Running the World: More Than 26.2 Miles
by Maria Bendeck
At mile 20, everything changes.
Your legs feel heavier than you thought possible. Your breathing tightens. Doubt creeps in, asking a simple but relentless question: Can you really finish this? The crowd noise fades, the excitement of the start is long gone, and what remains is a quiet, personal battle between your body and your will.
This is what it takes to run 26.2 miles.
It begins with belief, the decision to attempt something that once felt impossible. Training requires early mornings, discipline, and persistence through fatigue, but along the way, something deeper shifts. Marathon training reshapes not only your body, but your sense of self.
A marathon strips away excuses and forces you to confront discomfort and doubt. Whether chasing a Boston qualifying time or aiming simply to finish, every runner relies on resilience and the belief that the next mile is possible.
Crossing the finish line is transformative. The medal represents more than a race, it reflects every sacrifice, every difficult run, and every moment you chose to continue. For many, that first finish line becomes the start of something bigger.
The Abbott World Marathon Majors turn running into a global journey, offering the chance to race through iconic cities while experiencing their cultures and histories in a uniquely personal way.
The original six, Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City, each offer distinct experiences. Tokyo showcases precision and hospitality, while Boston carries unmatched history and prestige. London blends tradition with global energy, Berlin combines speed with powerful symbolism, Chicago offers vibrant neighborhoods and welcoming crowds, and New York City delivers an unforgettable tour of all five boroughs, culminating in Central Park.
The series continues to expand. Sydney has joined as the seventh Major, bringing runners to Australia’s iconic harbor city. Cape Town, set to debut in 2027, will mark the first Major in Africa, adding new cultural depth, while Shanghai’s candidacy signals further global growth.
This expansion reflects more than a growing list of races, it highlights the unifying power of the marathon, connecting runners across cultures through a shared challenge.
Yet the most meaningful part of running the world is not the medals or landmarks, but the people. Marathoners, regardless of background, share the same fears, struggles, and triumphs, forming connections that transcend language and place.
Running the World Marathon Majors is not simply about crossing finish lines across continents, it is about becoming someone who once felt out of reach. With every mile, every city, and every shared moment, you carry forward proof that limits can be redefined, that courage can be learned, and that the journey has the power to change not just where you go, but who you become.
About the Author
Dr. Maria Bendeck is a board-certified internal medicine physician, writer, and avid marathoner. A four-time Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star Finisher, she has completed every one of the World Majors — more than once — including Sydney, the newest addition to the series. When she's not running or practicing medicine, Maria writes about running, travel, and community, with her work featured in the USA Today Network. Follow her journey on Instagram at @running_with_the_butterflies.
