Curious about which of the Abbott World Marathon Majors is the perfect fit for you? Each of the seven elite races across the globe has a unique vibe and attracts runners with distinct personalities. Whether you’re all about speed, community or adventure, there’s a marathon out there that matches your style. Take our personality quiz to discover what marathon major suits you best and uncover what it reveals about your running personality.
1. Favourite pre-race dinner
A: Carb-loading, of course
B: A frozen meal
C: A well-rounded meal with all four food groups
D: Something warm and homemade
E: Trying out a new, foreign restaurant
F: A yummy-looking recipe I found online
G: Same thing, every time
2. I typically run in:
A: Super shoes
B: Old, worn-out shoes–I haven’t had time to buy new ones
C: The trendiest, most high-tech shoe
D: The comfiest shoes I own
E: Brand new shoes
F: The first shoes I can find
G: Max stack shoes–I want all of that cushioning!
3. Favourite weather for running
A: Doesn’t matter–I’ll be on the treadmill
B: I’ll take what I can get–I never check the forecast beforehand
C: Hoping for sunshine, but I can’t be picky
D: Rainy days are the best!
E: Crazy weather–it makes for a good adventure
F: Hopefully warm weather–I only packed shorts and a T-shirt
G: Rain, shine, snow, hail–nothing will stop me
4. What a typical run might look like:
A: Running alone–everyone else is too slow
B: Squeezing it in wherever I can in my hectic schedule
C: A workout with my running team
D: Popping in some pump-up music
E: Taking in the scenery
F: Getting it done whenever, wherever!
G: Bright and early, every day
5. How would you describe yourself?
A: Perfectionist
B: City-goer
C: Ambitious
D: Sports fanatic
E: Globetrotter
F: Easygoing
G: Go-getter
6. Post-race activities
A: Physio appointment on race day, 3 p.m.
B: Catching up on work, took too much time off for this already
C: Celebrating with teammates
D: Sleeping
E: Sightseeing
F: Wherever the night takes me
G: Right back to training–only 364 days to next year’s race
Mostly A’s: Berlin Marathon
If you’ve answered with mostly A’s, you’re a perfect match for September’s Berlin Marathon–the fastest major marathon course on Earth. You’re competitive, love showing off your speed and “taking it easy” isn’t in your vocabulary. You probably even wear your super shoes on a daily basis. You constantly seek success in each run and workout, trying every possible hack to make race day go to plan. Keep at it–but remember, it’s OK to take it easy every one in a while.
Mostly B’s: New York City Marathon
So, you’ve waited until the last possible moment for your annual marathon, and now here you are, stuck with what’s known as the toughest major marathon. But this is no big deal for you–you’re a hard worker with a busy day-to-day schedule, constantly jumping from one task to another. The excitement and chaos of November’s New York City Marathon will fuel your drive. It’s the biggest marathon in the world, and with thousands of runners surrounding you, you’ll thrive on the energy of the race.
Mostly C’s: Boston Marathon
So, you seem to be a good match for the prestigious Boston Marathon. You’re an enthusiastic yet very serious runner, with big goals and high standards. For you, running is both about being competitive and social–you thrive on pushing your limits and love training with your team to make the tough workouts fun. You’ve got what it takes to earn a coveted spot in the April race, and we’ll definitely see you celebrating that milestone at the legendary afterparty.
Mostly D’s: Chicago Marathon
Few enjoy a rainy-day run, but for you, it’s cosy and relaxing. You adore autumn and a good nap, and you’re a major sports fan. Your ideal Sunday consists of a morning long run followed by an afternoon cozied up on the couch, watching sports. October’s Chicago Marathon is your perfect vibe; you’ll be wrapped up into the passionate sports culture rooted in the city and the fans cheering you on.
Mostly E’s: London Marathon
Your bright and curious personality will fit right in with the atmosphere at April’s London Marathon. You’re always looking for a new adventure, and with London’s course passing by the city’s most iconic landmarks, you basically get a tour and a marathon all in one. While others may frown upon your bold choices ahead of race day, if it works for you, stick to what you know.
Mostly F’s: Sydney Marathon
Like the Aussies, you’re carefree, spontaneous and fun. You’re always bound to intimidate the competition with your calm, cool, collected attitude on the startline, and your ability to gracefully handle any snag in your race-day plans is admirable. Your unperturbed approach to life will help you fit right in at August’s Sydney Marathon–bound to be its most exciting yet, as its first year as a marathon major.
Mostly G’s: Tokyo Marathon
There’s no denying it: you’re a runner on a mission. What started as a hobby quickly transformed into a serious commitment, and now you can’t imagine your life without your meticulously-planned training plan. You’re all about taking initiative and starting the year off strong, and that’s why you and the Tokyo Marathon–the first marathon major of the year–make an unrivalled pair.
