Drone image of runners crossing Congress Avenue Bridge during the 2020 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon with the Austin skyline in the background. The design contains the Abbott World Marathon Majors logo and text that introduces the Austin Marathon as an official AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Rankings qualifier.

Austin Marathon Joins AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Rankings

2021 Austin Marathon participants can earn Age Group World Rankings points

The 30th annual Ascension Seton Austin Marathon has been selected as one of the qualifying marathons for the Abbott World Marathon Majors Wanda Age Group World Rankings. The qualifying period of the 3rd edition of the rankings begins Oct. 12, 2020. The Austin Marathon will take place in Austin, Texas, on Feb. 14, 2021.

Compete against runners from around the world

The spread of the AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group Qualifying Events creates a truly global series throughout the year. This gives runners across the world the chance to be part of a new era of age group marathon running. The 3rd edition features a 14-month cycle for participants to earn up to two qualifying times and a place at the AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Championships in 2022.

“The interest and excitement around the series continues to build, and as the second edition is in full swing, we are busy working to expand into new locations for the third year, said Tim Hadzima, Executive Director of Abbott World Marathon Majors said. “With the increase in world ranking races, we hope to give even more runners the chance to find a qualifying event within reach and realize their dream of trying to make it to the world championships. Thank you to all our partners and race organizers who help us develop the opportunities for age group runners across the globe.”

Image of a male runner with his arms raised in triumph crossing the 2020 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon finish line. Credit to Scott Flathouse.

Credit – Scott Flathouse

World ranking’s details and information

  • Qualifying period runs from Oct. 12, 2020 – Dec. 31, 2021
  • The World Championships will take place in the spring/summer of 2022
  • The venue and details will be announced by mid-2021
  • Participants in an AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Ranking qualifying race will earn points according to their:
    • age
    • time
    • gender
    • age groups (men and women): 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+
  • Due to the extended length of the 3rd edition of the world rankings to take us through to the end of 2021, some marathons will have their 2020 and their 2021 events included in the same qualifying period
  • Where a race is featured twice in the one ranking period, runners can score points in both editions and use them as their two point-scoring races
  • Visit the AbbottWMM website for more information on the scoring system and world rankings visit 

Completing the 30th annual Austin Marathon will be a huge accomplishment! Make it an even bigger feat when you compete against runners from around the world. Participate in the AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Rankings and let the training begin!