You Can Now Use Marriott Bonvoy Points to Secure Exclusive Spots in All 6 Abbott World Marathon Majors — Here’s How

Like many casually active individuals, I had often wondered what it would be like to run a marathon, yet I never took any serious steps to find out. Then, I received a call from Westin.

More specifically, a representative from Westin Hotels & Resorts emailed me about the WestinWorkout Gear Lending program, which provides fitness recovery and training tools for guests, along with the brand's collaboration with Abbott World Marathon Majors. They planned to offer everything from a recovery concierge with tips and kits to poster-designing stations for supporters and curated itineraries to enhance the runner's experience. They invited me to participate in the London Marathon and experience it all. Without fully understanding what I was agreeing to, I accepted.

Over the next four months, I embarked on a transformative journey of learning and training both at home and overseas that significantly supported my recovery from thyroid cancer, leaving a profound impact on my life. Thanks to Westin, I was paired with a coach, Chris Heuisler, who is not only the global run concierge for Westin Hotels & Resorts but also incredibly patient and knowledgeable. He devised a training schedule, and soon my family and friends were flying in from abroad to cheer me on as I laced up my oversized Sauconys. Completing the 2024 London Marathon was an unexpected gift I will cherish forever.

I believe some elite runners may feel slighted when regular folks like us get a chance to participate in an esteemed Abbott World Marathon Major, and I get it. They have dedicated years of rigorous training to earn a coveted spot, which isn’t easy. However, I argue there's a place for everyone (after all, we probably won't even be in the same breath as those at the front), and it’s often the everyday runners—the ones who have yet to experience the motivation and fulfillment these races can provide—who benefit the most. I’m also proud to share that I raised nearly $8,000 for charity along the way. I truly believe everyone deserves the chance to experience a runner's high, provided they’re willing to pursue it. That's why I was thrilled to hear about Marriott's latest initiative.

For the first time, Marriott Bonvoy members can now use points to bid for running bibs in all six of the Abbott World Marathon Majors. That’s a grueling 26.2 miles across Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, or New York City. I’ve been traveling much longer than I’ve been running, and I can confidently say there’s no better way to explore a city. After feeling the crowd's energy propel me across Tower Bridge and the mix of pain and pride as I approached the finish line by Buckingham Palace, I doubt I’ll ever view London the same way again. (Yes, I’ve joined the ranks of enthusiastic runners, and you could too!)

Tokyo kicks off on March 2, 2025, with bidding currently open until October 15. The remaining races will follow suit. As someone who usually spends her Marriott Bonvoy points on box seats at Crypto.com Arena, sipping Champagne while watching others compete, this feels like a far more meaningful use of my rewards.

For the top bidders, the package includes a marathon race bib, a two-night stay at The Westin Tokyo, VIP access to the marathon finishers' tent and Westin's Marathon Recovery Zone, plus the chance to use Hyperice Gear Lending Kits. And two highlights I love: a pre-race carb-loading dinner and a post-race spa treatment to soothe sore muscles.

Eager to prepare for Tokyo? You can begin bidding now through the Marriott Bonvoy Moments platform.