Project Purple has recently become an official charity partner of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, making us one of the few charities with official teams at all eight of the world’s biggest marathons. With this new milestone, we have come an incredibly long way from our first small running team in 2010. Read on to learn more about the 8 biggest marathons in the world, how you can run them for pancreatic cancer research & patient aid, and how our run teams became what they are today.
What are the Eight Biggest Marathons In The World?
Though we have teams in a wide array of marathons and the option to participate in any race through our Pioneer Program, there are many runners who gravitate towards the Abbot World Marathon Majors. Whether you are pursuing your stars or the thrilling atmosphere, Project Purple can help you accomplish your physical goals, all while raising funds for pancreatic cancer research and patient financial aid.
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon
This marathon has officially been added as the eighth Major in the Abbot World Marathon Majors as of June 10, 2026. The series, now officially expanding to Africa, completed its second evaluation of Major candidacy in May 2026 after a successful weekend of racing.
This flat course has a breathtaking view of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean while also passing by the Madiba Statue at City Hall and through the streets of Woodstock.
This new addition will make history as the first Major in Africa on May 23, 2027. If you are interested in applying for the Project Purple Cape Town Run Team, click here for more information!
The TCS New York City Marathon
This marathon is the second-largest road race in the world, with 59,226 finishers in 2025, according to Marathon Handbook. Project Purple is always excited to come back each year with a strong team of runners. Not only do runners get to appreciate the vibrant culture of each borough, but they get to do so in the company of both novice and avid runners and everyone in between!
This is one of our biggest events of the year at Project Purple, and we make it a party with rowdy cheer zones, friendly meet and greets, and a celebratory after-party. If you are interested in applying for the Project Purple New York City Marathon Team, click here for more information!
The TCS London Marathon
This race is the largest marathon in the world and also one of the hardest to get into. According to the Marathon Handbook, the London Marathon recorded 59,830 finishers in 2026, the most to ever finish in a single marathon. Whether this is for fun, for charity, or to beat a Guinness World Record, many runners participate in wearing costumes during the race. Sometimes, even coordinating their costumes with the charity they’re running for. If you are interested in applying for the Project Purple London Marathon Run Team, click here for more information!
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon
This race is great for those trying to break their personal records, as it is known for having one of the fastest courses in the world. The course is a simple loop, starting and ending at Grant Park in Chicago’s business district. The course is very flat, making it easier to traverse than some others on this list. This marathon has a long history of hosting the fastest runners in the world, and is the site of three men’s and three women’s world records. Project Purple loves coming to the Windy City every year and enjoying this beautiful and super runner-friendly course. If you are interested in signing up for the Project Purple Chicago Run Team, click here for more information!
The Boston Marathon
This marathon is not only one of the largest in the world, but it is also one of the oldest. Athletes have been running this course since 1897! Since 1924, the race has started in Hopkinton and runs through Ashland, Framingham, Natick, and Wellesley before finishing on the historic Boylston Street in Boston. A difficult course with a rich history, this is one of the most iconic races in the world. If you are interested in being a part of history, apply for the Project Purple Boston Run Team! Click here for more information!
The BMW Berlin Marathon
This marathon has arguably the best view. If you want to run past historic landmarks and gorgeous landscapes, this is the race for you. Located in the heart of Germany, the Berlin Marathon combines a flat, fast course with a vibrant atmosphere, making it one of the best running experiences on this list. The course used to take place in Grunewald forest until 1981, when it was moved into the city center of West Berlin. If you are interested in applying for the Project Purple Berlin Run Team, click here for more information!
The Tokyo Marathon
In 2020, this marathon served as the Japanese Olympic trial for the 2020 Olympic Games, increasing attention from both Japan and abroad. Located in the heart of Japan’s capital, this marathon is the only Abbott World Major in East Asia, according to the Marathon Handbook. Since 2016, the event has renewed its official logo, portraying the runners and volunteers cheering, signifying their race theme of “The Day We Unite”. In 2017, the course was updated and now finishes at the Tokyo Station Front area. If you are interested in applying for the Project Purple Tokyo Run Team, click here for more information!
The TCS Sydney Marathon
This marathon was added to the Abbot World Marathon Majors in November 2024, making it the seventh marathon in the series, with its first official race as a Major being in August of 2025. This marathon is the first to take place in the Southern Hemisphere and is a point-to-point course, starting at the Sydney Harbour Bridge and finishing at the Sydney Opera House. If you are interested in applying for the Project Purple Sydney Run Team, click here for more information!
For more information about our marathon schedule, please click here!
From Pain Comes Purpose: How The Loss Of A Father Led To The Creation Of One Of The World’s Premier Charity Run Teams
Dino Verrelli, founder and CEO of Project Purple, lost his father to pancreatic cancer in 2010. During the two-year period of his father’s diagnosis, Verrelli acted not just as a son but as a caregiver for his father. After Giovanni’s passing, Dino made a promise to his father, vowing to persevere in the fight against pancreatic cancer. This promise has given the organization its driving message of hope and a shared commitment to honoring those who have faced this disease to make a lasting impact in the fight against pancreatic cancer.
Verrelli’s father not only sparked the idea for the organization; he also inspired Project Purple’s focus on fitness. Dino found that running became a major coping mechanism for him as he struggled with his father’s diagnosis. The sport not only gave comfort to the grieving son but also provided a community of athletes who supported him throughout his journey. This personal connection to both pancreatic cancer and the interpersonal benefits of fitness provided the foundation for the organization and all of its events.
Now, Project Purple is honored to state that we are one of a few charities to have run teams in all eight of the largest marathons in the world. Through your support and perseverance, Project Purple has been able to continue its mission through running, giving people a positive outlet for their emotions.
To get involved with our run teams and other events, please click here.
If you do not feel able to run, but still want to help our community, please click here for other ways to give. We will see everybody at the course for our upcoming races.
