All Seven World Marathon Majors, Compared

Berlin, Germany · September · 73 m gain · -6 m net

The fastest marathon course in the world on paper: wide boulevards, gentle curves, and virtually no climbing. More world records have fallen here than anywhere else. Pacing discipline is the only hazard — the course gives you no excuse to slow down.

Chicago, USA · October · 74 m gain · +1 m net

Pancake-flat loop through 29 neighborhoods with enormous crowd support. The only 'climb' is a highway overpass at kilometre 41. Tall buildings can confuse GPS early — run by feel and the split clocks.

Tokyo, Japan · March · 60 m gain · -38 m net

Gently net-downhill first half through Shinjuku, then flat out-and-back sections along wide avenues. Several 180° turnarounds late require patience, but conditions and surface make this a genuine PR course.

London, United Kingdom · April · 127 m gain · -34 m net

Fast, slightly net-downhill tour of the Thames with the deepest crowds in the sport. The first 5 km drop ~30 m; from there it's flat with grinding cobbled corners around the Tower of London late.

Boston, USA · April · 248 m gain · -140 m net

Net downhill but deceptively hard: the first 25 km drop steadily and wreck quads that go out too fast, then the Newton hills (km 26–34, capped by Heartbreak Hill) arrive exactly when glycogen runs out. Even splits here means banking restraint, not time.

New York, USA · November · 246 m gain · -5 m net

The hardest of the majors to race fast: five bridges (no crowds, plenty of wind), rolling Central Park finish, and a Verrazzano opening kilometre that climbs 40 m. You run New York for the experience — or pace the bridges honestly and surprise yourself.

Sydney, Australia · August · 310 m gain · -83 m net

The hilliest of the seven majors: a punchy, rolling course over the Harbour Bridge with a spectacular Opera House finish. Treat it like a hard-effort course — chase the experience and the Seven Star medal, not a PR.