Abbott World Marathon Major—London (4th of 6)
Since 2006, Abbott Corporation has sponsored a marathon series competition named World Marathon Majors. There are 6 marathons worldwide that have passed the requirements specified by Abbott to become a World Marathon Major. These marathons are (in alphabetical order): Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, New York City, and Tokyo.
Elite athletes compete by running several of the six marathons within a year, and earning points toward the World Marathon Major competition based on individual marathon finishing results.
Amateur runners can also strive to complete the World Marathon Majors within a lifetime, as a significant marathon running accomplishment. Runners can track their progress toward this goal on the Abbott World Marathon Majors site by claiming major marathon results on-line. Upon completion of the sixth of six world major marathons, finishers get a very nice Six Star medal and certificate, and are officially added to the Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star Finishers listing. Currently there are just over 6,000 runners worldwide who have completed all six world marathon majors.
Below are some highlights and facts about the London Marathon.
Race Name: London Marathon
Race Date (general): Late April
Race Info Site: Virgin Money London Marathon
Number of Race Participants: approximately 35,000
Race Distance: 26.2 miles, just over 42 kilometers
General Race Course Description: point-to-point course through center of London, much of the course along the River Thames, crossing Tower Bridge, and finishing right by Buckingham Palace
Race Entry Options: Lottery or charity only or tour group only, for people outside the United Kingdom. The lottery entry is challenging, with slim odds, with only about 5-7% of lottery entrants being selected to run in the marathon.
Items of interest: The London Marathon is a favorite, “bucket list” race for marathoners worldwide. The race in its current format and course began1981. The course is fairly flat, and runners on the course run by some very beautiful, historic, old attractions, including St. James Park, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Westminster Cathedral, across the Tower Bridge, finishing near Buckingham Palace. The relatively flat course has resulted in fast times including past world records for elite women and men athletes.
The London Marathon has been a leader in raising money via the race for several worthy causes throughout the United Kingdom.
Happy Running!