World Marathon Majors Guide for Taiwan Runners

Tokyo 2027 General Entry payment has closed; paid entrants should confirm their status in My Entry. Sydney 2027's ballot is open: use October 19 at 07:00 Taiwan time as the earlier deadline, with automatic charges for successful runners on November 3. Chicago 2027 applications open October 8 at 21:00 Taiwan time. Boston 2027 BQ applications are closed; results are expected in early October.

How to choose an entry route

General ballot / lotteryTokyo, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago, and New York all use or have used non-guaranteed public entry routes. The key is knowing the season early, not waiting until travel partners are ready.

Time qualifierBoston is the core qualifier-driven race. Chicago, New York, and Sydney also have performance routes, but rules and capacity vary by race.

CharityLondon, Chicago, New York, Sydney, Berlin, Tokyo, and Cape Town may all have charity paths. Confirm fundraising minimums, payment responsibility, and whether the charity can support overseas runners.

Official tour operatorSeveral Majors, including Cape Town, offer official travel routes. Verify current approval, whether the package includes entry, and cancellation/refund terms.

AbbottWMM Race DrawsNot a beginner route. Race Draws usually require existing stars; Tokyo and Boston require higher star counts. Draws happen through the Runner Portal.

Local guaranteed pathsRoutes such as NYRR 9+1 or London Good For Age are useful to understand, but they are usually not the primary plan for Taiwan-based runners.

Taiwan-runner planning checklist

Convert every deadline to Taiwan time. US and Europe deadlines can land on a different Taiwan date.
Keep passport name, race-entry name, AbbottWMM Runner Portal profile, and race-account details consistent.
Book refundable lodging early, then adjust after lottery results. Tokyo, London, Berlin, and New York race-week hotels can move quickly.
For Boston, separate qualifying from acceptance. Course certification and net elevation drop matter.
For charity or tour-operator entry, check refund rules, transfer rules, cancellation terms, fundraising minimums, and whether lodging is included.

Which Major should come first?

First overseas MajorTokyo or Sydney. Flight time, time-zone shift, and cultural adjustment are lower.

PB targetBerlin, Chicago, Tokyo, or London. Avoid bridge-heavy or hillier profiles first.

Performance routeBoston is the core goal. Chicago, NYC, and Sydney can supplement that plan, but their rules are more fragmented.

City experienceNew York, London, and Boston. Crowd energy and city identity are the main draw.

Six Star -> Eight Majors -> Nine Star

Sydney became the seventh Major in 2025. Cape Town has now been confirmed as the eighth Major and will host its first Major edition on May 23, 2027.

There is no Seven Star or Eight Star medal. The Six Star Medal still requires only the original six Major marathons.

The original six Major marathons are Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City.

Shanghai Marathon remains a candidate race. If it passes its evaluation, WMM plans to introduce the Nine Star Medal while retaining the Six Star Medal.

Race detail cards

Tokyo Marathon

東馬

An urban road marathon starting at Tokyo Metropolitan Government and finishing at Tokyo Station / Gyoko-dori Ave. The course is largely flat, with very low travel friction and just a one-hour time difference from Taiwan.

Race dateMarch 7, 2027 (Sunday)
Current statusGeneral Entry payment closed September 30, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. JST (4:00 p.m. Taiwan time). Check your entry and payment status in My Entry before booking travel. Unpaid entries are void. If places become available, an additional draw is conditional on eligible ONE TOKYO membership as of October 31, not a new general-entry window. Race day is March 7, 2027.

Key timing

Donation & Charity Runner Entry: Status: Closed; New Charity Runner applications closed July 9. Selected runner donations and entry-fee payments concluded August 13; donation-only contributions ended August 31.
RUN as ONE - Tokyo Marathon 2027 / Semi-Elite: Status: Closed; Application window closed August 13. Results were announced September 1, and entry-fee payment closed September 11.
ONE TOKYO GLOBAL Member Entry: Status: Closed; Application window closed August 13. Results were announced September 1, and entry-fee payment closed September 11.
General Entry: Status: Closed; Applications closed August 28, results were announced September 18, and payment closed September 30, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. JST (4:00 p.m. Taiwan time). Check your status in My Entry; unpaid entries are void.

Cutoff / finish rules

The 2027 race features a 7-hour gun-time limit from the 9:10 a.m. start (closes 16:10 JST / 15:10 Taiwan time).
Packet pickup is March 4-6, 2027 at Tokyo Big Sight South Exhibition Halls. In-person pickup only (closes Saturday at 17:30 JST); no race-day pickup.
EXPO 2027 is completely cashless—prepare credit card or electronic payment for official merchandise and booths.

Taiwan-runner notes

This is the easiest Major for many Taiwan runners to try first: short flight, low time-zone shift (1 hour ahead), and familiar food and travel context.
General Entry payment has closed. Check entry and payment status in My Entry. Runners reporting sub-3:00 times must submit proof upon notice.
Tokyo 2027 marks the 20th anniversary edition with a planned Blue Impulse demonstration flight and the AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Championships.
Official KNT accommodation packages (opened Sep 18) do not include race entry. Book flexible, cancellable travel.
Unsuccessful applicants can look out for ONE TOKYO second-chance draws (active members by Oct 31), official ITP tour packages, or the Interview Relay 2027 contest (closes Oct 13).
Overseas VOLUNTAINER membership registration opens October 6 at noon JST (11:00 Taiwan time) for English-speaking companions interested in volunteering. This is not runner entry or a guaranteed volunteer assignment.

Chinese WMM race page

Boston Marathon

波馬

A point-to-point classic with downhills and Heartbreak Hill. Boston is primarily a qualifier-driven Major, not a general lottery race.

Race dateApril 19, 2027 (Monday)
Current statusThe B.A.A. received 33,656 qualified applications for 2027. Applications are closed, acceptance notices are expected in early October, and the final cutoff has not been announced. Credit-card preauthorization is not acceptance. Qualifiers outside the final cutoff automatically enter the approximately 1,000-place Boston Qualifier Selection.

Key timing

2027 BQ application: Status: Closed; Applications are closed; notices are expected in early October. Check Athletes' Village. Card preauthorization validates payment details but does not mean acceptance or a settled entry-fee charge.
2027 charity entries: according to official capacity and announcements (America/New_York); Status: Check official capacity; Official charities offer a separate entry route. Confirm remaining places, fundraising obligations and overseas eligibility directly; the BQ deadline does not mean every charity route is closed.
2028 qualifying window (not registration): from September 19, 2026 (America/New_York); Status: Open; Qualifying performances from September 19, 2026 count toward 2028, through the end of the September 2027 registration week. Registration dates are not yet announced. Use a certified full marathon and recheck the 2028 downhill adjustment index, which may change.

Cutoff / finish rules

The B.A.A. timing page says the finish line closes at 5:30 PM, roughly six hours after the final starter crosses the start line.
For 2026, applicants needed to be 4:34 faster than their BQ standard to be accepted. Starting in 2027, some net-downhill qualifying races over 457.2m will have time adjustments.

Taiwan-runner notes

While waiting for 2027 results, rely on the formal Athletes' Village acceptance notice, not card preauthorization. Prefer refundable or flexible flights and lodging.
Qualifying, eligibility to apply and acceptance are separate. The 2026 cutoff was 4:34 under the standard; it is not a prediction for 2027.
For a 2028 target, certified full-marathon results from September 19, 2026 enter the qualifying window. Age is assessed on Boston race day; check the target edition's downhill rules.
US Eastern deadlines often fall on the next Taiwan calendar day. An open qualifying window is not an open registration window.

Chinese WMM race page

London Marathon

倫馬

Flat, crowded, and charity-heavy. The ballot is highly competitive, so charity places are a common backup route.

Race dateApril 24-25, 2027 (Saturday-Sunday)
Current statusLondon will use a one-off two-day format in 2027, with 100,000 participants across Saturday, April 24 and Sunday, April 25 on the same Greenwich-to-Westminster course. Each in-person runner is allocated one day and cannot switch or run both. Ballot confirmation is over; charity and international travel routes remain worth checking.

Key timing

2027 London Marathon ballot: Status: Closed; All ballot results have been sent and the July 31 confirmation deadline has passed. Successful runners were allocated either Saturday or Sunday; days cannot be swapped.
Charity places: according to official capacity and announcements (UK); Status: Check official capacity; The organizer publishes separate Saturday and Sunday charity directories. Contact charities directly because each one controls availability, fundraising minimums, payment responsibilities, review, and overseas-runner rules.
International Tour Operator: according to official capacity and announcements (UK); Status: Check official capacity; The international-participants page lists guaranteed-entry travel providers. Taiwan runners should confirm regional eligibility, package inclusions, and current capacity directly with the provider.

Cutoff / finish rules

Saturday is expected to start at 9:00 a.m. and its finish line closes at 5:30 p.m.; the organizer says the maximum available completion time will be 7 hours 45 minutes.
Sunday is expected to start at 9:30 a.m. Its secondary finish line in Green Park will close at 11:59:59 p.m. Final wave and cutoff details remain subject to participant instructions.

Taiwan-runner notes

The ballot and confirmation period are over, so current planning should focus on charity, official tour operators, or the next ballot cycle. A 2027 place is tied to Saturday or Sunday and cannot be swapped.
Confirm your assigned April 24 or April 25 race day before booking travel; it cannot be swapped. Medals and T-shirts are opt-in during confirmation, with no extra charge for selecting them.
For charity entry, treat the minimum fundraising amount as a real commitment, not an optional donation.
For an international tour package, confirm that the provider accepts Taiwan-based runners instead of assuming any nearby-country operator is eligible.

Chinese WMM race page

Sydney Marathon

雪梨馬

Starts in North Sydney, crosses the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and finishes at the Sydney Opera House Forecourt. The time-zone and flight burden are relatively friendly for Taiwan runners.

Race dateAugust 29, 2027 (Sunday)
Current statusThe next race is August 29, 2027. Ballot entries are open, with results and automatic charges for successful runners on November 3. The organizer says October 19 at 10:00 AEDT (07:00 Taiwan time), but the registration portal lists 23:59 that night. Use the earlier deadline and do not leave entry to the last day; applying early does not improve your odds.

Key timing

2027 general ballot: September 29, 2026 10:00 to October 19, 2026 10:00 (Australia/Sydney); Status: Open; Opens September 29 at 08:00 Taiwan time. Plan around the organizer's earlier October 19 at 07:00 Taiwan deadline; the portal instead lists 23:59 AEDT. This is a random draw, not first-come, first-served. Successful entries are charged automatically on November 3.
2027 High Performance Program (HPP): Status: Closed; Applications are closed. The 2027 program has 1,200 places; qualifying does not guarantee acceptance. Existing HPP applicants should check their confirmation and ballot carry-over instructions to avoid duplicate applications or charges.
2027 charity entries: according to official capacity and announcements (Australia/Sydney); Status: Not announced; The organizer says unsuccessful ballot applicants can consider charity entry after November 3. Confirm the 2027 program, fundraising obligations and overseas eligibility with that edition's official charity.
2027 Official Travel Partners: according to official capacity and announcements (Australia/Sydney); Status: Not announced; Recheck the 2027 partner list, Taiwan-residence eligibility and guaranteed entry before paying. An old 2026 package is not evidence of a 2027 place.

Cutoff / finish rules

The marathon page currently lists a 7-hour limit and a pace of 10 minutes per kilometer or faster. Confirm 2027 checkpoint cutoffs and waves in the new participant guide.
2027 waves and assembly times are not yet confirmed. Plan around your assigned wave, not the 2026 rolling-start timetable.

Taiwan-runner notes

Taiwan residents should select International. The current registration form shows AUD 340 including the mandatory carbon-offset contribution; confirm the checkout terms rather than using older prices.
Successful entries are charged automatically on November 3. Your card must remain valid for at least six months and cannot be changed after submission. Duplicate applications can each win and be charged without refund.
Withdrawal requests are due October 16 at 17:00 AEDT (14:00 Taiwan time). Standard entries are non-transferable and non-refundable; optional refund protection must be purchased during registration.
Sydney is a manageable time-zone and flight trip from Taiwan, but August is cooler. Prefer flexible travel while awaiting the draw, then confirm the 2027 Expo and start-area transport.

Chinese WMM race page

Berlin Marathon

柏馬

Berlin's flat, fast course draws world-class athletes and runners chasing a PB. Celebrate the 2026 finishers and watch for confirmed 2027 entry details.

Race dateSeptember 26, 2027 (Sunday)
Current statusPage 28 of the official race briefing confirms September 26, 2027 and a ballot window of October 1-November 12, 2026. The lottery webpage still shows the older edition; exact opening and closing times, fees and payment rules need the new edition's update.

Key timing

2027 general ballot: October 1, 2026 to November 12, 2026 (Europe/Berlin); Status: Upcoming; The official briefing confirms October 1-November 12, but not exact opening or closing times. Recheck the 2027 fee, team-entry and fast-runner rules instead of reusing the 2026 webpage.
2027 charity entries: according to official capacity and announcements (Europe/Berlin); Status: Not announced; Check the new edition's charity partners, fundraising requirements and overseas eligibility before committing.
2027 official tour operators: according to official capacity and announcements (Europe/Berlin); Status: Not announced; Use that edition's authorized list and confirm entry, Taiwan eligibility, hotel terms and refunds.

Cutoff / finish rules

The 2026 personal finish limit was 6 hours 15 minutes after crossing the start. Recheck the 2027 limit and checkpoint cutoffs in that edition's race briefing.
Do not assume that last year's start groups, transfer or deferral rules carry over to 2027.

Taiwan-runner notes

Allow a buffer for long-haul flights and connections, and time to adjust to jet lag rather than filling your arrival day with activities.
Choose lodging with both start access and the post-race journey in mind, preferably within walking distance of public transport.
While waiting for an entry, choose refundable or flexible flights and hotels. Check cancellation deadlines, change fees and refund terms before paying.

Chinese WMM race page

Chicago Marathon

芝馬

A flat, fast course through Chicago neighborhoods. It is a strong PB target, but long-haul travel, time zones, and US city lodging costs matter.

Race dateOctober 11, 2026 (Sunday)
Current statusThe 2026 race is still October 11, with in-person pickup October 8-10. The 2027 race is October 10; guaranteed and drawing applications run from October 8, 2026 at 08:00 Central time (21:00 Taiwan) until October 29 at 14:00 Central (October 30 at 03:00 Taiwan).

Key timing

2027 guaranteed-entry and drawing applications: October 8, 2026 08:00 to October 29, 2026 14:00 (America/Chicago); Status: Upcoming; Opens October 8 at 21:00 Taiwan time and closes October 30 at 03:00 Taiwan time. Drawing results are due December 8; payment is due December 15 at 23:59 CST (December 16 at 13:59 Taiwan). The 2027 race is October 10; non-US-resident entry is USD 260 plus fees. Qualifying marathon results must fall between January 1, 2025 and October 29, 2026. Charity fundraising starts at USD 2,500; further tour information is due December 8.

Cutoff / finish rules

The official course page lists a 6 hour 30 minute time limit, about 15 minutes per mile.
Finishing beyond the cutoff may mean no official finish record. After 15:30 Chicago time, medals, refreshments and reunions move to the Final Finisher Area west of the finish; 15:30 is an operational change, not everyone's personal time limit.

Taiwan-runner notes

Chicago is a strong PB target after Berlin, but Central Time and long-haul travel make pre-race adjustment important.
2026 pickup emails began going out September 30. Save the official email/QR code and bring your passport to McCormick Place North Building, Level 3, Hall B1. Collect in person; no proxy or race-day pickup.
2026 Expo hours are October 8, 10:00-18:00 and October 9-10, 09:00-18:00 local time. The three race waves start at 07:35, 08:00 and 08:35 (20:35, 21:00 and 21:35 Taiwan time); follow your assigned wave.
2027 non-US-resident entry is USD 260 plus processing fees. Time-qualifier performances must fall between January 1, 2025 and October 29, 2026; check the edition's age and gender standards.
2027 charity fundraising has a USD 2,500 minimum. More tour-program information is due December 8. Confirm authorized operators, Taiwan eligibility and guaranteed entry, not expired 2026 packages.

Chinese WMM race page

New York City Marathon

紐馬

A five-borough race with several bridges and huge crowd energy. It is more of a city-experience Major than a pure PB course like Berlin or Chicago.

Race dateNovember 1, 2026 (Sunday)
Current statusThe 2026 drawing, guaranteed-claim, and time-qualifier windows are over. Official charities and International Tour Operators remain listed as guaranteed-entry routes, subject to provider capacity. The November 1 race marks the 50th anniversary of the five-borough course and is expected to bring together nearly 60,000 runners.

Key timing

Official Charity Partners: according to official capacity and announcements (ET); Status: Check official capacity; Official charity partners can provide guaranteed entry. Each charity controls remaining places, fundraising minimums, payment responsibility, and application review.
International Tour Operators: according to official capacity and announcements (ET); Status: Check official capacity; Non-full-time US residents can buy guaranteed-entry packages from official international tour operators. Packages generally include New York lodging, flights, or both.

Cutoff / finish rules

NYRR's current Runner Guide and cutoff policy should be checked before race week; the bridges and route profile are harder than pure flat courses.
For an AbbottWMM star, rely on official results listing rather than watch distance alone.

Taiwan-runner notes

New York is the top city-experience Major, but lottery odds and lodging costs should be estimated conservatively.
The International applicant pool matters in the next drawing cycle. Do not treat NYRR 9+1 as the main path unless you already live in New York.
For 2026, check official charity and International Tour Operator options first, including current capacity and fundraising or package obligations.
2026 Expo pickup at Javits Center is October 29-30, 10:00-19:30 and October 31, 09:00-16:30 local time. Choose a pickup slot before October 31 at 16:00 EDT (November 1 at 04:00 Taiwan). Bring photo ID and confirmation; pickup is in person.
Start-transport selection is closed. In 2026, runners choose the transport mode and NYRR assigns the departure time by pace. Follow that mode and time; missed selections can only seek limited capacity at the Expo. Tour runners should check with their trip manager.
There is no start-to-finish bag transport. Runners who selected pre-check must drop bags October 30-31, 09:00-17:00 at Central Park West; do not assume you can arrange bag check at the start.
The announced professional field includes defending champions Benson Kipruto, Hellen Obiri, and Marcel Hug. The anniversary edition is likely to intensify race-week demand.

Chinese WMM race page

Cape Town Marathon

開普敦馬

Africa's first WMM Major combines Cape Town city, coastline, and Table Mountain scenery. The 2027 marathon uses two starts and finishes on Vlei Road.

Race dateMay 23, 2027 (Sunday)
Current statusThe 2027 general ballot closed June 24, 2026. International Tour Operator and international charity places opened June 26 on a first-come, first-served basis. Taiwan runners should confirm remaining capacity, guaranteed entry, fundraising, and package terms directly with the provider.

Key timing

International Travel Program: from June 26, 2026 (SAST); Status: Check official capacity; The official Taiwan list currently includes KNT Taiwan, Lertsiri, and Lion Travel. Confirm 2027 guaranteed entry, hotel or flight inclusions, payment terms, and cancellation rules directly.
International Charity Program: from June 26, 2026 (SAST); Status: Check official capacity; International charity places are open to applicants outside South Africa. Each charity controls availability, fundraising minimums, payment responsibility, and review.

Cutoff / finish rules

The official FAQ lists a 6.5-hour marathon cutoff. Non-elite runners are timed mat to mat using net time.
All 2027 entries are non-transferable. An eligible 2028 deferral window will be announced closer to race day; sponsored entries are excluded.
Headphones and earphones are not permitted. Hydration packs are allowed, and the marathon does not require a South African temporary or permanent license.

Taiwan-runner notes

Cape Town becomes the eighth Major in 2027 and Africa's first. The Six Star Medal still covers only the original six races; there is no Seven Star or Eight Star Medal.
Cape Town is six hours behind Taiwan. Allow substantial buffer for long-haul connections, baggage delays, and race-week adjustment.
The official Taiwan tour-operator list currently includes KNT Taiwan, Lertsiri, and Lion Travel. Confirm that a package really includes guaranteed entry before paying.
Taiwan's Bureau of Consular Affairs currently places South Africa and Cape Town at Level 3 orange and advises avoiding non-essential travel. Recheck the advisory and register your trip before deciding to travel.
Taiwan's consular guidance currently lists a South Africa visa process and advises at least six months of passport validity plus two blank pages. Confirm current rules before booking.
From July 1, 2026, South Africa requires an online SARS traveller customs declaration before arrival and departure, with limited paper exceptions. Keep the confirmation; this does not replace a visa.
At Cape Town airport, decline unsolicited rides. Use official ride-hailing or hotel transfer, verify the vehicle, and avoid walking alone with visible valuables.

Chinese WMM race page

Important Note

This page is for planning reference only. It does not replace official race pages, entry systems, runner guides, charity or tour-operator terms, visa or entry rules, insurance, medical advice, or legal advice. Entry capacity, deadlines, fees, fundraising obligations, tour-operator eligibility, qualifying standards, cutoffs, bib pickup rules, passport / visa / entry requirements, and travel risks can change; before entering, paying, booking, or traveling, verify the latest information with the race organizer, official entry system, and relevant government, airline, and insurance sources.