Following the successful inaugural AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Championships in London earlier this month, organizers announced today that the 2022 edition will return to the British capital as part of the TCS London Marathon on October 2, 2022.
Qualifying for the 2022 World Championships began on January 1, 2021 and runs until December 31, 2021. There are three pathways for runners to earn their place in London next year:
1. In-person events
The global growth of the series continues with more than 160 races remaining in this qualifying series, covering 80 countries and spanning six continents. Runners can earn ranking points on a maximum of two qualifying events.
Search the full list of qualifying events here.
2. Virtual qualifying events
Some marathons that are part of the third edition of the qualifying series have had to pivot to a virtual event for 2021. Races that provide Abbott World Marathon Majors with full results will give their top age group performers the chance to earn world ranking points in a newly created virtual rankings platform that sit alongside the other avenues to the World Championships. A proportion of the Championship places will be allocated to this pathway to entry. More details on this will be made available in due course.
3. The AbbottWMM Global Marathon
The Abbott World Marathon Majors Global Marathon on May 1 and 2, 2021 offered 100 places for the 2022 World Championships. The second Global Marathon on November 13 and 14, 2021 will also offer 100 places for the 2022 World Championships. Sign up now.
Tim Hadzima, Executive Director for the Abbott World Marathon Majors said: “It was wonderful to see all our age group runners putting down some incredible performances in our inaugural event in London last week.
“It is great that we will be returning to London for the World Championships next year and with just less than three months to qualify, I am sure lots of runners will be keeping a close eye on the rankings hoping they will be in contention for the top spots. Good luck to everyone pushing for a World Championship place.”
Hugh Brasher, Event Director of the TCS London Marathon, said: “This year’s London Marathon was a truly special day and it was wonderful to welcome age group runners from all over the world to London. We are delighted to be hosting the Abbott World Marathon Majors Wanda Age Group World Championships again next October and celebrating the achievements of these inspiring runners.”
Runners who qualify for a 2022 AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Championship place will be notified early 2022 once the Age Group World Rankings have closed and results have been verified.