Abbott World Marathon Majors contest to deliver one epic running adventure

In 2026, the Abbott World Marathon Majors will celebrate its 20th anniversary, and to mark the milestone, the series is launching a once-in-a-lifetime contest that will turn one runner into a marathon major VIP.

AbbottWMM has teamed up with Marathon Tours & Travel to give someone the chance to race all seven marathon majors. (They can spread them over a two-year period.)

The winner will receive guaranteed entry into each major, with flights and accommodations fully arranged by Marathon Tours & Travel, plus a US$10,000 travel budget to cover additional expenses.

The prize goes well beyond becoming a Six-Star Finisher. The winner will also have the opportunity to race the newest marathon major, the TCS Sydney Marathon, and potentially more, if Cape Town and Shanghai are added. This would put the winner in the position to become one of the first athletes to complete all nine stars. In addition to race entries, the contest winner will be invited to VIP experiences, including welcome receptions, pre-race dinners and other exclusive events.

AbbottWMM judges say they are searching for a “storytelling superstar” who can share their running journey across various social media platforms. Each entry will be judged by two established marathon runners and content creators, who will narrow the field down before conducting video interviews and picking a winner. The winner will be announced on Jan. 23, 2026.

Speed is not important in this contest. The judges stress that runners of all abilities are encouraged to apply, with the focus on their ability to bring each marathon experience to life. Their advice to all applicants is to “stand out and be memorable.”

Applications are open now through Jan. 9, 2026. Only one runner will be selected to take part in this VIP marathon adventure. Full details on eligibility and how to apply can be found on the AbbottWMM competition page.