The classic distance of 42.195 kilometers (or 26.2 miles) is a journey thousands of runners dream of completing each year. Yes, that’s how far a marathon is. While the number may look simple on paper, seasoned marathoners will tell you that crossing that finish line is life-changing.
Among the hundreds of world’s largest marathons held annually, an elite category stands above the rest: the Abbott World Marathon Majors. In 2025 the Sydney Marathon is set to join this exclusive group of the world’s most prestigious running events bringing the number from six to seven in total.
Now, we’ll guide you through the prestigious 2025 Marathon Majors, highlight insider strategies to help you prepare, and explore key tips from seasoned marathon champions.
The 2025 Marathon Majors at a Glance
| Marathon | Date | Location | Men’s Record | Women’s Record |
| Tokyo | March 2, 2025 | Tokyo, Japan | 2:02:40 | 2:16:02 |
| Boston | April 21, 2025 | Boston, USA | 2:03:02 | 2:19:59 |
| London | April 27, 2025 | London, UK | 2:02:37 | 2:17:01 |
| Berlin | September 21, 2025 | Berlin, Germany | 2:01:09 | 2:11:53 |
| Chicago | October 12, 2025 | Chicago, USA | 2:00:35 | 2:13:44 |
| New York | November 2, 2025 | New York, USA | 2:04:58 | 2:22:31 |
| Sydney | August 31, 2025 | Sydney, Australia | 2:06:18 | 2:21:41 |
The 7 Marathon Majors
These events are part of the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors, often referred to as the six Marathon Majors, now expanded to seven with Sydney joining the roster. Below is a closer look at each:
1. Tokyo Marathon
Held annually since 2007, the Tokyo Marathon is an impressive spectacle blending modern cityscapes with Japanese tradition. The 2025 edition will take place on March 2 and offers runners one of the flattest courses in the series.
Tokyo’s allure isn’t just its route—it’s also a key event for participants chasing the coveted Marathon Majors medal by completing all six Marathon Majors.
Source: Instagram: Tokyomarathonfoundation
To prepare for Tokyo’s unique climate and flat terrain, hydration is essential. All-in-one nutrition like Fuel X provides both hydration and energy to keep you going strong, especially in humid conditions.
Fixx’s range of all-natural and gut-friendly energy gels also provide runners with an easy to digest and effective running fuel.
2. Boston Marathon
The oldest annual marathon in the world, Boston is famous for its challenging course, including the notorious Heartbreak Hill. Scheduled for April 21, 2025, Boston is an uphill battle—literally—with elevation changes that test even seasoned athletes.
Source: baa.org
To qualify, runners need to meet strict Marathon Majors qualifying times, making Boston a dream race for many.
Seeking to beat the clock and conquer Boston’s hills, you’ll need to plan ahead to beat cramp. Luckily, CrampFix, trusted for rapidly addressing muscle cramps, aids cramp prevention during your run.
3. London Marathon
The streets of London will welcome runners on April 27, 2025, offering an iconic course filled with landmarks like the Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace. Since its debut in 1981, London has grown into a must-run event for marathoners worldwide.
Source:Instagram: Londonmarathon
4. Berlin Marathon
Renowned for its world-record-breaking course, Berlin offers one of the fastest marathon routes in the world. The September 21, 2025 race will see top athletes and amateurs alike chasing their personal bests. Its flat terrain makes Berlin ideal for speed lovers.
Source: BMW Berlin
- Chicago Marathon
On October 12, 2025, Chicago will host runners for a tour of its neighborhoods, including Greektown, Chinatown, and Bronzeville.
Source: Instagram: Chimarathon
Chicago’s unpredictable weather, however, can be challenging. Ensuring proper hydration and energy intake with products like Fuel X Pro, which includes premium amino acids, helps maintain performance despite weather shifts.
Fixx Nutrition Co-founders Jan and Michelle Buchegger tackled this event in 2024 and have nothing but glowing praise for the course, atmosphere and overall incredible organisation behind this event.
6. New York City Marathon
The November 2, 2025 race marks the pinnacle of marathon experiences. With over 52,000 runners, the NYC Marathon is the largest in the world. The route’s elevation changes and enthusiastic crowd support make for a race unlike any other.
Source: Instagram: NYC marathon
7. Sydney Marathon
The newest addition to the Abbott World Marathon Majors, the Sydney Marathon became an official major in 2024. Scheduled for August 31, 2025, Sydney’s course features the most elevation gain of any Major—316 meters—making it a formidable challenge.
Source: Instagram: sydney_marathon
Sydney’s status as a Major will likely see an influx of international runners aiming to earn their Marathon Majors medal.
5 Expert 2025 Marathon Majors Race Strategies
To help you prepare for the rigors of the 2025 Marathon Majors, we’ve compiled five essential strategies from experienced marathoners that will elevate your training, performance, and mental resilience.
1. Pace Yourself Properly
Having self-belief is essential, but pacing yourself during the race is equally important.
“I have the self-belief that I have done enough, which can allow me to run for the whole marathon, from the first to the 42km.” Kipchoge, widely regarded as the greatest marathoner, attributes much of his success to controlled pacing and understanding his body’s limits.
2. Master Nutrition and Hydration
Molly Seidel, an American marathoner, emphasises the importance of fueling during the race.
She explains, “The biggest thing is proper nutrition during the race. That was something I didn’t fully understand before going into the marathon Olympic trials, and I actually bonked in the last six miles of that race.”
Stay hydrated and fueled with the right energy sources, such as Fixx’s Coldbrew, to maintain your stamina.
3. Gradual Training Increases
According to Lisa Weightman, an Olympic marathon runner, “The safest way to get into any form of exercise is gradually. Small, incremental improvements in distance or intensity each week is how you stick to a program and avoid injury.”
A gradual buildup in your weekly long runs is key to preventing burnout and injury.
4. Recovery is Key
Former Olympian Madeline Heiner emphasizes the importance of recovery: “Train hard and recover harder.”
You don’t have to run every single day to train effectively. Build in rest days to allow your body to recover and prevent overtraining.
5. Mental Fortitude
Marathon running is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. Stay focused on your goal, and when the race gets tough, remember why you started. Visualise crossing that finish line.
Fuel Your Training And Racing
Completing a marathon is a remarkable achievement. With the Abbott World Marathon Majors, you’ve got the perfect chance to test yourself on some of the most famous marathon courses in the world.
If you’re ready to take on one of the seven 2025 Marathon Majors, the journey starts now. From selecting the right race to fueling your body correctly, every detail matters. Make sure you’re preparing with the right strategies and nutrition that will help you run your best marathon yet!
