26.TRUE Marathon & Half Marathon 2026

Our City. Our Way.

The 26.TRUE Marathon & Half Marathon are specifically designed to amplify and celebrate the culture and diversity that make up the City of Boston. The route takes runners right through the heart of the city so that they can feel the pulse. It highlights neighborhoods and uplifts communities that are often overlooked during the Boston marathon weekend. We invite you to join us as we come together in defiance of history’s divisions, to embrace old spaces in new ways, and to run a half and full marathon that is so much more than just a race.

Year 6: The iron anniversary. A time to reflect on strength and resilience. 26.TRUE has taken on new meaning each and every time we have come together to run it over the past 5 years. Last year we organized the first-ever full marathon that has been run entirely within Boston's city limits. This year we are leaning into that evolution as we host the only half marathon currently run entirely within Boston's city limits. We are excited to have you join us in April to keep pushing forward as we continue to run... Our City. Our Way.

THE ROUTE

We're running it back with the same route from last year. A 13.1 mile loop that will take runners through Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, Dorchester, and into Mattapan. One loop for the half marathon, two loops for the full. Runners start in Malcolm X Park and quickly enter Franklin Park, the city's largest green space, before exiting into Jamaica Plain. Runners will travel along the beautiful SW Corridor Park until Roxbury Crossing where they will pass the storied Reggie Lewis Track & Athletic Center and continue into historic Nubian Square. Warren St will connect the route to Blue Hill Avenue and a loop around Harambee Park will take runners right by Dorchester Center. The southern tip of the course takes a quick dip into Mattapan before returning to Franklin Park and back to the start/finish line.

26.TRUE Marathon is an unsanctioned route without road closures and although we will have course marshals, cheer zones, and hydration stations along the course, runners will be required to run at their own risk.

RUNNER REGISTRATION INCLUDES

• Entry to our Marathon or Half Marathon with a one-of-a-kind route through the heart of The City of Boston
• A training plan designed by local certified run coaches (Beginner and Intermediate levels) - COMING SOON!
• A 26.TRUE Souvenir Bib
• A 26.TRUE Custom Marathon/Half Marathon Finisher's Medal
• A 26.TRUE Custom Marathon/Half Marathon Finisher's Jacket
• A Swag Bag with Collectibles from our Sponsors
• One Meal Ticket
• One Drink Ticket

"This is the real Boston Boston Marathon." - Mayor Michelle Wu

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE!

Please reach out to us at [email protected]. We would love to explore ways that you can support the event!

If you don't already, be sure to follow PIONEERS Run Crew ( @pioneersrc ) & 26.TRUE ( @26.trueMarathon ) on Instagram!

FAQs

What's included in runner registration? Runner Registration includes: - Entry to our Marathon or Half Marathon with a one-of-a-kind route through the heart of The City of Boston - A training plan designed by local certified run coaches (Beginner and Intermediate levels) - COMING SOON! - A 26.TRUE Souvenir Bib - A 26.TRUE Custom Marathon/Half Marathon Finisher's Medal - A 26.TRUE Custom Marathon/Half Marathon Finisher's Jacket - A Swag Bag with Collectibles from our Sponsors - One Meal Ticket - One Drink Ticket

What does volunteer registration include? Volunteer Registration includes: - A 26.TRUE Custom Volunteer Shirt - One Meal Ticket - One Drink Ticket - Snacks and Refreshments Throughout the Event

When can I register to volunteer? Thank you for your interest - this event wouldn't be possible without the dedication of our amazing team of volunteers! Volunteer registration will open in 2026. Check back here and be on the lookout for volunteer registration to go live in the beginning of January!

Is there a cutoff time for runners? What if I don't finish? Nope! There is no cut off time for The 26.TRUE Marathon & Half Marathon, however, out of respect for our organizers and volunteers, we do require all runners to remain on the course at all times throughout the event - no detours or mid-run shopping trips, please! As part of the registration process we will ask you for your projected finishing time to help us distribute runners for our wave starts, ensure that you are fully supported along the entire course, and allow us to plan our volunteer needs accordingly. If during the race, at any time, you need to drop out of the run, please inform a volunteer, course marshal, or bike support and still join us at the post-run Block Party!

Will there be early bib pick up? TBD. Details will be updated as they emerge!

What's a Cheer Zone? You may be more familiar with running events calling these something like "water stations" but ours bring a little more heat. Cheer Zones are a one-stop shop for runners to get fueled up, get fired up, and get all the support they need to keep going strong! Each of our 10 Cheer Zones (stationed every 2-3 miles along the course) are hosted by different local crews and organizations from the community. They're loud and energetic, full of life and vibes, flowing straight from the crowds into those running. Water, electrolytes, music, fuel, snacks, dancing, biofreeze, salt tabs, first aid kits, hugs, high-fives, and a whole lot of smiles, really whatever you need - WE GOT YOU!!

What's the parking/public transportation access to the event like? The registration, start line ,and finish line will be on the corner of Washington St. and Dale St. in Roxbury, MA alongside of Malcolm X Park. There is plenty of neighborhood street parking available (no resident permits are required) and free parking in the upper parking lot on Washington St. The start line is also a 13 minute walk from the MBTA Orange Line Jackson Square station and accessible by the 42 and 44 buses. There are also plenty of bike racks and rentable Bluebike docks at the park.

What does "unsanctioned" mean? The 26.TRUE Marathon & Half Marathon isn't your average Boston marathon experience because it is unsanctioned, meaning that there will not be road closures along the course and runners will run at their own risk on the sidewalks, stop at stoplights, and yield to car traffic. The 26.TRUE Marathon & Half Marathon is not designed to be a fast, competitive, elite "race", but instead is a more inclusive and accessible running tour of the City of Boston. Check out our safety tips in the next FAQ.

How can I stay safe on the course? Please display your bib so that it is securely attached and visible at all times. Be aware of your surroundings. If listening to music during the run, please leave one earbud out of your ear to ensure you can hear and notice any activity. Follow pedestrian and traffic rules at all times and stay on sidewalks. The roads will NOT be blocked off for runners. Be careful of potholes and other obstructions on the course at the start, finish, and throughout the route. Be considerate of community members utilizing the same sidewalks, paths, and roads as you. Absolutely no littering, please! Be respectful of the city streets by throwing away any trash in trash bins along the course or at the cheer zones. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms on race day, you should not participate in the race, and instead should stay home and call your healthcare provider: Fever (subjective or 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, or otherwise feeling unwell.

How do I avoid getting lost on the course? We highly recommend that all runners familiarize yourselves with the course ahead of time and downloading the Strava route to your phone or watch. We will have course marshal volunteers stationed at all major turns and intersections as well as bike support riders to bike alongside runners to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and confident along the course. Due to feedback from previous years, we have also increased the mile markers and display arrows on the course at all major turns and intersections.

Will there be bathrooms on the course? There will be portable toilets available at the start line and post-run block party and this year we are working to ensure that there are adequate, clear, and accessible bathrooms every 3-4 miles along the course.

What if I have a medical emergency or injury on the course? If you are experiencing a medical emergency during the course, stop and dial 911. If you are unable to complete the course at any point and need to drop out of the run, please notify a volunteer or race director. All cheer zones (including the start/finish line) and bike support volunteers will carry a first aid kit packed with band aids, gauze, Bio Freeze, salt tabs, ice packs, and Vaseline, available to aid minor injuries at any time. If needed, in the event of a medical emergency, we will contact your emergency contact person.

What's the Post-Run Block Party about? After you put in the hard work, this where the celebratory magic happens! Food, drinks, DJs, photo ops, recovery stations, immaculate vibes, and everything else you need to feel good and supported after your run. Definitely stick around for this and bring your friends, families, neighbors, co-workers, exes, WHOEVER! It's a party!

I lost something at the event! Is there a Lost & Found? Yes! All lost items will be delivered to the PIONEERS Information Tent at the post-run block party. After the event, please email us at [email protected] about any missing items and we will do our best to return them to you. All unclaimed items will be donated or discarded after 30 days.

I registered but I am no longer able to run. Now what? Unfortunately, due to the capacity of our small, volunteer-led organizing team, we a re not able to accept deferrals or registration transfers for runners who register but are unable to run. Registration fees are also non-refundable. If you are unable to run this year, we hope you will join us again next year!