7 Marathon Majors.
How many have you visited?

Unique fact: The world's oldest annual marathon (since 1897) is the only major that requires a qualifying time. You have to earn your spot. The point-to-point course is famously challenging, with the Newton Hills arriving when runners are most fatigued.

Why visit: Earn your way to the start line and tackle the legendary "Heartbreak Hill" around mile 20. Experience the electric energy of the Wellesley College "Scream Tunnel," run through history at the 2013 memorial, and cross the iconic finish on Boylston Street.

Unique fact: The largest annual fundraising event in the world, having raised over £1 billion for charity since 1981. The course takes runners past some of London's most iconic landmarks, finishing in front of Buckingham Palace.

Why visit: Run past Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and along the Thames before finishing at Buckingham Palace. Experience the legendary British crowd support, high-five costumed charity runners, and join a race where everyday heroes run alongside world record chasers.

Unique fact: The world's fastest marathon course, where every men's world record since 2003 has been set. The flat, straight course through the unified city passes through the Brandenburg Gate in the final stretch.

Why visit: Chase a personal best on this famously flat course that has produced more world records than any other marathon. Run through history at Checkpoint Charlie and the Berlin Wall remnants, then finish triumphantly through the Brandenburg Gate.

Unique fact: A flat, fast course that winds through 29 diverse neighborhoods, offering a cultural tour of one of America's great cities. The course record is just seconds off the world record, making it a destination for elite runners.

Why visit: Experience incredible crowd support from Chicago's passionate neighborhoods, from Pilsen's mariachi bands to Boystown's dance music. Run along Lake Michigan, through the Loop, and finish in Grant Park with skyline views that make the pain worthwhile.

Unique fact: The largest marathon in the world with over 50,000 runners crossing the finish line each year. The course traverses all five boroughs, starting on Staten Island and finishing in Central Park after crossing the Queensboro Bridge.

Why visit: Cross five boroughs and experience New York's incredible diversity, from Brooklyn's brownstones to Manhattan's skyscrapers. Feel the energy of two million spectators lining the course, run through Times Square in spirit, and finish in the heart of Central Park.

Unique fact: One of the hardest marathons to enter with lottery odds around 10:1, yet runners who get in experience unmatched Japanese hospitality. The course passes the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Tower, and Senso-ji Temple.

Why visit: Experience unmatched Japanese organization where volunteers bow and courses are spotless. Run past the Imperial Palace and through Ginza, receive precise aid station service, and feel the respectful, encouraging energy of Tokyo's polite but passionate crowds.

Unique fact: The newest Abbott World Marathon Major and the only one that lets you run across a major harbor bridge. The course showcases Sydney's stunning harbor, with views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge throughout.

Why visit: Cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge with the Opera House gleaming below, a view no other marathon offers. Run through the Royal Botanic Gardens, along the harborfront, and experience the newest World Major in one of the most beautiful cities on Earth.