For runners, crossing the finish line of a marathon is a triumph worth celebrating. That moment when you push through the final mile, drenched in sweat and fueled by determination, lives long in the memory. After months of training you're able to celebrate all of the hard work that you put in to reach the finish line. However, when it comes to the Abbott World Marathon Majors half of the battle is securing a spot on the start line.
The marathon majors represent the pinnacle of road running. These seven races—expanded in 2025 to include Sydney alongside Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City—are renowned for their prestige, atmosphere, and challenge. These iconic races draw runners from across the globe, and competition for places is high,
While entry options like the marathon ballot or charity fundraising exist, hitting marathon qualifying times offers a guaranteed way in for many of these races. If you’re dreaming of these legendary events, this guide is for you. We’ll break down the times needed to automatically qualify for each of the marathon majors, offering inspiration and practical advice to help you plan your next big goal.
Whether you’re eyeing the historic streets of Boston or the vibrant energy of London, understanding these standards can set you on the path to a start line.
Marathon Qualifying Times: A Race-by-Race Breakdown
Each marathon major has its own rules for automatic entry based on time. These standards vary by event, gender, and often age.
Tokyo Marathon: A Tough Ticket to Punch
Tokyo kicks off the marathon majors calendar in March, blending Japanese culture with a fast, flat course. Securing a spot via time is tricky—only 25 men and 25 women from overseas get guaranteed entry through the “Run as One” program. Men need to run under 2 hours 28 minutes, while women have until 3 hours 9 minutes. That’s a lofty bar, but if you’re close, it’s a chance to aim high. Most amateurs enter via the marathon ballot, but hitting this mark could land you a rare spot.
Boston Marathon: The Holy Grail of Qualifying
The Boston Marathon is the gold standard for marathon qualifying times. Unlike other majors, it’s built around this system, with about 80% of its 30,000 runners earning their bib through speed. For men aged 18-34, the target is 3 hours flat; women get 3 hours 30 minutes. Times ease as you age—say, 3 hours 20 minutes for men 45-49, or 3 hours 50 minutes for women in the same group. But here’s the catch: meeting the time isn’t enough. You’ll need to beat it by a few minutes to secure your spot due to high demand.
- 18-34: Men: 3:00:00 | Women: 3:30:00
- 35-39: Men: 3:05:00 | Women: 3:35:00
- 40-44: Men: 3:10:00 | Women: 3:40:00
- 45-49: Men: 3:20:00 | Women: 3:50:00
- 50-54: Men: 3:25:00 | Women: 3:55:00
- 55-59: Men: 3:35:00 | Women: 4:05:00
- 60-64: Men: 3:50:00 | Women: 4:20:00
- 65-69: Men: 4:05:00 | Women: 4:35:00
- 70-74: Men: 4:20:00 | Women: 4:50:00
- 75-79: Men: 4:35:00 | Women: 5:05:00
- 80+: Men: 4:50:00 | Women: 5:20:00
London Marathon: Good For Age Glory
The London Marathon offers a “Good For Age” entry path, but it’s exclusive to UK residents, with 3,000 spots each for men and women. For men aged 18-39, it’s 2 hours 50 minutes; women have 3 hours 25 minutes. Older runners get more leeway—3 hours 15 minutes for men 55-59, or 3 hours 55 minutes for women. Non-UK runners rely on the marathon ballot or charity, but if you’re in the UK, this is your shot at guaranteed entry.
- 18-39: Men: 2:50:00 | Women: 3:25:00
- 40-44: Men: 2:55:00 | Women: 3:30:00
- 45-49: Men: 3:00:00 | Women: 3:35:00
- 50-54: Men: 3:05:00 | Women: 3:45:00
- 55-59: Men: 3:15:00 | Women: 3:55:00
- 60-64: Men: 3:30:00 | Women: 4:10:00
- 65-69: Men: 3:50:00 | Women: 4:30:00
- 70-74: Men: 4:30:00 | Women: 5:00:00
- 75-79: Men: 4:50:00 | Women: 5:30:00
- 80+: Men: 5:20:00 | Women: 6:00:00
Sydney Marathon: A New Major Milestone
New to the marathon majors in 2025, Sydney brings an Australian twist to the series. Its qualifying system is still evolving, but for the Age Group World Championships held there, runners over 40 can qualify with times like 2 hours 42 minutes for men 40-44, or 3 hours 7 minutes for women. General marathon qualifying times may emerge soon, so watch this space.
- 40-44: Men: 2:42:00 | Women: 3:07:00
- 45-49: Men: 2:47:00 | Women: 3:12:00
- 50-54: Men: 2:53:00 | Women: 3:19:00
- 55-59: Men: 3:00:00 | Women: 3:27:00
- 60-64: Men: 3:08:00 | Women: 3:36:00
- 65-69: Men: 3:18:00 | Women: 3:47:00
- 70-74: Men: 3:30:00 | Women: 4:01:00
- 75-79: Men: 3:46:00 | Women: 4:19:00
- 80+: Men: 4:09:00 | Women: 4:42:00
Berlin Marathon: Speed on Display
Berlin’s flat, fast course is a favourite for personal bests, and its qualifying times reflect that elite vibe. Men aged 18-44 need 2 hours 45 minutes; women get 3 hours flat. For 45-59, it’s 2 hours 55 minutes for men and 3 hours 20 minutes for women. Over 60? Men aim for 3 hours 25 minutes, women 4 hours 10 minutes. These are tough but achievable with training.
- 18-44: Men: 2:45:00 | Women: 3:00:00
- 45-59: Men: 2:55:00 | Women: 3:20:00
- 60+: Men: 3:25:00 | Women: 4:10:00
Chicago Marathon: Midwest Motivation
Chicago’s qualifying standards are straightforward and generous compared to Boston. Men aged 16-29 need 3 hours 10 minutes; women have 3 hours 40 minutes. By 40-49, it’s 3 hours 20 minutes for men and 3 hours 50 minutes for women. Older runners—say, 60-69—target 4 hours for men or 4 hours 30 minutes for women. Chicago’s flat course makes these times feel within reach.
- 16-29: Men: 3:10:00 | Women: 3:40:00
- 30-39: Men: 3:15:00 | Women: 3:45:00
- 40-49: Men: 3:20:00 | Women: 3:50:00
- 50-59: Men: 3:35:00 | Women: 4:05:00
- 60-69: Men: 4:00:00 | Women: 4:30:00
- 70-79: Men: 4:35:00 | Women: 5:05:00
- 80+: Men: 5:10:00 | Women: 5:40:00
New York City Marathon: The Big Apple Challenge
New York closes the majors season with a hilly course and big crowds. Men aged 18-34 need 2 hours 53 minutes; women get 3 hours 13 minutes. For 45-49, it’s 3 hours 5 minutes for men and 3 hours 28 minutes for women. Over 70? Men aim for 4 hours 10 minutes, women 4 hours 45 minutes. New York also accepts half-marathon times, like 1 hour 21 minutes for men 18-34, offering flexibility.
- 18-34: Men: 2:53:00 | Women: 3:13:00
- 35-39: Men: 2:55:00 | Women: 3:15:00
- 40-44: Men: 2:58:00 | Women: 3:20:00
- 45-49: Men: 3:05:00 | Women: 3:28:00
- 50-54: Men: 3:14:00 | Women: 3:38:00
- 55-59: Men: 3:23:00 | Women: 3:50:00
- 60-64: Men: 3:34:00 | Women: 4:05:00
- 65-69: Men: 3:45:00 | Women: 4:20:00
- 70-74: Men: 4:10:00 | Women: 4:45:00
- 75-79: Men: 4:30:00 | Women: 5:05:00
- 80+: Men: 4:55:00 | Women: 6:35:00
Turning Your Finish Line into Art
Qualifying for a marathon major is a journey of grit and determination. When you cross that line—whether it’s Boston, London, or any of the seven—you’ve earned more than a medal. At Finisher Prints, we take that moment and craft it into something tangible: vibrant, custom artwork that reflects your unique achievement. Imagine hanging your Tokyo finish or Berlin PB on your wall, a daily reminder of what you’re capable of.
So, pick your race, chase those marathon qualifying times, and let Finisher Prints celebrate your victory. Your next marathon major isn’t just a run—it’s a masterpiece in the making.