If your 2027 running calendar relies on hope, luck, and lottery drawings, it is time to wake up and check the calendar.
We are officially in the thick of the autumn World Marathon Majors cycle. While thousands of runners are recovering from Chicago and tapering for New York City, the registration windows for the 2027 race season are quietly opening, and some are closing much faster than you think.
If you want a chance to line up in Sydney, Chicago, or Berlin in 2027, here are the critical ballot deadlines you need to act on right now.
1. TCS Sydney Marathon (August 29, 2027)
- Status: OPEN (CLOSING VERY SOON!)
- Ballot Window: Closes October 19, 2026, at 10:00 AM AEDT (Sunday, October 18 at 7:00 PM ET).
- Drawing Results: November 3, 2026.
- Why it matters: As the newest official member of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, interest in Sydney has exploded. Over 123,000 runners applied for last year’s event. Applying is free, and your card is only billed if drawn.
⏰ Urgent Takeaway: You have less than a week. Do not wait until the final weekend to put your name in the hat.
2. Bank of America Chicago Marathon (October 10, 2027)
- Status: NOW OPEN
- Ballot Window: Opened October 8 and closes Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 2:00 PM CT.
- Drawing Results: Tuesday, December 8, 2026.
- Why it matters: Whether you are applying through the non-guaranteed drawing, submitting time-qualifier proofs (under 2:25 for men, 2:45 for women), or verifying your Chicago Distance Series completion, all standard applications share this late-October deadline.
💡 Pro Tip: Entering early does not boost your odds, but waiting until 1:55 PM CT on October 29 with crashed servers definitely lowers your peace of mind.
3. Generali Berlin Marathon (September 26, 2027)
- Status: NOW OPEN
- Ballot Window: Opened October 1 and closes Thursday, November 12, 2026.
- Drawing Results: Thursday, December 3, 2026.
- Why it matters: In addition to the long lottery window, 2027 marks a major new chapter for the race with Generali taking over as title sponsor. The lottery is free to enter, with the €215 entry fee charged only upon selection in December.
What About Tokyo, London & Boston?
- TCS London Marathon (2027): The general public ballot closed back in May. Your remaining options for 2027 are official charity spots or international tour packages.
- Tokyo Marathon (2027): The general lottery window closed in late August.
- Bank of America Boston Marathon (2027): Standard qualification for Boston traditionally takes place in September 2027 for the following spring.
The Bottom Line
Marathon training takes months, but marathon planning takes a full year. Set a reminder on your phone today, verify your login details, and submit your applications for Sydney, Chicago, and Berlin before the ballot doors slam shut!
