A points-based competition founded on seven major marathon races recognised as the most high-profile on the calendar, the series comprises annual races for the cities of Tokyo, Boston, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago and New York.

In addition, the series recognises the results of the major global championship marathon held in that year.

[2] On April 26, 2017, Dalian Wanda Group Co., Ltd., one of the leading Chinese private conglomerates, announced a ten-year strategic partnership aimed at the continued growth and development of marathon events worldwide.

Beginning with Series X at the 2016 Boston Marathon, wheelchair competitions were added for men and women.

At the end of each of the first 10 WMM series the leading man and woman each won $500,000, making a total prize of one million U.S. dollars.

[4] Earlier in 2024, the Shanghai Marathon was announced as a major candidate and began the three year evaluation process.

To be eligible for the jackpot, an athlete had to compete in at least one qualifying race in each calendar year of the series.