List Of Records At Each Of The 7 Marathon Majors

Marathon Majors are the ultimate events of the annual long-distance running. A host of elite as well as amateur runners take up the challenge for the pinnacle of marathon glory. For some, completing the race in itself is an achievement. 

There are seven Marathon Majors, with Sydney being the newest entrant. Let us have a look at the records set at each of the seven marathon majors. 

Sydney Marathon

The Sydney Marathon was added to the list of Marathon Majors on 3 November 2024, making it the first new such race since Tokyo in 2012. The route takes along  some of the most iconic landmarks in the Australian city, including the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. The journey includes roads, parks and hills  and features a point-to-point course that begins in Bradfield Park and ends at the Sydney Opera House.The Sydney Marathon features the most elevation of any Marathon Major at 316 metres. The first Marathon was held in 2001. 

Men’s course record: Brimin Kipkorir, Kenya: 2:06:18 (2024)

Women’s course record: Workenesh Edesa, Ethiopia: 2:21:41 (2024)

Date of next race: 31 August 2025

Tokyo Marathon

The first Major Marathon in Tokyo was held in 2008. The marathon glides through some of the most iconic sights in Tokyo, including the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Tower and the old town of Asakusa.

Men’s course record: Benson Kipruto, Kenya: 2:02:16 (2024)

Women’s course record: Sutume Kebede, Ethiopia: 2:15:55 (2024)

Date of next race: 2 March 2025

Boston Marathon

The Boston Marathon is the oldest of the Marathon Majors which first took place in 1897. 

The race takes place on Patriots Day on the third Monday in April and first came to life after the original organisers took inspiration from the Olympic marathon of a year earlier at Athens 1896.One of the most gruelling courses, the Boston records are the most londstandings. 

Men’s course record: Geoffrey Mutai, Kenya: 2:03:02 (2011)

Women’s course record: Buzunesh Deba, Ethiopia: 2:19:59 (2014)

Date of next race: 21 April 2025

 

London Marathon

With a total of seven world records, London is one of the favorites for marathon runners. The journey includes some of the most famous sights of England’s capital, including the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace, where the race ends. The London Marathon first took place in 1981 and achieved the World Marathon Majors status in 2006. 

Men’s course record: Kelvin Kiptum, Kenya: 2:01:25 (2023)

Women’s course record: Paula Radcliffe, United Kingdom: 2:15:25 (2003)

Date of next race: 27 April 2025

Berlin Marathon

The Berlin Marathon has one of the fastest courses in marathon majors, with 13 world records set here. It is loved by marathon runners chasing records. 

The last of those records was set in 2024 as Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia emerged champion in the women’s race in a time of 2:11:53. Just a year earlier, the legendary Kipchoge set his own world record there with a time of 2:01:09.

Men’s course record: Eliud Kipchoge, Kenya: 2:01:09 (2022)

Women’s course record: Tigst Assefa, Ethiopia: 2:11:53 (2023)

Date of next race: 21 September 2025

Also Read: Fastest Marathon Courses In The World

Chicago Marathon

The Chicago Marathon in its current format first took place in 1977. With 4,200 runners in its first edition, the field had swelled to 40,000 amateur and elite participants presently. 

With a looped course, meaning the start and finish lines are in the same location, the Chicago Marathon is one the fastest courses on the planet. Both the current men’s and women’s marathon world records have been set on the course.

Men’s course record: Kelvin Kiptum, Kenya: 2:00:35 (2023)

Women’s course record: Ruth Chepngetich: 2:09:56 (2024)

Date of next race: 12 October 2025

New York City Marathon

New York City Marathon is the last and the largest Major race of the year in which nearly 50,000 runners (elite and amateur combined) take part. The course runs through some of the famous landmarks including the Central Park, Staten Island and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.

All four world records here were set by female athletes, including three back-to-back by Norway’s Grete Waitz between 1978 and 1980.

Men’s course record: Tamirat Tola, Ethiopia: 2:04:58 (2023)

Women’s course record: Margaret Okayo, Kenya: 2:22:31 (2003)

Date of next race: 2 November 2025