I have a minor vent about the World Majors. Please hear me out. I know it’s in the ts&cs and yes, I know it’s a world major thing. But to me, that doesn’t make it right. Shouldn’t bibs be transferrable?

I have an entry into the coveted Sydney Marathon 2025 in its inaugural year as a world major, but thanks to the annoying but necessary demands of a work conference on the other side of the country, and the regretful necessity of remaining employed, I can’t use it.  It also transpires that I can’t sell it, transfer it, or give it back.

Now please don’t come at me with the ‘it’s in the agreement’ thing because I know all of that. And I respect it. I’ve done one official world major (New York baby!) and one day I hope to do more. And I’m 100% in favour of firm rules that protect the integrity of these events, including enforcing anti cheating and protecting medical records! I’m thrilled that they have policies and rigorously enforce them. I’m just saying that this rule, such as it is, might not pass the sniff test.

A spot in a world major should be revered, should be treasured, should be celebrated. And mine certainly is. But since I can’t be there, it feels like a crushing waste that some other deserving runner can’t line up instead of me. I mean, these bibs are rarer than Taylor Swift tickets and here I am holding mine like a sad golden ticket, watching it turn to confetti.

So the team at World Majors HQ, can we please rethink this? I don’t even necessarily need my money back. I just think that it’s in everyone’s interests for there to be an official, fair and safe way for runners who can’t be there to give their spot to someone who can. Sure, there needs to be some strict oversight but that seems doable? You put your number back in the official system by a certain date, and the spot can be reallocated by lottery to someone who didn’t get in first time round.

I know change is difficult. But so is running 42.2 km. Runners are good at difficult. And in the spirit of mindfulness and an era where reducing and recycling is crucial, let’s take the same approach to the privilege of running in a World Major Marathon. Don’t let these places go to waste.

Is it time for a rethink? I’d love to know your thoughts.

From one disappointed but still very grateful runner,
Andrea aka The Slow Coach