The Road to the Majors: Abbott World Marathon Majors 2026 Draws
The Road to the Majors is a draw program by Abbott World Marathon Majors, giving runners on the path to earning the Six Star medal—or those dreaming of starting in the world’s biggest marathons—a chance to enter lotteries for each race. This article includes the latest draw schedule for 2026, participation rules, number of available entries, and practical tips on how to boost your chances through Road to the Majors virtual half marathons.
How does The Road to the Majors work?
Abbott World Marathon Majors organizes annual draws for each of the Six Star marathons, giving runners a chance to secure a race entry—even if they didn’t qualify through other paths. To enter a draw, you must have completed at least 3 or 4 Majors (depending on the race; details below) and not yet participated in the selected marathon. A unique feature of the program is the ability to “boost” your chances by completing half marathon challenges in the Global Run Club app—each completed challenge earns you an extra entry for your chosen race.
The Road to the Majors – Draw Dates and Requirements
| Marathon | Number of Entries | Stars | Draw Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney 2026 | 250 | 3 | April 30, 2026 |
| Berlin 2026 | 250 | 3 | May 7, 2026 |
| Chicago 2026 | 250 | 3 | May 14, 2026 |
| NYC 2026 | 250 | 3 | May 21, 2026 |
| Tokyo 2027 | 300 | 4 | August 13, 2026 |
| Boston 2027 | 150 | 4 | August 20, 2026 |
| London 2027 | 500 | 3 | August 27, 2026 |
Key Participation Rules and Boosting Your Chances
To enter a draw for a specific marathon, you must have completed the required number of Majors and not yet run the selected race. The number of entries available in each draw depends on your “star” count from completed Majors. Additionally, by participating in virtual half marathons from the Road to the Majors series in the Global Run Club app, you earn extra entries—boosting your chances of securing a race spot.
Road to the Majors 2026 Challenge Dates
| Month | Challenge Dates |
|---|---|
| January | January 3 – 11 |
| February | February 7 – 15 |
| March | March 7 – 15 |
| April | April 4 – 12 |
| May | May 23 – 31 |
| June | June 13 – 21 |
| July | July 4 – 12 |
| August | August 1 – 9 |
To complete a virtual half marathon (21.1 km), you must run the full distance in one session during the designated dates. Each completed challenge during one of the sessions above earns you an additional entry in the main draw for your selected marathon. For the most ambitious runners—the number of extra entries is unlimited, as long as you complete the required number of challenges.
FAQ – The Road to the Majors Draws
Who can enter The Road to the Majors draws?
Any registered Global Run Club user who has completed the required number of Major marathons (3 or 4 depending on the race) and has not yet run the selected marathon.
How can I boost my chances?
Complete Road to the Majors virtual half marathons during the designated dates via the Global Run Club to earn extra entries.
Do I need to run the virtual race fast?
No, you only need to complete the 21.1 km distance in one session—pace and time don’t matter.
Where can I check the draw results?
Official draw results and details are published on the runner portal. Read more about it on WorldMarathoner.com.
Can I enter multiple draws?
Yes, as long as you haven’t yet completed the selected Majors and meet the required star count.
Is the Road to the Majors program available globally?
Yes, runners from around the world can participate, provided they register in the app.
Source: Abbott World Marathon Majors
