What do you know about Abbott World Marathon Majors – the world’s six greatest marathons, where everyday runners can run their way to becoming six-star finishers? What do the races make it up? This article will provide you a total knowledge of this championship-style competition for a marathon.
About Abbott World Marathon Majors
The Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) is a series of six of the largest and most renowned marathons in the world – Tokyo Marathon, B.A.A. Boston Marathon, Virgin Money London Marathon, BMW berlin-Marathon, Bank of America Chicago Marathon and TCS New York City Marathon.
AbbottWMM, which includes an annual series for elite runners and wheelchair athletes, also recognizes the accomplishments and passion of everyday champions from around the world. The new AbbottWMM Six Star System is an online results hub that recognizes and encourages runners who have completed one to six of the series’ races to “Reach For The Stars”.
About the sponsor
Are you unfamiliar with Abbott Laboratories? You really should. Abbott, founded in 1888 by Chicago physician Wallace Calvin Abbott, is a pharmaceutical behemoth specializing in discovering and developing research-based drugs, devices, and nutritional products. As a runner, you may even use this company’s supplements.
Abbott’s focus on HIV, cancer, heart disease, hepatitis, and metabolic disorders is legendary. In 1985, the firm developed the first HIV blood screening test. But Abbott isn’t just about treating and medicating illnesses; the company also promotes healthy living, advocating for health benefits delivered by running and marathon participation. Whether you run one or each one in the WMM series, being part of this series makes you part of the history of the sport you love.
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Why all of the excitement?
For starters, when last did you hear of a series of world-renowned marathons being run under the same umbrella? Be part of the excitement in Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, New York, Tokyo in addition to IAAF and Olympic/Paralympic locations.
Athletes from all walks of life can compete in their preferred categories and earn points based on their finish position in each race. When the dust settles, one fantastic male runner and one equally fantastic female runner will share the top prize of a cool US$1 million.
In 2015, the Abbott WMM Series became an annual event, and Series X kicked off at the 2016 Boston Marathon. Organizers were ecstatic to announce another point system for wheelchair competitors, this time with a prize purse of $100,000.
What 8 races make up the Abbott World Marathon Majors?
1. The Bank of America Chicago Marathon
It is the 3rd most popular event of its kind. The bank of American Chicago Marathon stages it every October and participants race through the streets of Chicago to the cheers of endless numbers of spectators.
2. The BMW Berlin Marathon
Every September, the BMW Berlin Marathon takes place in the midst of Germany’s famous Oktoberfest, which takes place from one end of the country to the other. Finish with respectable numbers and participants could lift a beer stein in your honor.
3. The Boston Marathon
The Boston Marathon always takes place in April and on Patriot’s Day in Massachusetts. While some remember the tragedy of a few years ago when explosives were detonated. Although that memory is fading, Boston remains the most famous race in the world.
4. The Virgin Money London Marathon
It also takes place in April, so if you intend to do both, you’d better make your arrangements early so you don’t run into scheduling problems. This London race is a must for UK runners eager to qualify for the WMM who love the fact that it’s one of the five series “founding marathons.”
5. TCS New York City Marathon
The sponsor may have changed since this race’s inception in 2012, but enthusiasm hasn’t. One cancellation due to Hurricane Sandy’s coastal destruction is New York’s only missed holding this marathon on the first Sunday in November.
6. The Tokyo Marathon
The Tokyo Marathon takes place every February but Japanese runners face a tough field annually since Kenyans and Ethiopians show up in numbers to show off their speed. Launched in 2006, Tokyo has the most-favored status with runners on the Pacific Rim.
7. The IAAF World Championships
Since they are only held on odd-numbered years and venues alter, they aren’t as predictable as the aforementioned six. London was home to the 2017 IAAFs, Qatar is on deck for 2019 and if you’re a long-range planner, start looking at Eugene, Oregon, the U.S. city destined to host in 2021.
8. The Olympic Games
As the 8th WMM qualifier, there’s even a longer stretch of time between summer Olympics where track and field events are run every four years and during leap years.
Abbott World Marathon Majors – a jewel in the crown of international running
It’s not only necessary to have one’s signature marathon included in this collection; it’s also prestigious and represents high achievement since many organizers compete for inclusion. Here in Singapore, the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon has been going through the machinations of selection as the AbbottWMM/Wanda consortium seeks to add marathons in both Asia and Africa. From our viewpoint, Singapore doesn’t just belong on this list–our national enthusiasm makes it a stand-out candidate.
“We know that for any race to become an Abbott World Marathon Major, there has to be a strong alliance and desire to succeed from the government, emergency services and event organizers,” said Tim Hadzima, general manager of AbbottWMM. “The benchmark for any race to join the Series is high and the extensive feedback we gave shows the extent of the improvement required and the cooperation needed from all parties involved for Singapore to reach AbbottWMM standards.”
How to become six-star finishers?
You don’t have to be a maths whizz to figure out the Abbott WMM point collection formula; organizers have come up with a simple scale: Arrive in first place at any event and snag 25 points. Come in second and you earn 16 points. A third-place finish adds 9 points, a fourth-place adds 4 points. You can add 1 point for a 5th place finish, too. Aim high, say race organizers who note, “The maximum points that can be stored in any race by an age-group winner is 4,000.”
Your job is to score the greatest number of points your body can amass in at least two events in the series. The same goes for Paralympic and World Championship events.
A six-star finisher is someone who has completed all six Marathon Major marathons; London, New York, Boston, Chicago, Berlin and Tokyo.
You can complete them at any time, in any order, as long as you can send evidence that you’ve run. And after completing your six major, you can collect your huge medal!
Become part of Abbott World Marathon Majors, you’ll compete with the best runners on the world stage. Show your family, friends, and colleagues that you’re willing to do what it takes to deliver your best performance. Your reputation as an athlete will soar. Oh, and that million dollars is waiting for your claim!
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