Image of a marathon race with runners moving forward. The background features a cityscape with tall buildings and banners overhead. Text at the top reads "HOW TO QUALIFY FOR THE ABBOTTWMM AGE GROUP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS." The Abbott World Marathon Majors logo is present. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

Chasing Global Glory: How to Qualify for the AbbottWMM Age Group World Championships

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HOW IT WORKS

The AbbottWMM Marathon Tours & Travel (MTT) Age Group World Rankings comprise over 375 qualifying races in over 90 different countries in which athletes in nine separate age groups can compete in marathons across the world to earn a global ranking.

Athletes will be ranked according to their single fastest time in a qualifying event.  This new system started in 2023 with great success.

Achieve the qualifying time for your Age Group and you’ll be in the first round of invites to secure your place for the 2026 AbbottWMM MTT Age Group World Championships.

Runners who do not achieve the qualifying time can still receive an invitation to enter the World Championship depending on the full field size and the number of athletes achieving the qualifying time.

In order to receive an invitation, runners must be registered at AbbottWMM.com.

The date, location and field size for the 2026 AbbottWMM MTT Age Group World Championships will be announced in due time.

Qualifying Times (*subject to change)

Age Group Male Female
40-44 02:35 03:05
45-49 02:42 03:13
50-54 02:48 03:21
55-59 02:57 03:34
60-64 03:10 03:49
65-69 03:26 04:12
70-74 03:40 04:35
75-79 04:06 05:15
80+ 04:40 05:30

As an FYI, qualifiers from the sixth edition of the rankings, which closes December 2024, will compete in the 2025 Championship, as part of the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon. The invite process for this event will happen in early 2025.

The rankings cover age groups from 40 to 80+ for men and women as follows:

  • 40-44
  • 45-49
  • 50-54
  • 55-59
  • 60-64
  • 65-69
  • 70-74
  • 75-79
  • 80+

 

RANKING FAQs

How can I qualify for the 2026 championships?

There are three ways to qualify for the championships. Full details here
1. Achieve the qualifying time for your Age Group and you’ll be in the first round of invites to secure your place (see above for listed times).
2. Other highly ranked athletes without achieving the qualifying time may also receive an invitation (depending on the full field size and the number of athletes achieving the qualifying time).
3. The bi-annual AbbottWMM Global Marathon, held within the Global Run Club, has 200 places available for the fastest verified finishers. Visit the Global Run Club for full details.

 

Where and when are the 2026 Age Group World Championships?

The date, field size and location will be announced in due course.

 

What time do I have to run to qualify?

Your qualifying time is based on your age on race day of the qualifying event which you are taking part in. See above for the full list of qualifying times.

 

What happens if I change age group during the qualifying season?

You will only change age group if you have a time in one age group and then complete a race in your new age group. In this case, you will automatically move into the new age group and the time achieved in your new age group will be the time used for your ranking position. Note: we can restore your original age group’s result on request to results@wmmajors.com

 

What if I change age group after I have earned qualification?

Your age on World Championship race day will determine the age group you compete in.

 

What are the qualifying times?

Please see the table further up this page.

 

How can I get an invite if I don’t run the qualifying time?

Athletes in the rankings who have not achieved the qualifying time may receive an invitation based on the number of athletes who meet the qualifying times and do not take up their place. The number of athletes who receive invitations through this pathway will be determined during the rankings season.

Why are there no ranking points anymore?

We have changed the system to be based on time in order to reward the fastest athletes with standard championship qualification.

 

Is there a category in the rankings for non-binary athletes?

Currently there are not enough races which have non-binary categories with sufficient numbers to create meaningful competition and accordingly the AbbottWMM MTT Age Group World Rankings and Championships are unable to offer a non-binary option for qualification. This will be kept under annual review.

 

CHAMPIONSHIPS

The 2024 AbbottWMM MTT Age Group World Championships will take place within the 2024 TCS Sydney Marathon on September 15. Qualifying is now complete and eligible athletes have been contacted.

‍‍The 2024 rankings will contribute towards the 2025 Age Group World Championships, to be held within the TCS New York City Marathon.

Full results for past championships can be found here.