For many runners, completing the World Marathon Majors is more than a race goal. It is a once-in-a-lifetime dream.
It may begin after watching the New York City Marathon online, seeing a friend wear the Six Star Medal, or crossing your first marathon finish line and quietly thinking, “What if I could run them all?”
The journey is about more than medals. It is about standing on the starting lines of some of the world’s greatest cities, meeting runners from different countries, and collecting memories one marathon at a time.
The original six Majors are Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. Sydney later became the seventh, while Cape Town was confirmed as the eighth World Marathon Major.
The Six Star Medal remains a milestone for runners who complete the original six Majors, while the series continues to evolve.
For most international runners, one of the most common ways to enter a Major is through a lottery or ballot. Boston is the main exception because its traditional entry route requires an official qualifying time.
Application dates may change every year, but each marathon generally follows a similar annual schedule. Here are the usual months to watch and the official pages to bookmark.
1. TCS New York City Marathon
Usual lottery period: February
New York typically opens its non-guaranteed general entry drawing for several weeks in February, with results following shortly afterward.
Applicants create an NYRR account and enter the drawing. New York normally places applicants into separate pools for local, US, and international runners.
Official page: New York City Marathon Drawing
Other entry options may include charity programs, official tour operators, time qualification, and the NYRR 9+1 program.
2. Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Usual lottery period: October to November
Chicago normally opens applications shortly after the current year’s marathon. In recent editions, the application period has fallen between October and November.
Successful applicants may be required to complete payment within a specified period, so make sure your credit card is valid and can process international transactions.
Official page: Chicago Marathon Applications
Chicago also offers guaranteed entry through qualifying times, charity programs, official tour operators, legacy finisher status, and selected race programs.
3. TCS London Marathon
Usual ballot period: Late April to early May
London traditionally opens its ballot immediately after the current year’s marathon, usually around late April, with the window extending into early May.
The London ballot attracts a huge number of applicants, making it one of the most competitive Major lotteries. International runners may apply, although some qualifying pathways are limited to UK residents.
Official page: London Marathon Ballot
Charity and official tour operator entries are common alternatives for overseas runners.
4. Tokyo Marathon
Usual general entry period: August
Tokyo’s general entry period typically falls in August of the year before the marathon. Some membership, charity, and other entry categories may begin earlier, including in June or July.
Tokyo’s lottery is extremely popular, so many runners apply for several years before being selected.
Official page: Tokyo Marathon Entry Information
Other possible entry routes include charity places, membership drawings, qualifying categories, and official travel packages.
5. BMW Berlin Marathon
Usual lottery period: Late September to early November
Berlin typically opens its lottery around late September, shortly after the current year’s marathon, with applications remaining open until around early November.
Applications are completed through a personal account on the Berlin Marathon website. Depending on the year’s rules, runners may be able to apply individually or as a team.
Official page: BMW Berlin Marathon Registration
Guaranteed places may also be available through charities, qualifying times, and official tour operators.
6. TCS Sydney Marathon
Usual ballot period: Late September to mid-October
Sydney typically opens its ballot in late September following race weekend, with applications running until around the middle of October.
It is not first come, first served. Every valid application submitted during the official ballot window is included in the draw.
Official page: TCS Sydney Marathon
Charity and international travel entries may also be available.
7. Sanlam Cape Town Marathon
Usual ballot period: June
Cape Town is the newest addition to the World Marathon Majors and the first Major on the African continent.
Its first general ballot following its confirmation as a Major was held in June. Because Cape Town is still new to the series, its regular annual entry schedule may continue to evolve.
Official page: Cape Town Marathon
International tour operator and charity options may also be available.
8. Boston Marathon: Qualifying Instead of a Lottery
Boston does not have a general public lottery.
The traditional route is to run an official qualifying time at an eligible certified marathon within Boston’s designated qualifying window.
Qualifying standards depend on your age group and category. Your age group is based on your age on Boston Marathon race day, not necessarily your age when you run your qualifying race.
Official page: Boston Marathon Qualifying Information
Running the published qualifying standard does not necessarily guarantee entry.
When the number of qualified applicants exceeds the available field size, Boston may apply an additional cutoff. This means runners who beat their qualifying standard by a larger margin may receive priority.
Because qualifying standards, field sizes, qualifying windows, and cutoff times can change, runners targeting Boston should always check the latest requirements directly from the Boston Athletic Association.
Boston also offers limited places through its official charity program and approved international tour operators.
World Marathon Majors Lottery Calendar at a Glance
New York City: February
London: Late April to early May
Cape Town: June
Tokyo: August
Berlin: Late September to early November
Sydney: Late September to mid-October
Chicago: October to November
Boston: No public lottery; qualifying entry
These are general application periods based on the usual race calendars. Exact opening and closing dates can change each year.
Tips Before Entering a Marathon Lottery
Create your accounts early. Do not wait until the last day to register on the race website.
Use your passport name. Your registration name should match your passport and travel documents.
Check your credit card. Some races charge successful applicants automatically or require payment shortly after selection. Make sure your card remains valid through the result date and can process international transactions.
Set calendar reminders. Some application windows are open for only one or two weeks.
Apply only when you are ready to commit. A successful lottery result may require immediate payment, and entry fees are often non-refundable.
Consider other routes. Charity entries and official tour operators may cost more, but they can offer a more reliable way to secure a place.
Always verify the latest dates. Ballot schedules, qualifying standards, fees, and entry requirements can change from one edition to the next.
One Lottery at a Time
Completing the World Marathon Majors can feel overwhelming, especially as the series continues to grow.
But nobody completes the journey with one application or one lucky draw.
You enter one lottery. You train for one race. You cross one finish line. Then you start planning for the next.
Some applications will end in rejection. Some races may take several years before your name is selected. That waiting is part of the journey.
Keep entering, keep training, and keep the dream alive.
One day, the email will finally arrive:
You’re in.
Application periods, qualifying standards, entry rules, and race schedules may change from year to year. Always check the official marathon website before applying, paying for an entry, or booking your trip.
