Road running has exploded in popularity, and no event captures that growth better than the World Marathon Majors — six races that double as bucket-list finishes for amateur runners and title fights for the professionals. Millions now apply for entry every single year.
The Six Majors
- Boston Marathon (April)
- London Marathon (April)
- Berlin Marathon (September)
- Chicago Marathon (October)
- New York City Marathon (November)
- Tokyo Marathon (March)
Berlin’s flat, fast course has produced multiple world records over the years, while Boston’s point-to-point route and challenging Newton Hills make it one of the toughest majors to conquer.
Beyond the Majors
Half marathons and city 10Ks fill out the rest of the calendar, often used by elite athletes as tune-up races. Some marathon specialists began their careers in cross country running before transitioning to the roads.
Elite vs Amateur Racing
What makes road running unique is that professionals and everyday runners race the same course on the same day — a format shared by other endurance disciplines like race walking and mountain running.
Pacing Strategy at the Elite Level
At the professional level, marathons are often decided by pacing as much as raw speed, with lead groups sheltering from wind behind official pacemakers before a late surge decides the podium. Course records tend to fall on flatter routes with ideal weather, which is why Berlin remains a favourite for record attempts.
Pacemakers are typically contracted to drop out partway through the race, their job done once they’ve helped set an even, record-friendly early tempo for the leaders. Without them, early splits would likely be far less consistent.
Conclusion
Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just enjoy watching elite pacing strategy unfold over 26.2 miles, the marathon calendar offers something for every kind of running fan, from casual joggers to serious record chasers.