2015 six major grand slams horizontal comparison
Did you know? In 2015, 221,918 marathon participants completed at least one of the six major marathon events eagerly anticipated by 1.5 million users worldwide. Among them, there were 80,739 female runners and 141,397 male runners, with a ratio of 36% to 64%. More and more female runners are participating in marathons.
In the 2015 records of the six major marathons, Berlin ranked first, still renowned for its fastest course, holding both the men's and women's championship records. Both record-holding athletes hail from Kenya, a country famous for long-distance running, with times of 2:04:00 and 2:19:25, respectively. Even though the six major marathons are held in developed countries, this record-holding nation deserves praise.
Since the Tokyo Marathon was included as one of the six major marathons in 2013, up until 2015, there have been 567 certified runners on the Six Star Finisher website. Currently, only 10 Chinese runners have completed all six major marathons and have certified records. They are: Mao Daqing, Tian Tongsheng, Cheng Yang, Jia Xiaomeng, Jin Feibao, Li Zhanche, Wang Wenjin, Wu Zifu, Wang Xiaodong, and Yu Jia.
Six Major Marathons - Tokyo
The Tokyo Marathon attracted 304,825 applicants, with 35,310 participants and 34,049 finishers, achieving a completion rate of 96.4%. Among them, there were 26,831 male participants and 7,218 female participants, with a ratio of 8:2. The majority of finishers completed the race in 4-5 hours, totaling 10,840 participants.
The Tokyo Marathon is the only major marathon in Asia. Due to its unique services and comprehensive organizing team, along with its distinctive race experience, it was included as one of the six major marathons in 2013. The men's and women's course records are 2 hours 6 minutes and 2 hours 23 minutes 15 seconds, respectively.
Six Major Marathons - Boston
The Boston Marathon had 30,251 qualified participants, with 27,167 participants and 26,598 finishers, achieving a completion rate of 97.9%. Among them, there were 14,508 male participants and 12,090 female participants, with a ratio of 55% to 45%. The majority of participants were aged 18-39, totaling 11,193 participants.
The Boston Marathon is renowned for its stringent BQ (Boston Qualifying) standards and is considered the premier event among the major marathons. It is also famous for being the first city marathon in history.
The Boston Marathon had participants from 90 countries, with 21,759 local participants. Among the other participating countries, Canada had the most participants with 2,257, followed by the UK and Mexico, with 350 and 273 participants, respectively. Comparing the two Asian groups, China (Mainland) had 97 registrants with 96 finishers, while Japan had 243 registrants with 233 finishers. The men's and women's course records are 2 hours 9 minutes 17 seconds and 2 hours 24 minutes 55 seconds, respectively.
Six Major Marathons - London
The London Marathon had 43,749 participants, with 37,604 finishers, achieving a completion rate of 85.9%. There were 61 professional marathon runners participating. Among them, there were 23,226 male participants and 14,378 female participants, with a ratio of 6:4. The majority of participants were aged 18-39, totaling 20,669 participants.
The London Marathon had participants from 89 countries, with 33,630 local participants. Among the other participating countries, France had the most participants with 595, followed by the USA and Italy, with 462 and 365 participants, respectively. Comparing the two Asian groups, China (Mainland) had 27 registrants with 23 finishers, while Japan had 77 registrants with 73 finishers.
The London Marathon has the highest lottery entry rate among the major marathons, with a one-in-six chance of being selected. Nearly one-third of the runners participate for charity, earning London the nickname 'Charity Marathon.' Since its inception, it has raised nearly £600 million in charitable donations. It also offers the highest prize money among the major marathons. The men's and women's course records are 2 hours 4 minutes 42 seconds and 2 hours 23 minutes 22 seconds, respectively.
Six Major Marathons - Berlin
The Berlin Marathon had 47,492 participants, with 36,768 finishers, achieving a completion rate of 77.4%. There were 638 professional marathon runners, earning it the title of PB (Personal Best) City. Among them, there were 27,858 male participants and 8,910 female participants, with a ratio of 75% to 25%. The majority of participants were aged 45-50, totaling 8,560 participants.
The Berlin Marathon had participants from over 100 countries, with 21,306 local participants. Among the other participating countries, the UK had the most participants with 3,151, followed by France and the USA, with 1,739 and 1,575 participants, respectively. Comparing the two Asian groups, China (Mainland) had 703 registrants with 534 finishers, while Japan had 270 registrants with 230 finishers.
The Berlin Marathon is renowned for its flat course and ideal weather conditions, making it the premier PB event among the major marathons. It consistently holds the fastest course records among the six major marathons. The men's and women's course records are 2 hours 4 minutes and 2 hours 19 minutes 25 seconds, respectively.
Six Major Marathons - Chicago
The Chicago Marathon had 46,033 participants, with 37,438 finishers, achieving a completion rate of 81.3%. There were 291 participants under the age of 20 and 3 participants over the age of 80. Among them, there were 20,185 male participants and 17,253 female participants, with a ratio of 56% to 44%. The majority of participants were aged 30-34, totaling 6,346 participants.
The Chicago Marathon had participants from 135 countries, with 35,204 local participants. Among the other participating countries, Canada had the most participants with 1,316, followed by the UK and China, with 665 and 565 participants, respectively. Comparing the two Asian groups, China (Mainland) had 394 registrants with 314 finishers, while Japan had 431 registrants with 383 finishers.
The Chicago Marathon's course is a loop route, and it has established its reputation in the world of marathons through excellent event management and thoughtful care for ordinary runners. The men's and women's course records are 2 hours 9 minutes 25 seconds and 2 hours 23 minutes 33 seconds, respectively.
Six Major Marathons - New York
The New York Marathon had 49,461 finishers, with 141 participants under the age of 20 and 15 participants over the age of 80. There were 786 professional runners. Among them, there were 28,789 male participants and 20,672 female participants, with a ratio of 6:4. The majority of participants were aged 45-49, totaling 8,592 participants.
The New York Marathon had participants from over 130 countries, with 26,687 local participants. Among the other participating countries, France had the most participants with 2,827, followed by Germany and the UK, with 1,700 and 1,591 participants, respectively. Comparing the two Asian groups, China (Mainland) had 237 finishers, while Japan had 546 finishers.
The New York Marathon is the final major marathon of the year, akin to a grand annual marathon party. The race is rich in experiences, with an interesting course and a festive atmosphere, embodying the spirit of equality and freedom, allowing participants to fully experience the essence of a marathon. The men's and women's course records are 2 hours 10 minutes 34 seconds and 2 hours 24 minutes 25 seconds, respectively.
2016, we hope...
In 2015, the Tokyo Marathon gained popularity in international marathon events due to its exceptional services, making this 13-year-old major marathon a rising star. The Berlin Marathon, known for its record-breaking performances, showed friendliness towards China, providing Chinese runners with a significant international marathon experience, slightly alleviating the domestic running boom.
In 2015, the power of female runners began to rise, the younger generation started to take shape, and the passion for running among those over 80 years old remained strong, extending the spirit of the marathon.
The rapid expansion of running in China has led to reflection and summary of its shortcomings. However, it is certain that Chinese marathons will continue to strive towards the major marathons. Chinese runners, this mysterious force from the East, may still have more stories to write.
2016, we hope...
(Adapted from Sina Running, author Zichen, please notify for deletion if infringing)