World Marathon Majors, once an exclusive event for elite athletes, has exploded in popularity, creating challenges for entry and transforming into a global phenomenon.">
The world Marathon Majors, a prestigious series encompassing six of the world’s most iconic road races, has undergone a dramatic transformation. What began as an exclusive gathering for elite runners has evolved into a global spectacle, attracting celebrity participants and hundreds of thousands of hopefuls, yet simultaneously creating significant hurdles for those seeking entry.
The Growing Demand & Entry Challenges
The surge in popularity is undeniable. Celebrities, such as musician Harry Styles, are increasingly participating, completing marathons in cities like Tokyo and Berlin this year. Though, this heightened demand has led to an increasingly competitive landscape for securing a spot in these coveted races.
Currently, obtaining entry often requires navigating a complex system. Beyond limited guaranteed slots for exceptionally fast runners or charity fundraisers,most participants rely on marathon tour companies offering packages that can cost several thousand dollars. Alternatively, runners can enter highly competitive lotteries, with odds that frequently enough surpass those of gaining admission to elite universities. last year, the New York City Marathon accepted just 3% of lottery applicants.
Humble Origins: A Collaborative Beginning
The World Marathon Majors didn’t always experience this level of demand. The series debuted in 2006 with a clear focus: attracting elite athletes through significant prize money – $500,000 for the top man and woman over a two-year cycle.
The initiative originated from informal discussions among race directors, who began sharing best practices and eventually decided to collaborate. Carey Pinkowski, the former director of the Chicago Marathon, recounted how the group also worked together to advocate for stricter doping controls with World Athletics.
In 2004, several race directors convened in New York City to devise a scoring system for identifying the world’s top marathon runners. Mark Milde, the longtime race director of the Berlin Marathon, explained that this collaboration was partly triggered by a sponsor’s attempt to establish its own “runner of the year” ranking, an idea the race directors opposed.
From Directors’ Collective to Corporate Entity
Initially, planning and execution fell to the race directors themselves. Today, the Abbott World Marathon Majors operates as an independent corporate entity, boasting its own CEO and staff, while many race directors still hold positions on its board.
The shift towards inclusivity didn’t happen instantly. It took several years to persuade race directors to invest in attracting everyday runners. “We thought, OK, it makes sense to reach out to the normal runner, or the average runner, however you want to call it, and to do something for them,” Milde said.
The Five-Star Certificate & Mass Participation
In 2011, the series introduced the five-star certificate, signed by all five original race directors, awarded to participants who completed all five marathons.In its inaugural year, only seven certificates were awarded.
This initiative,catering to everyday runners,proved pivotal. It marked the beginning of a phenomenon that would reshape the major marathon circuit over the subsequent 15 years. The series’ growth is a testament to the power of inclusivity in endurance sports.
Marathon Participation Trends
according to data from Running USA, marathon participation in the United States has seen fluctuations but remains robust. In 2023, over 565,000 finishers completed a marathon, demonstrating enduring enthusiasm for the sport. The global marathon market is projected to reach $10.99 billion by 2032, fueled by increasing health awareness and the allure of destination races. Running USA
Did You Know? The oldest marathon in the world is the Boston Marathon, first held in 1897.
frequently Asked Questions About the World Marathon Majors
What motivates you to participate in a marathon? Do you think the increasing difficulty of entry diminishes the spirit of the race?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
