How to Run the World Marathon Majors on Points

Getting into a Major is the hard part. Getting to one is where points help. Lotteries, qualifying times, and charity places decide whether you run; award flights and hotel points decide how much the trip costs once you are in.

The Abbott World Marathon Majors now has eight races, not seven. Cape Town joined in June 2026 as the eighth Major, with its first race as a Major on May 23, 2027. This guide covers all eight: how entry works for each, the 2027 dates, the best award routes from the U.S., and points hotels near the start or finish. Every race fact, award price, and transfer ratio below was checked October 13, 2026 on the race’s, program’s, or issuer’s own site, with the source named next to it. Where a program prices awards dynamically, we say so and do not guess a number.

The Majors and the medal

The series lists eight Majors on worldmarathonmajors.com: Tokyo, Boston, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago, New York City, and now Cape Town.

• Six Star Medal: awarded for the original six (Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York). AbbottWMM’s How it works page says “Sydney became the seventh Major in November 2024 and Cape Town the eighth in June 2026, but the Six Star medal remains in place for the original six.”
• There is no Seven Star Medal. Sydney and Cape Town finishes count as stars in your runner portal, and AbbottWMM sells collectible coins and displays for any combination of Majors.
• Nine Star Medal (planned): AbbottWMM says that if the Shanghai Marathon passes its evaluation, “the Nine Star medal will be introduced in addition to the Six Star medal.” Its Cape Town announcement says Shanghai needs a second pass at its December 6, 2026 race.

The eight races at a glance

Sources for dates: Tokyo Marathon 2027 race information; B.A.A. qualifying page; TCS London Marathon; Sanlam Cape Town Marathon FAQ; TCS Sydney Marathon 2027 ballot; GENERALI BERLIN-MARATHON; Bank of America Chicago Marathon application; NYRR time qualifiers.

Is there any way to get a race entry with points?

Not a verified one for U.S. travelers as of October 13, 2026. Here is what we found on official pages:

• Bank of America Chicago Marathon: the application page lists the guaranteed entry paths (time qualifier, legacy finisher, charity, tour operators, the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series, cancelled 2026 entries, and the High Performance Program). There is no cardholder path.
• Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America: entry is by qualifying time or the B.A.A.’s official charity program.
• Westin: AbbottWMM lists Westin Hotels & Resorts, a Marriott Bonvoy brand, on its partners page. The partnership covers race-weekend experiences at select Westin hotels in Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York City, and Tokyo, not race entries. A Westin is a reasonable Marriott Bonvoy points choice in those cities, but book it for the location, not for a perk.
• Marathon Tours & Travel: the official AbbottWMM travel partner, which sells packages “with guaranteed entry to the top running races worldwide.” These are cash packages, not points.

So the realistic plan is: win or earn the entry the normal way, then use points for everything around it.

Tokyo Marathon: Sunday, March 7, 2027

How entry works. The Tokyo Marathon 2027 race information lists a field size of 40,000 and a 7-hour cutoff, and says selection is “by random drawing if the entry exceeds the field size.” The entry schedule for 2027 was:

• Runner donation (charity) entry: June 24 to July 9, 2026 (JST)
• ONE TOKYO GLOBAL member entry: July 31 to August 13, 2026
• General entry lottery: August 14 to August 28, 2026, with results on September 18, 2026

All 2027 windows have closed. Plan on the same summer timing for 2028. The international entry fee for 2027 was USD 230.

Flights. Tokyo has two airports, Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT), with nonstops from many U.S. hubs. Two fixed-price options stand out:

• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club on ANA. Virgin’s ANA partner page lists Japan to Western USA at 52,500 points in business and 30,000 in economy, and Japan to Central and Eastern USA at 60,000 in business and 32,500 in economy. Virgin books ANA rewards through its Flying Club team by phone. Chase, Amex, Bilt, and Citi transfer to Virgin Atlantic.
• Air Canada Aeroplan. Aeroplan’s flight reward chart prices North America to Pacific partner awards by distance flown: 32,500 economy / 55,000 business up to 5,000 miles (Seattle to Tokyo is about 4,790), and 50,000 / 85,000 from 5,001 to 7,500 miles (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and New York all fall here). Chase, Amex, Capital One, and Bilt transfer to Aeroplan at 1:1.
• ANA Mileage Club is also a 1:1 Amex transfer partner, per Amex’s transfer page.
• Japan Airlines Mileage Bank is a 1:1 Bilt transfer partner, and Capital One transfers to it at 2:1.5. JAL’s own award prices are shown when you search.

Hotels. The 2027 course starts at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku and finishes at Tokyo Station on Gyoko-dori Avenue. Park Hyatt Tokyo (World of Hyatt) in Shinjuku reopened on December 9, 2025 after a renovation, per Hyatt’s newsroom. Hilton Tokyo (Hilton Honors) is also in Nishi-Shinjuku near the start. Packet pick-up is in person at Tokyo Big Sight from March 4 to March 6, 2027, so you need to be in Tokyo by Saturday at the latest.

Boston Marathon: Monday, April 19, 2027

How entry works. Boston is the only Major where most runners need a qualifying time. The B.A.A.’s qualifying page says qualifier registration for 2027 ran September 14 to 18, 2026, and the cut-off was 5 minutes, 17 seconds faster than the standard, with 8,019 qualifiers not accepted. The 2027 standard for ages 18 to 34 is 2:55:00 for men and 3:25:00 for women and non-binary runners. A new random “Boston Qualifier Selection” draws about 1,000 qualifiers who missed the cut-off. The other route is a place with a charity in the B.A.A.’s official charity program.

Flights. This is a domestic trip for most readers, so any program works. For a fixed price, Aeroplan’s within-North-America chart prices United flights from 10,000 points in economy for 501 to 1,500 miles and 12,500 for 1,501 to 2,750 miles. United is one of Aeroplan’s “Select Partners,” so those are “starting at” prices that can rise on busy dates. United, Delta, American, JetBlue, and Southwest all price awards dynamically, so compare the cash price before you spend points.

Hotels. The finish is on Boylston Street in Back Bay. The Westin Copley Place and Boston Marriott Copley Place (both Marriott Bonvoy) are a short walk from the finish area. Marriott prices awards dynamically, and a Monday race with a holiday weekend in front of it is about as high-demand as Boston gets.

TCS London Marathon: April 24 and 25, 2027

How entry works. London is running a one-off “Double” in 2027: 45,000 runners on Saturday, April 24 and 55,000 on Sunday, April 25. London Marathon Events says a record 1,338,544 people entered the 2027 ballot, with results emailed in July 2026 (announcement). The ballot is closed. The race’s home page says, “Missed the ballot? Apply for a charity place or secure your spot through an international tour operator.” Championship and Good for Age applications are also open for runners who meet those standards and eligibility rules.

Flights. New York and Boston to London are both under 4,000 miles, which puts them in Aeroplan’s lowest North America to Atlantic band: 32,500 points in economy, 60,000 in business on Star Alliance partners, plus taxes and a CA$39 partner booking fee. For Avios, Aer Lingus lists Boston, Chicago, New York, and Newark to Dublin at 13,000 Avios off-peak / 20,000 peak in economy and 50,000 / 60,000 in business, and Dublin to London at 4,000 off-peak / 4,500 peak in economy (Aer Lingus chart, PDF). All prices are one way. Chase, Amex, and Bilt transfer to Aer Lingus AerClub at 1:1.

Hotels. The course runs from Greenwich to Westminster. Conrad London St. James (Hilton Honors) is a short walk from Westminster and the finish area. For the start, InterContinental London The O2 (IHG One Rewards) is on the Greenwich Peninsula. Hilton and IHG both use dynamic award pricing.

Sanlam Cape Town Marathon: Sunday, May 23, 2027

How entry works. Cape Town’s FAQ says the 2027 general ballot ran June 10 to June 24, 2026, and is closed. International Tour Operator and charity entries opened June 26, 2026, on a first-come, first-served basis. Entries are non-transferable. The marathon has two starts, near Cape Town Stadium and on Beach Road in Mouille Point, and the finish is on Vlei Road.

Flights. Cape Town is the longest trip on this list. Search United (which prices dynamically) for U.S. options, and search Aeroplan for one-stop Star Alliance routings through Europe; Aeroplan prices those by distance, so a long routing costs more. Taxes and carrier surcharges vary widely on this route, so look at the cash total before you transfer.

Hotels. AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront (Marriott Bonvoy) is at the V&A Waterfront, a short trip from Green Point and the stadium start.

TCS Sydney Marathon: Sunday, August 29, 2027

How entry works. The 2027 ballot is open now. The official ballot page says it runs “from 10:00 AM AEST on 29 September to 10:00 AM AEDT on 19 October,” which is 7 p.m. ET on Sunday, October 18, 2026. It is a random draw, not first-come, first-served. Successful applicants are charged and notified on November 3, 2026; the international fee shown on the ballot page is AUD 330. The FAQ says unsuccessful applicants are offered “Travel and Charity Programs.”

Flights. Los Angeles and San Francisco to Sydney are just under 7,500 miles, so on Aeroplan’s North America to Pacific chart they price at 50,000 points in economy and 85,000 in business on partner airlines. Starting farther east pushes the trip into the 7,501 to 11,000 mile band: 65,000 / 102,500. Qantas Classic Flight Rewards have “a fixed points amount year-round,” according to Qantas, with taxes, fees, and carrier charges paid on top; prices are quoted at booking. Amex and Capital One transfer to Qantas Frequent Flyer at 1:1. For Atmos Rewards (Alaska and Hawaiian), Bilt transfers at 1:1.

Hotels. The ballot page sends runners on a “path to North Sydney,” where the race starts. Park Hyatt Sydney (World of Hyatt) and InterContinental Sydney (IHG One Rewards) are both near Circular Quay in the city center.

GENERALI BERLIN-MARATHON: Sunday, September 26, 2027

How entry works. Berlin has a new title sponsor: Generali took over from BMW on October 1, 2026, and the 2027 race is the first GENERALI BERLIN-MARATHON. Per the official registration page, “Race entries will be allocated by lottery.” The lottery is open from October 1 to November 12, 2026, with results on December 3, 2026 and payment taken from December 4.

Flights. Our DC to Berlin on points guide covers this in depth. In short, there is no nonstop from Washington, and one-stop Star Alliance routings fall in Aeroplan’s 4,001 to 6,000 mile band at 42,500 points in economy and 75,000 in business. Virgin Atlantic’s Air France chart from the East Coast to Western Europe is 48,500 off-peak / 58,500 peak in business plus surcharges. Aer Lingus via Dublin is 6,500 Avios off-peak from Dublin to Berlin in economy.

Hotels. The start and finish are around the Tiergarten and the Brandenburg Gate. Grand Hyatt Berlin (World of Hyatt) at Potsdamer Platz and The Westin Grand Berlin (Marriott Bonvoy) on Friedrichstrasse are both within walking distance of the gate area.

Bank of America Chicago Marathon: Sunday, October 10, 2027

How entry works. The 2027 application is open now and closes at 2 p.m. CT on Thursday, October 29, 2026 (apply page). The non-guaranteed drawing results come out December 8, 2026. Guaranteed entry paths include:

• Time qualifier: for example, 2:50:00 for men and 3:20:00 for women and non-binary runners aged 16 to 34, run between January 1, 2025 and October 29, 2026
• Legacy finisher: five or more Chicago finishes in the last 10 years
• Charity: first-come, first-served, with a fundraising minimum of at least $2,500 and a $325 entry fee for U.S. residents
• Tour operators in the official program

The standard entry fee is $250 for U.S. residents. Chicago also sells an optional refundable registration at the point of entry, for an added fee of about 10 to 15% of the cart, which you cannot add later.

Flights. Chicago is a domestic award from almost anywhere. O’Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW) are both options. New York to Chicago is about 740 miles, so it falls in Aeroplan’s 501 to 1,500 mile band (from 10,000 points in economy on United). United and American have hubs at O’Hare and price awards dynamically.

Hotels. The start and finish are in Grant Park. Hilton Chicago (Hilton Honors) is on Michigan Avenue facing the park, and Hyatt Regency Chicago (World of Hyatt) is on Wacker Drive, a short walk from the north end of Grant Park.

TCS New York City Marathon: Sunday, November 7, 2027

How entry works. NYRR’s time qualifier page uses age on November 7, 2027 for the 2027 race. The main routes are:

• The drawing: 2027 dates have not been announced. For 2026, the drawing application ran February 4 to 25, with three pools: NYC metro area, national, and international (The Drawing).
• Time qualifiers: guaranteed at eligible NYRR races; a limited number of places for times from other certified marathons run during 2026.
• 9+1: NYRR members who completed the 2026 9+1 program can claim 2027 entry. Starting with the 2027 program, 9+1 places are allocated by a member drawing, which ran September 17 to 29, 2026, for 2028 entry (9+1 program).
• Charity: through NYRR’s official charity partners.

Flights. New York is a domestic award to JFK, LaGuardia (LGA), or Newark (EWR). From the West Coast, Los Angeles to New York is about 2,470 miles, in Aeroplan’s 1,501 to 2,750 band (from 12,500 points in economy on United). Delta, United, American, and JetBlue all price awards dynamically.

Hotels. The race starts on Staten Island and finishes in Central Park. JW Marriott Essex House New York (Marriott Bonvoy) on Central Park South and Park Hyatt New York (World of Hyatt) on West 57th Street are both close to the finish. Book a hotel near the finish rather than the start, since runners are transported to the Staten Island start.

Strategy: planning a multi-year sequence

You cannot plan the order, only the applications. Each race has its own window, and most open six to 14 months before race day. A sensible approach:

1. Apply to every lottery or ballot you can, every year. Most are free to enter. You pay only if selected.
2. Use guaranteed routes for the hard ones. London’s ballot drew over 1.3 million entries for 2027; charity and international tour operator places are the dependable fallback. Boston needs a qualifying time well under the standard.
3. Keep a calendar. Based on the 2027 cycle: Cape Town ballot in June, Tokyo entries from late June to August, Boston qualifier registration in mid-September, Sydney ballot from late September to mid-October, Berlin lottery from October to mid-November, Chicago in October, New York’s drawing in February.
4. Book points travel only after you are in. Awards with free cancellation, plus hotel points bookings with flexible rates, let you lock in prices early without risking much.

Strategy: which transferable points cover the most

Sources: Chase Sapphire Preferred benefits; Amex transfer partners; Capital One transfer partners; Bilt transfer partners; Citi Strata Premier.

Citi note: Citi’s Strata Premier page lists American Airlines, JetBlue, Virgin Atlantic, Cathay, EVA Air, Choice Hotels, and The Leading Hotels of the World “and others.” Confirm any partner and ratio in your ThankYou account before transferring.

What this means:

• Amex covers the most of this list, including ANA for Tokyo and Qantas for Sydney.
• Chase and Bilt are the strongest for Europe and the U.S. (Aeroplan, Virgin Atlantic, Aer Lingus, United). If you are just starting, see why we suggest starting with Chase.
• Capital One reaches Aeroplan and Qantas but not Virgin Atlantic.

Strategy: the Bilt Hyatt change on January 1, 2027

Bilt’s World of Hyatt transfer page says: “The transfer ratio for World of Hyatt will change to 4:3 beginning January 1, 2027.” Bilt’s partner list still shows Hyatt at 1:1 as of October 13, 2026. Chase already transfers to Hyatt at 4:3, so 1,000 Chase points become 750 Hyatt points.

For runners, this matters if you want a Hyatt for a 2027 race: Park Hyatt Tokyo in March, Park Hyatt Sydney in August, Grand Hyatt Berlin in September, Hyatt Regency Chicago in October, or Park Hyatt New York in November. If you already hold an entry and can find award space, transferring Bilt points before December 31, 2026 gets you a third more Hyatt points than the same transfer in January. Do not transfer without a booking in hand. Our Bilt Rewards guide and Bilt Rent Day explainer cover the details and transfer bonuses.

Strategy: free-night certificates

Race weekends are a good use of a capped free-night certificate, because cash rates are high and you only need a few nights. Two examples, verified on official pages:

• Marriott Bonvoy: free night awards from Marriott’s co-branded cards come with caps from 20,000 to 85,000 points depending on the card, and Marriott says you can “redeem or purchase up to 25,000 Marriott Bonvoy points to expand the value” of a certificate (Marriott).
• IHG One Rewards Premier (Chase): the anniversary free night has “a redemption cap of 50,000 points,” and you can add points from your account to use it at hotels above that level. The card also gives every fourth night free on award stays of four or more nights (Chase).

Certificates expire 12 months after issue, so match the anniversary date to your race calendar before you count on one.

Strategy: travel insurance and trip delay

Race entries are mostly non-refundable, and you cannot move a marathon. Card protections help with the travel side:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred lists Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance (up to $10,000 per covered traveler and $20,000 per trip for pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses), Trip Delay Reimbursement when a common carrier is delayed “more than 12 hours or requires an overnight stay” (up to $500 per covered traveler), and Baggage Delay Insurance (up to $100 a day for up to 5 days) (Chase).
• IHG One Rewards Premier lists Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance (up to $5,000 per covered traveler and $10,000 per trip) and Baggage Delay Insurance (up to $100 a day for up to 3 days).
• Citi Strata Premier lists Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption, Trip Delay, and Lost or Damaged Luggage protection.

These benefits have their own terms, covered reasons, and requirements for how you paid. Read your card’s guide to benefits before you rely on one, and check whether it covers award tickets where you paid the taxes with the card.

FAQ

How many World Marathon Majors are there?

Eight as of 2027: Tokyo, Boston, London, Cape Town, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. Cape Town’s first race as a Major is May 23, 2027.

Do Sydney and Cape Town count toward the Six Star Medal?

No. The Six Star Medal is for the original six. AbbottWMM plans a Nine Star Medal if Shanghai passes its evaluation, in addition to the Six Star Medal.

Can I use credit card points to get a race entry?

Not through any program we could verify for U.S. cardholders as of October 13, 2026. Use points for flights and hotels instead.

Which Major is the easiest to get into?

There is no easy one, but Chicago offers the most guaranteed paths, including time qualifiers, legacy entries, charity, and tour operators. London’s 2027 ballot drew 1,338,544 entries.

Which points are best for running all the Majors?

Amex Membership Rewards reach the widest set of programs on this list, including ANA and Qantas. Chase and Bilt are strong for Europe and the U.S., and Bilt is the better Hyatt transfer until January 1, 2027.

The Points Quest

Points Quest is educational content only, not personalized financial advice. Race dates, entry windows, award prices, transfer ratios, and card benefits were checked on official race, airline, hotel, and card issuer pages on October 13, 2026 and can change at any time. Award space is never guaranteed; always confirm prices before transferring points. Advertiser Disclosure

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