Limit of Wins in Additional Abbott World Marathon Majors Draws – Official Rules
Additional Abbott World Marathon Majors (WMM) draws are a unique opportunity for runners who already have several stars and want to secure entries to the world’s most prestigious marathons. If you’re interested in what these draws are and who can participate, I explain all the details in a separate article – link below. Today, however, I’m focusing on one very important aspect: the limit on how many times you can win in these additional draws.
Can you win more than one spot in a year?
Many runners who receive an invitation to the additional AbbottWMM draw wonder if it’s possible to win entries to more than one marathon in the same calendar year. The answer is clear: you cannot win more than one spot in the additional Abbott World Marathon Majors draws in a single year.
The organizers have clearly defined this rule: if you are selected to run, for example, the Berlin 2025 Marathon through the additional draw, you cannot win a spot for another marathon from the series—such as Chicago or Tokyo—in the same year. The only exception applies to draws for different years: you could win a spot for Berlin 2025 and Tokyo 2026, but not for two marathons in 2025.
Official rules explained in Abbott’s email:
Why does this limit exist?
The limit on wins in the additional AbbottWMM draws was introduced to give as many runners as possible the chance to secure a coveted spot at the starting line. Thanks to this rule, more people can fulfill their dream of collecting all the stars and joining the ranks of Six Star Finishers. In practice, this means that even if you enter multiple draws and luck smiles on you more than once, you will only be able to use one spot in a given year.
How does it work in practice?
• You can enter all available additional draws for the given year that you are eligible for.
• If you are drawn more than once, you can only choose one spot – the others are forfeited.
• In the following year, you can participate in the draws again and try to secure another spot.
How to increase your chances?
Even though the win limit applies, it’s worth entering all the draws you are eligible for. This maximizes your chances of securing a spot in your chosen marathon. However, remember to plan your strategy carefully and be ready to make a quick decision if you get lucky in more than one draw.
You can read more about how to increase your chances and how the star system works in my guide: “Road to the Majors 2025 – How to Increase Your Chances of Participating in WMM Marathons?”.
Want to know more about Abbott World Marathon Majors marathons?
If you’re interested in the rules, news, and practical tips for participating in WMM marathons, be sure to visit the World Marathon Majors category on WorldMarathoner.com. There you’ll find the latest news, race reports, and advice to help you plan your marathon journey.
Summary
The additional Abbott World Marathon Majors draws are a unique opportunity for advanced runners, but there is a clear limit: you can win only one spot per year. This makes the chances more equal and allows more people to fulfill their dream of collecting all the stars. Plan wisely, enter the draws, and fight for your place on the Six Star Finisher list!
