetened almond, coconut or soy. These all have a lower GI than oat milk and are considered glucose-friendly alternatives.
3. Bagels
A plain bagel isn’t a doughnut – so it’s got that going for it. But bagels and doughnuts are similar in one unfortunate way: They have a high glycemic load, meaning they can significantly raise your glucose levels after you eat them. Try reducing the portion size and pairing with a meal that contains protein and fat to lessen the impact on your glucose.5
4. Bananas
We want to be clear, here: The banana can be a wonderful, healthy fruit. We included it on this list to highlight that bananas and some of their friends in the fruit family, such as pineapples and melons, contain more sugar than fruits like berries, and so the risk of a glucose spike is greater. Try to balance bananas with fiber, protein and fats in your meals and snacks. You also can opt for slightly green or just-ripe bananas, which have a lower GI than overripe (think brown spots) varieties.
5. Mix-Ins and Condiments
Sometimes, the things we add to foods contain hidden sugars that can cause glucose spikes. Be mindful of dumping specialty creamers into your coffee, topping your salad with mounds of dried fruits and tangy dressing, or dousing your chicken breast with barbecue sauce.
How to Find Out the Impact of Glucose
As you can see from our list, two factors make some of these glucose-boosting foods extra-sneaky:
1. They don’t all necessarily taste sweet.
2. It can be tricky to know – again, besides the obvious, ultra-processed stuff that isn’t good for us – exactly what the impact is of the different foods and drinks you consume.
For these reasons and more, there’s growing interest in continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, such as Abbott’s Lingo CGM for health and wellness and FreeStyle Libre for people living with diabetes.
Both use a biosensor, to measure your glucose levels in real time and a smartphone app to help interpret that information for you. If something you’re eating is making your glucose spike, you’ll see it.
That was one of the biggest eye-openers for Botumile “Abe” Ngoma, an educator in Houston, Texas, when he began using our FreeStyle Libre 2 to manage his Type 2 diabetes.
“Food-wise, it helped me a whole lot,” he said. “There was this high-fiber cereal that I used to eat, and I thought it was the safest thing. But I realized, no, it was making my sugar (glucose levels) shoot up.”
His CGM helped him understand which foods were causing him to spike, and how to adjust to that.
The fact is, you’re unique. The more personal insights you have on our own metabolism, the better you’ll be able to understand how diet affects you.
For more training and nutrition tips from leading experts, as well as inspiring stories from runners who have benefited from Abbott technologies, visit Abbott’s marathon hub.
References:
1 Jarvis PRE, et al. Continuous glucose monitoring in a healthy population: understanding the post-prandial glycemic response in individuals without diabetes mellitus. Metabolism. 2023 Sep;146:155640. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37356796/
2 O'Keefe JH, et al. Dietary strategies for improving post-prandial glucose, lipids, inflammation, and cardiovascular health. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2008 Jan 22;51(3):249-55. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18206731/
3 Boers HM, et al. A systematic review of the influence of rice characteristics and processing methods on postprandial glycaemic and insulinaemic responses. Br J Nutr. 2015 Oct 14;114(7):1035-45. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26310311/
4 Brand-Miller JC, et al. Glycemic index, postprandial glycemia, and the shape of the curve in healthy subjects: analysis of a database of more than 1,000 foods. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 Jan;89(1):97-105. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19056599/
5 Kim JS, et al. Effect of nutrient composition in a mixed meal on the postprandial glycemic response in healthy people: a preliminary study. Nutr Res Pract. 2019 Apr;13(2):126-133. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30984356/
Important Safety Information
FREESTYLE LIBRE SYSTEMS
LINGO GLUCOSE SYSTEM
The Lingo Glucose System is intended for users 18 years and older not on insulin. It is not intended for diagnosis of diseases, including diabetes.
The Lingo program does not guarantee that everyone will achieve the same results as individual responses may vary. Consult your healthcare professional before making changes to your diet or exercise regimen or if you have an eating disorder or a history of eating disorders.
U.K. Disclaimer
The Lingo system is not for medical use and intended for users 18 years and older. Lingo is not intended for diagnosis or management of any disease including diabetes.
The Lingo programme does not guarantee that everyone will achieve the same results as individual responses may vary. It is best to speak to your doctor for advice on starting any diet or exercise regime or if you have an eating disorder or a history of eating disorders.
The Lingo Glucose System is available in the U.S. and the U.K. only.
FREESTYLE LIBRE SYSTEMS
Product for prescription only. For Important Safety Information, please visit https://www.freestyle.abbott/us-en/safety-information.html.
NEW GLOBAL RUN CLUB APP OUT NOW
The new Global Run Club app is a virtual club for runners of all ages and abilities offering monthly challenges, races and a global community to engage with and motivate you!
WHY JOIN?
- Be a part of a global community of runners
- Join our challenges and races to motivate your marathon training
- Have the chance to run for World Championship and Majors entries
- Available on iOS and Android, download it now!
Run with us not only to provide a structure and motivation for your marathon goals, but compare your performances and progress with your club mates around the world in our race rankings.
FOLLOW OUR STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO GETTING SET UP WITH THE NEW GLOBAL RUN CLUB APP
1. FIND US ON YOUR PHONE
Search AWMM Global Run Club in the Apple of Google Play store and download the App.
2. SYNC YOUR DEVICE OR APP
Even if you are a regular Global Run Club member, you'll need to re-sync your favorite running watch or App to ensure your activities are logged for your challenges. We advise Android users to avoid syncing their Strava account due to recent changes made by Strava to their rules on data use by third party apps.
3. EXPLORE!
More challenges every month, different ways to test yourself and leaderboards for you to see how you measure up against this global community.
NEW YORK CITY, NOVEMBER 6, 2005
A MAJOR MOMENT
The 2005 New York City Marathon produced one of the most thrilling finishes the sport has ever seen as Paul Tergat of Kenya edged out South Africa’s Hendrick Ramaala.
For Tergat, who set a world record in Berlin in 2003, it was a redemptive moment after several occasions on which he had been the defeated man in similar circumstances.
In both the 1996 and 2000 Olympic 10,000m finals, Tergat was beaten narrowly by his great rival Haile Gebreslassie, by just nine hundredths of a second in the latter contest.
He also ended up with silver behind the Ethiopian in the 1997 and 1999 World Championships over the same distance.
“I know how it feels,” he told the media, referring to Ramaala’s despondency at such a wafer-thin loss after being crowned champion 12 months earlier.
It’s rare for a marathon to boil down to a sprint such as this, the most recent examples coming from the 2019 Boston Marathon when Lawrence Cherono won by a step ahead of Lelisa Desisa, and Tokyo in 2023 when Deso Gelmisa won with less than a second on Mohamed Esa.
That Tergat was able to add such a win to his record only bolstered a catalogue of achievements that place him high on the list of all-time greats.
While his list of Majors is not as long as the likes of Eliud Kipchoge, Tergat’s range is almost incomparable. His four Olympic and World track silvers and one bronze sit alongside five consecutive World Cross Country titles from 1995 to 1999, and he won the 1999 and 2000 World Half Marathon Championships, too.
He became the first Kenyan man to receive New York Road Runners’ Abebe Bikila Award in tribute to his long-distance accolades, and the mark of respect between Tergat and his long-time rival was never better illustrated than when Gebreslassie called him to apologize after taking his world record in 2007.
Respected and revered, Tergat’s triumph by the narrowest of margins in Central Park remains one of the race’s most iconic images.
MEET THE TEAM
We continue to Meet The Team behind the Abbott World Marathon Majors magic. This time it is time to learn more about Judee Kakos, Head of Customer Service and AbbottWMM's longest-serving staff member…
How long have you worked at Abbott World Marathon Majors?
I started this journey in July of 2015 so inching my way to ten years. Ten years! Time has flown, but I have loved every minute.
Has much changed in that time?
The way I do my job hasn’t changed, providing runners with top-notch customer service has always been my priority, but the number of runners I engage with has grown exponentially. When I first started, there were less than 500 Six Star finishers and as of today that number is well over 17,000! Juggling all of the tasks that go along with the Six Star program and everything else I do requires me to be a whiz at multi-tasking. Thank goodness for Post-it notes!
What is the best part of your job?
This is an easy one! Getting to meet runners from all over the world from expo to expo, race to race and be there with them on their Six Star journey. There is nothing like celebrating with them on race day knowing the effort they have put in to get that coveted medal. I say time and time again, I don’t have to do this, I get to do this!
What’s your favorite race to work on?
This is a tricky one. I’m going to take the easy route and say they all have unique qualities that make them one of a kind. I love each of them for different reasons and it is too hard to pick just one.
What is it you love most about working with those setting out to achieve Six Star status?
Hearing their stories, learning what they have gone through, giving them encouragement and supporting them full stop. Everyone has a story and everyone is happy to share that story. I’m honored to be part of their journey and humbled at the kind words I receive time and again. These runners make me feel like a rock star when they are the ones doing the heavy lifting. I’ve met many runners along the way who I’m now lucky to call friend.
What is your most memorable Six Star moment?
This is another tough one. There are a few specials that come to mind, a few who I will have in my life forever due to the way they touched my heart. I have laughed and cried and hugged and high fived and jumped for joy more times than I can remember. Everything from smiles to tears to celebratory dances to catching runners who were about to crumble, literally and figuratively - I’ve seen it all and cherish every one of those interactions.
Are you a runner yourself?
Yes! I’ve done a dozen marathons, countless half-marathons and shorter distances and now run for fun when I can. A knee injury has sidelined me a bit but that’s OK, I do what I can when my legs decide to cooperate.
What is your ‘dinner party’ Six Star chat?
People love to hear about the runners I’ve met, where they are from and where I get to travel to for our events. One of the most fun facts – actually two – that people can’t believe are the number of runners that complete the series in one year and the number on their second, third, fourth, etc. round. Non-runners can’t understand the craziness but runners, they get it!
What is top of your own bucket list?
I’d have to say to be happy and healthy and wish the same for family and friends in my life. On a less sentimental note, travel. Travel, travel, travel! One of these days I will get to Paris, Italy and back to Greece. There is so much world out there I have yet to see.
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