How To Enter & Run The 7 World Marathon Majors (updated for 2025!)

[@davidrogers7787]

I've never been particularly motivated to run in these Majors, mostly because I wanted to focus on the races that give me the best chance of success and/or optimal logistics and cost. But for 2025 I got a charity spot in the Tokyo Marathon. I used to live in Tokyo, our daughter was born there and I visit regularly due to work. I must admit I am so, so excited to be doing it in less than 7 weeks!!

[@profihouse]

see you there!

[@yogaforeverybodywiththeord9936]

Best wishes for your run. What an amazing opportunity. A dream run.

[@dol1030]

Enjoy - I did it last year and (aside from bits of the Expo) it was brilliantly organised and a lot of fun!

[@davidrogers7787]

@dol1030 I'd heard the expo is a bit of a pain...bad experience there for yourself?

[@jj3089]

Got into Tokyo, Sydney and Chicago in 2025 via ballots on first application. I know I’m super blessed. 😇

[@bakesy_SA]

So you’re rich 🔥🔥😅

[@jj3089]

@ I’m retired 🤣

[@maxal2251]

Put the lottery on, then tell me the numbers!

[@DeeKay1911]

Wow - I have been to Berlin twice via ballot and loved it. Now just need the final ones

[@BenParkes]

Wow.. you should go buy a lottery ticket with the luck you're having!! Congratulations!

[@stevewode]

I doubt I will ever run a marathon but I'm watching anyway!

[@barnabasbucao87]

NYC has pretty much made it impossible to enter outside the lottery. The men's 18-34 standard was 2:53 in 2024 but the actual cutoff was approximately 18:30 faster so basically a 2:35 which is going to be out of reach for a lot of people.

[@chemicalfrankie1030]

What everyone does is 9+1. Also, I don’t think Ben mentioned it, but charity bibs are available (you need to raise (or pay) 1,500 usd to get one)

[@barnabasbucao87]

@ that’s a lot of hoops to jump through/a lot to pay for a race though. I just think they should remove the back doors and open the field up.

[@hummuswithpitta]

10 years in a row trying to get into London ballot with no luck. Only getting more and more over-subscribed as time passes. Still hopeful Lady Luck will notice me one day!

[@paulmulks]

Have you tried a charity place? I have the exact same issue with the ballot every year, but I thankfully managed to get a charity place for this year's event. Give it a try 👍🏻

[@ChairmanAntelope]

9 times unlucky here. It’s so frustrating. I think you should get 2 entries on your 2nd try, 3 on your 3rd etc., to at least give the people who have been trying for years a better chance when half the people who just enter the ballot on a whim won’t bother training.

[@paddydowney6269]

Just to clarify the process for Tokyo charities - you bid by auction for a bib spot. You choose a charity beforehand and only get one bid. The average bid last year (published every year) was €1,100 (180,000yen). €500 is the minimum, but unlikely to be successful.

[@BenParkes]

Thank you Paddy!

[@themeyerperspective]

Thank you for this! I’ve been using an out of date Google Sheet! I’m not training for one of the majors right now, but I am about to race my local Asheville, NC marathon in March! I have this crazy goal of wanting to get into all the majors via time qualifier (except London since I’m not UK). Still haven’t gotten any of them yet, but every race is a stepping stone!

[@markneale9970]

I have spots in London and Sydney for 2025. Going to enter the NYC lottery next month. Already have Berlin '19, Chicago '21 and Tokyo '23. Something to note about Tokyo, in addition to the overall 7 hour time limit, is that they have 8 check points that have their own cutoff times throughout the course. Mostly a concern for slower runners (myself included), but you could be on track for the 7 hour finish and get pulled at an earlier distance. Just something to be aware of.

[@angvella8865]

Sydney Marathon will be my first marathon in 12 years!! Lucky to get a place via the ballot …. From 🇲🇹 to 🇦🇺

[@BenParkes]

Congratulations and good luck! 🙌

[@horstbeham5756]

Wow, I had no idea that these marathons are virtually impossible to join. Now I'm actually happy that Vienna City Marathon isn't a major and has a simple first-come-first-serve sign-up that allows me to run my 1st marathon ever.

[@jacksonm.6549]

There are others not on the list that are also hard to get into. Like Valencia marathon. It's not a major but is so well run and professional that it attracts a lot of runners - including the best elites.

[@CRtube123]

See you in London!! SUPER excited!!! ❤

[@takacolon2792]

Just for curiosity as Brazilian, the Rio de Janeiro Marathon was really trying to get the spot, however lost it to Australia as the Major to represent the south of the globe. However, they still have the hope to Rio de Janeiro Marathon be a Major one day and the one to represent South America, once that is a marathon with a lot of naturals sightseeing. The idea is if Cape Town enter and represents Africa, just South America will be missing a city in the Majors.

[@venceslaumamede9349]

N sabia disso.... conseguir entrar na prova q tá osso

[@jacksonm.6549]

I'm a South African and have met a lot of Brazilian runners at our big races here: the 2 Oceans Ultra 56km and the Comrades marathon has a lot of runners from your country enter. I wanted to do the Rio Marathon but forgot to enter when they sent out the emails for international runners. I had to use Google Translate for the emails and application forms online because all the information was in Portuguese. As a South African, Rio is the easiest for me to travel to because I don't need a visa and accommodation, food, everything is much cheaper for me. I can just book a flight to Rio and run the marathon, unlike the Schengen or US visa or Australian, or Japanese visa applications and stronger currencies.

[@egt9093]

I think Rio deserves to be there, more than Buenos Aires.

[@slavasss2189]

Do you know if they have exact metrics to be included into the maijor list for the marathon event? How they choose the country?

[@hoppingrabbit9849]

They don’t want all the participants to get robbed. Rio is pretty, but the crime is off putting 😅

[@nro337]

Awesome video! Thanks for covering all of this!

[@jodie_megan]

You are the king of comprehensive, well-produced, entertaining running content! Thank you for helping so many of us 🙌

[@AdrianCamo95]

18 year old Ben was a little beast already

[@josephvo6345]

Sydney starts over the Harbour Bridge so might have the best start and finish. Great video as always Ben!

[@shazrunssydney]

Sydney Marathon is going to be my first marathon! Love your work Ben🎉

[@timbrawdy2249]

Good luck, Ben!!!

[@andytownsend4117]

Thanks Ben! FYI for the chicago 2025 ballot that recently closed, our US track club had 1/28 people get in (

[@jada2990]

Running London this year for Oxfam! After many years of ballot rejections I am so looking forward to it! I'll meet you at the expo :D

[@BenParkes]

See you there!! Good luck 🙌

[@AverageGuyGER]

Berlin 25 - my first Marathon, with 41. Mainly triggered by watching your channel 👍Thx for enhancing my life Ben!

[@BenParkes]

Good luck!! 🙌

[@nickgayle8032]

I'm running London marathon for the first time this year. New York is my bucket list race and will be entering the ballot. Fingers crossed.

[@helenlamb6560]

I've run New York, and London, and New York was definitely my favourite of the two 😊

[@DebraCrozier]

Love this video have only done the new York marathon as i got in on good for age as an over 50. Will be aiming for Boston

[@mikeharvey7383]

Great video, thanks Ben. Boston 21st April and London 6 days later hopefully see you at the Expo.

[@christianschobinger1131]

After the NYC Marathon last year, I’m going all in this year with Boston, Berlin and Chicago 😄💪🏻

[@calvinc621]

Great video as always Ben, thank you!

[@NevilleTodd-n6o]

I will be doing my first Major this year ( London in April), It has been on my wish list for quite some time and ..Going via an organised tour, costly but Its my Birthday present to myself.. crazy what us runners think is a "present" aka run a Marathon.

[@Bwebber99]

New York there is no official cut off time the last wave starts at 11:25 and usually the finish stays open until past 10pm although a lot of the drink stations start to come down after 6 hours along with the roads opening.

[@gayleewoo]

I'd love to run London but I the 24 hr flight from Oz puts me off, plus I whenever I've entered the ballot I don't get in. Not really interested in the rest. I love that so many people are running now and if these events are what keeps people running I'm all for it.

[@richenglish4576]

Absolutely loved NYC, the crowds were insane. I would like to do London again

[@runningwoman7207]

You DO need a qualification time to go to BOSTON with a tour group…. you have to qualify to secure your bib, the tour group just plans everything else for you! I went with Destination Marathons in 2024 & going with Sports Tours International this April 2025… so yes, you have to qualify for Boston, It says so on their site but all the other Majors they will supply the bib!

[@BenParkes]

The rules must have changed.. or maybe the tour companies can be stricter as they are so over subscribed too. I've seen quite a few people go with tour companies that defiantly don't have a BQ over the years! All the best with your run in April.. hopefully it's a bit cooler than it was in 2024 🙌

[@headcasechris]

Doing my first major this year at Berlin! Very excited! The dream would be to get a good enough time to qualify for london but it might be a bit ambitious for my current ability 😅

[@saytani]

I'm running London and Sydney this year!

[@BenParkes]

Good luck!! 🙌

[@bopp2533]

Running the London Marathon as my first ever this year! See you there!

[@djdealday]

Getting my 2nd star this year at Tokyo and running Chicago for the 3rd time. 🤗

[@szczepantylmanowski3475]

Great video, thanks Ben. It would be great if you could do one with marathons that you recommend in UK / Europe that are more affordable and easier to get.

[@BenParkes]

It's already written.. will be out soon!

[@FMcMtl]

Ran was last marathon at Boston. 2013. My family almost died. I stopped running big events after. Also stopped going to USA. Trail running now. Trees are my new friends. Peace.❤

[@MarcJenner]

I have Chicago this year, with NY, London and Berlin in the bag. All my places have been via charity. Unlopular opinion, but I'd like London to consider Legacy places in line with NY.

[@leonrambach1216]

I don't even know if they have a marathon at all nowadays but there should be a marathon major in Greece starting in the city of Marathon and finishing in Athens (near the Acropolis).

[@HILLO319]

I always tell myself I want to tick New York of the bucket list…but I think they are all bucket list races 😂😂 so fortunate to be running London this year!

[@paulmulks]

Got a London charity place this year. I am going to try and get Berlin next year, hopefully, and that will probably be me done in regards to marathon majors

[@BenParkes]

Good luck in London Paul!

[@paulmulks]

@BenParkes Thank you, Ben 😊

[@Liam-o6r1q]

love the vids Ben

[@MrJtamb]

considering that London Marathon doesn't like/Want international runners (more expensive, less bibs available, no time qualification ), it will NEVER be the best marathon in the world

[@nathb7831]

Just got into running so thinking of doing the 10km part of the Sydney Marathon! Then work my way up to do the half marathon, and then full one. Would love to meet you if you come to Australia! Ps. Yes Sydney marathon does have the best finish line!

[@Matty7272]

Ultra-Trail Australia and Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko will be my two big races for the year. You should do UTA one year, Ben.

[@Rob_Gilbert]

London and Chicago for me just got to find a decent flight and hotel to get to Chicago

[@paulhoughton5266]

Have a look at the Budapest marathon held in mid October

[@GiaHungNguyenPham]

Hi Ben, I bought the 5k plan for beginners, when I finished 2 weeks, I had a blood donation schedule and I donated 350ml, I am 21 years old and weigh 85kg. So is there anything to note? I wish Ben good health and the channel will grow more and more so that many people can receive good shares from you. 🎉

[@blotzkrog]

There's no question for me. It's literally New York or Nowhere 😅❤ such an iconic race. Nothing comes close to beating the vibes of these streets on raceday! London is nice, but NY, that's something else Ben 😅

[@kellysmith7100]

Hi Ben, I would definitely love to do New York marathon next year. It would be my first marathon abroad. I've done London three times now and I get in good for age so I wanted to use my qualifying time from London last year to do New York this year. I need to enter the same way as you're entering. You say the ballad opens in February, I would dearly love to receive any other information regarding the New York marathon from you? Please and thank you. Regards Kelly

[@kellysmith7100]

Thank you, Ben, I've had a look at the website, it looks like I should have submitted my time before the 31st of December 2024? so maybe I've missed that for this year

[@BruceWayne-us3kw]

I’m not going to attending any marathon majors. I’m going to run the Atlanta half-marathon in march.

[@gerardocontrerasvacca]

See you in Sydney Ben! :D

[@DanielKendall2010]

5:59 my guy sacrificed a few seconds just for a kiss

[@Snerunseasy]

It would be a dream come true for me if I could ever run any of the world majors , (especially London marathon).

[@alfdickinson1971]

Chicago was my favourite so far! Not sure im that bothered by the newer additions Tokyo&Sydney. I just want the old school 5!

[@GaryJ222]

Thanks Ben. When does the London marathon ballet for international runners open?

[@Mr_malo-d2l]

I like this video series, very achievable goals. Can you make a video on how to win a marathon?

[@toshiroyamada2443]

Run faster than everyone else, simple.

[@DazNicholls]

Hi Ben, are u going to be at the Running Show Birmingham on 25/26th?

[@BenParkes]

Yes, we have a stand there!

[@nofakenews217]

I'm currently working on running the Boston Marathon. Hopefully I can make it but I still have a lot to improve

[@MHFinal]

Suprised you didn't mention the abbott majors lotter :O

[@HuzWho]

I was pretty lucky with ballots last year, got into London 2025 (I got the confirmation email on my 40th birthday 🎉 and Great North Run, it'll be a busy year 😁

[@dionvsos]

i am in for the sydney 2025 run~ wohoooo

[@nicancelin3714]

I got in the ballot for Sydney!

[@Ali94749]

I might do the Tokyo charity entry the next time around. I live in Tokyo so my chances are meant to be better but I still can't get in after 3 years of trying.

[@aleksstojanovski3730]

Anyone notice how Ben crossed his fingers weird 17:19🤞

[@shbowyer]

Any plans to come to Long Beach, CA? They're having their Marathon weekend in October

[@krzysztofszymanski8224]

going to London (save me a hat :) at expo), Berlin and Chicago this year!!!

[@tombola4046]

Entered the London ballot for 15 years and never been successful 😳 let alone attempting to enter the others!

[@andrewharper4296]

Yep, I’m in that club! 😂 I know some runners who use charity placements but it becomes a six month business plan! 😄 bingo events, raffles, collection events outside shops. All fine but I work two jobs and run and gym as well, kudos to anyone who manages it but I would be scared stiff I wouldn’t reach the required amount. So I’ll keep on trying the ballot. Maybe one day. Good luck to you as well 👍🏻

[@tombola4046]

@ I’m in the same position regards to work/life balance and charity places unfortunately! Good luck and hope to see you out there sometime

[@muddybanxx6265]

It is going to be Berlin this year as my first marathon ever

[@ianclifford3947]

You said Sydney has the best finish, I'm arguing it also has the best start. Run 1km down the hill from North Sydney Oval and you're crossing the Harbour Bridge with the Opera House on your left.

[@ruibritopereira9339]

Hi Ben, And what about visually impaired runners? Is there any other way to get in? Cheers

[@tomwood5247]

Is there any particular races I need to run in, in order to qualify for London, or can I just use my local marathon and be able to evidence my race result?

[@SuperGangstad]

So the qualification time for London is just for UK citizens? I thought international runners also were able to qualify on time

[@sebasagu]

Hi Ben, I understood that you are pretending to get into Sydney Marathon via the High Performance Program. I was feeling kind of dumb because I didn’t see that option and applied to the ballot with no luck, but just now I read and the web says that the program is only for Australia and New Zeland people. Are you from there? Or haven’t you noticed it?

[@Leeroy49]

Team Ballot is good for Berlin ;) done it twice.

[@tylersculthorpe9777]

When is the Berlin Ballot open?

[@ryanhenry3012]

Great video. Just got NYC to do to get my 6 star medal. Its an incredible journey to go on to get these races completed. Highly recommended

[@Alvaradosss]

Newbiew question. do you get your money back if you dont get in the ballot?

[@dominikvit2]

It's a bit unfair for us international runners who don't get the benefits of local qualification times and cutoffs. They are called the world majors but 3 are in the US. I didn't make the ballot for Berlin this year, it doesn't make sense to try for London not to mention Tokyo. Great video however. I hope to get at least one major in my life. In the meantime I'll collect other European ones.

[@hahaheslop]

London is the best 💪🇬🇧 Doing it for the 3rd time in April 🏃‍♂️

[@blakepanek]

Did they just change sub 3 to qualify to 2:55?

[@LeviLefebure]

Yes

[@RolandKelemen]

Budapest Half Marathon in September.

[@Stewwwwww]

Do you have to wear a vest when running these marathons? Or can you wear t shirts?

[@TBasianeyes]

you can wear whatever you want, a lot of people run them in costumes but there might be some restrictions for things like backpacks, check the rulebook

[@redemptojrgimena5291]

Got in Berlin and Chicago marathon 2025 as of now..

[@vashdstampede1966]

Day 1 of asking Ben Parkes to run a Marathon using the Adidas Evo SL. :D

[@1979noortje]

Boston '25 will be my 6 star and then I'm done...the magic is gone for me with the 7/8/9 ....Star. Looking for other unique and less commercial marathons!!!!

[@BruceWayne-us3kw]

Have you ever run a ragnar race or even heard of it?

[@funthomas-nh8ci]

Crazy. maybe add another city from ussa and zero from south america? 😜

[@tipy959]

So entry basically comes down to 1 of 3 factors... Be rich, be fast or be lucky 😅

[@misterbelll]

London... simply the best..👍👍

[@BruceWayne-us3kw]

Would you run London in a costume like a bunch of the other people?

[@gastongonzalez7835]

London is impossible, time qualifiers only for UK is not fair

[@ericwehmueller87]

I'm sorry, but the NYC marathon is the best. Best fans and most professionally organized race. Only place in NYC without fans is the bridges.

[@WorldT]

I like medium sized events

[@KeirStamer]

It’s kind of sad where the majors have ended up. Influencers run them every year or try and run them all in one year. They’re good marathons and big ones, but the completionism narrative has gone a bit far. There are groups on social media specifically to help you get into these races. Thankfully Seville isn’t a major.

[@slavasss2189]

Who knows the metrics for marathon to be into major list!? Why berlin is in, but amsterdam not? Why 3 out of 6 are in us?? Politics?

[@maxal2251]

I luckily got into Berlin last year. Despite it being an absolute $h!t show for me, I’m still really glad I did it. I’ll never get 6 (or 7 stars now), but would like to complete a mini 3 star adding London and NY before the legs fall off. Would be great for Europe to get a 3rd major, But where would it be. Paris maybe. I read somewhere that they lost out to London for a major spot 🤔

[@joemilewicz6847]

I don’t usually disagree with you Ben but when it comes to London I do. Unlike you I think there is too much emphasis on charity runners and not enough on good runners that would love to run London but have got no chance of a ballot entry and the gfa time is unrealistic for most runners. I am in my late fifties and would need to clock not much over three hours to be guaranteed a place. This is achievable for some but unrealistic for most keen runners. Now this may seem a controversial view but many runners think the same including some high profile KZbinrs. Now I understand and agree that charities need to have a big part of London but it seems to completely take over the event. I have a work colleague who has ran London seven times, six for charity one not and got a very frosty reception from other runners who couldn’t understand why he wasn’t running for a charity. I don’t want to put down the great work that these charities do, I have run for charity many times I just think that more keen runners who have been running for years should have a better chance of getting a place.

[@banegioy7356]

£500 = $325 ?