4 of the famous World Marathon Majors of 2021 have recently been made available on iFIT. With your trainer, you can experience the unique atmosphere of the marathons that attract runners from all over the world. Why wait? Start the New York, London, Chicago or Boston Marathon now from the comfort of your home!

4 of the World Marathon Majors to try at least once in your life

Among the 6 “Majors”, those that have joined the exclusive club of the world’s greatest marathons, Chicago, London, New York and Boston are now available as iFIT series. Here is everything you need to know about these legendary courses:

• Bank of America Chicago Marathon®: In 2021 (as in every year since 1977), 450,000 runners will set off on the Chicago Marathon route, galvanised by the American national anthem. This fast, record-breaking course forms a loop that starts and ends in Grant Park. You’ll run through busy streets and have the unique chance of overlooking Lake Michigan with a breathtaking view of the city.
  • Next start: October 9, 2022
  • Bank of America Chicago Marathon® official website
• TCS London Marathon® (formerly Virgin Money London Marathon®): the London Marathon has been held since 1981 in the heart of London. It is televised in more than 150 countries and passes by many of the city’s most famous landmarks: Greenwich, the banks of the Thames, Canary Wharf, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, the City, Trafalgar Square, etc. Its unique atmosphere is appreciated and renowned for its low technical difficulty, making it an unforgettable experience! 
  • Next start: 2 October 2022
  • TCS London Marathon® official website
• TCS New York City Marathon®: A once-in-a-lifetime experience, if only for the crazy atmosphere, the New York City Marathon is surely the most popular in the world. Start at the sound of cannon fire and be cheered on by millions of spectators along the 5 km of First Avenue! A little more technical than London and Chicago, this course has a few bridges, some false flats and a fairly hilly section around Central Park. However, you will be amply rewarded for your efforts!
  • Next start: 6 November 2022
  • TCS New York City Marathon® official website
• Boston Marathon®: The oldest annual marathon in the world (it has been running since 1897) is also the most exclusive. To participate, you must have participated in at least one other certified race within the last 18 months with a designated qualifying time. Renowned for being quite challenging, with a series of four hills culminating in the aptly named Heartbreak Hill, the course overlooks the city for several miles. Access this coveted race with no strings attached whenever you’d like on iFIT!
  • Next start: 18 April 2022
  • Boston Marathon® official website

Which marathon series to choose first depending on your background

To find out which of the 4 iFIT series you should do first, here are some details of what to expect, bearing in mind that the first session is always the warm-up and the last the cool-down, and that you can do the marathon in one go, or session by session, depending on your level and preferences:

• Bank of America Chicago Marathon® 2021: Join Ashley Paulson in Chicago for a 6-part course with sessions averaging 47 minutes. The estimated intensity is 5: this course is ideal for a first-time runner.
• Virgin Money London Marathon® 2021: with your coach Casey Gilbert, take this course to the next level with an intensity of 6 but without a lot of elevation change. The marathon circuit is divided into 5 stages of 48 minutes on average (excluding warm-up and cool-down).
• Boston Marathon® 2021: With 6 shorter sessions (45 minutes on average) but with hills you’ll love to hate your treadmill for, follow Heather Jenson for this marathon with an intensity of 6.
• TCS New York City Marathon® 2021: Knox Robinson invites you to run in his hometown in a marathon with 4 longer stages (51 minutes on average). Go up a level with an intensity of 7 – you can do it!

Don’t wait any longer to live your dream: put on your trainers and go for it!

Whatever the season and whatever your level of fitness, experience the excitement of the world’s greatest marathons in your own way, without leaving your living room! Your iFIT coaches will share unique stories and encourage you every step of the way. The warm-ups and stretches they demonstrate will serve you well throughout your athletic journey. Put on your trainers and set off on the most exciting 42.195 km of your life!

When you’re ready to take the plunge and sign up for one of these iconic marathons, just read our tips on how to best prepare yourself. In the meantime, you’ll soon be able to say “I did it” and feel the unique emotions that inspire millions of runners around the world.

Check out our Fitness Equipment & Coaching page for more advice.