SYDNEY, 27 February 2026 – The global marathon landscape is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades. As the running world prepares for the 2026 World Marathon Majors season, the sport is grappling with unprecedented demand, the rise of new continental rivalries, and a relentless pursuit of the sub-two-hour barrier in official competition.
Sydney Joins the Elite: The Seventh Major
Following its successful debut as a World Marathon Major in late 2025, the Sydney Marathon is now preparing for its first March edition as a full member of the elite circuit. The inclusion of the Australian race marks the first time the Abbott World Marathon Majors (WMM) has expanded beyond its original six-city format (Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City).
The 2026 season officially kicks off in Tokyo this weekend. Reports from Japan indicate a fierce three-way contest in the men’s field between defending champion Tadese Takele, Alex Mutiso, and Milkesa Mengesha. Meanwhile, American veteran Sara Hall is confirmed for the Tokyo start line, highlighting the continued longevity of elite marathoners in the modern era.
The European Marathon Classics: A New Rivalry
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the athletics community, the “European Marathon Classics” officially launched this week. This new multi-city race series unites eight iconic European races—including Rome and Copenhagen—into a single competitive challenge. Notably, the London Marathon is reportedly involved in this new alliance, suggesting a potential shift in how major races are marketed and contested across the continent.
Current World Records and Physical Limits
As of February 2026, the quest for a “legal” sub-two-hour marathon remains the sport’s ultimate goal. While Eliud Kipchoge famously clocked 1:59:40 in a controlled exhibition in Vienna, the official world record remains above that mark. Experts are divided on whether 2026 will be the year the barrier finally falls in a sanctioned race.
| Category | Record Holder | Time | Location / Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men’s World Record (Official) | Current Record Holder | 2:00:35 | Sanctioned Event |
| Women’s World Record (Official) | Current Record Holder | 2:09:56 | Sanctioned Event |
| Fastest Distance (Exhibition) | Eliud Kipchoge | 1:59:40 | INEOS 1:59 Challenge (Vienna) |
| Standard Marathon Distance | N/A | 42.195 km (26.2 miles) | International Standard |
Training Trends: AI and Strength
Public interest in the marathon has reached a “boom” phase, fueled by social media run clubs and a post-Olympic surge in wellness participation. This has led to a shift in training methodologies:
- AI Coaching: Amateur runners are increasingly turning to AI platforms to shave time off their personal bests, using data-driven diaries to manage fatigue.
- Single-Leg Strength: Coaches are emphasising single-leg hops and targeted strength training as the “single best” way to prevent injury and improve running economy.
- Heat and Hydration: New insights into heat training suggest that replacing sweat with at least two bidons of fluid per hour is critical for performance gains without dehydration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the seven World Marathon Majors in 2026?
The seven majors are Tokyo, Sydney, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. Sydney officially joined the circuit as the seventh member in 2025.
What is the official marathon distance?
The standard marathon distance is 42.195 kilometres, or 26.2 miles. This distance was standardised following the 1908 London Olympics.
Has anyone run a sub-two-hour marathon?
Eliud Kipchoge is the only person to have run the distance in under two hours (1:59:40). However, this was achieved in a non-competitive exhibition with rotating pacers and a lead car, so it is not recognised as an official world record.
Why is it so hard to get into a Major marathon?
Due to the rise of run clubs and global interest in wellness, demand for entries far exceeds the capacity of the courses. Most Majors now use a lottery system or strict time-qualification standards to manage the volume of applicants.