(All images by George Grullon/@gnp_photos)
26.TRUE is an unsanctioned marathon (26.2 miles) specifically designed to amplify and celebrate the culture and diversity of the neighborhoods that make up the City of Boston. 26.TRUE is a tour of Boston - the real Boston - that highlights neighborhoods throughout the city and celebrates communities that are often overlooked during the Boston marathon weekend. We come together in defiance of history’s divisions to embrace old spaces in new ways and to run a marathon that is more than just a race.
Year 5
2025 marks the 5th annual running of The 26.TRUE Marathon.
5 years of joy. 5 years of community. 5 years of Boston.
We run the city that we love and want to share it with you.
Runners and volunteers of all ages, backgrounds, races, and paces - join us to participate in our one-of-a-kind marathon created to redefine what running in Boston can look and feel like.
Our City. Our Way.
Rep Yo Self!
This year we are partnering up with Pens & Paces again to give you the opportunity to customize your very own bib topper. This will let folks along the course know to show you love! Whether it's your first 26.2-miler or your millionth, who doesn't love getting some hype on a long run?!?! Click the links below to order.
First Marathon | 26.TRUE Name kit
CLICK HERE FOR STRAVA ROUTE MAP
THE NEW ROUTE
This year we're running in the heart of the city. A 13.1 mile double-loop course that will take runners through Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, Dorchester, and into Mattapan. The loop starts at Malcolm X Park and quickly brings runners into 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. At the end of the first loop runners will also complete a special Strava segment called "civil (dis)course" which encompasses landmarks that honor prominent members of the local and national Civil Rights movement: Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, the Melnea A. Cass Recreational Complex, and Malcolm X's boyhood home.
***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***
"This is the real Boston Boston Marathon."
- Mayor Michelle Wu
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE!
Please reach out to us at 26.true@pioneersrc.com. 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!
Pending the license approvals from the City of Boston
Registration fees
Prices are inclusive of mandatory charges, items, and fees
26.TRUE Meal Ticket Closed
-
Includes Fresh Food Generation Entree Plate OR Empanadas + a Spindrift Sparkling Water
-
Online registration closed
-
Online registration closed
26.TRUE Drink Ticket Closed
-
Includes ONE beer from Roundhead Brewery
-
Online registration closed
-
Online registration closed
26.TRUE Meal + Beer Combo Closed
-
Includes Fresh Food Generation Entree Plate OR Empanadas + a Beer from Roundhead Brewery
-
Online registration closed
-
Online registration closed
26.TRUE Round of Drinks Closed
-
Includes FIVE beers from Roundhead Brewery
-
Online registration closed
-
Online registration closed
FAQs
You've got questions - we've got answers!
A Big Thanks!
We are so grateful to everyone who has been sharing information about 26.TRUE and are honored to have the event featured by friends and media outlets:
Running While Black by Alison Mariella Désir
Born to Run 2 by Christopher McDougall
The Boston Globe - The mayor called 26.TRUE the ‘real’ Boston marathon. Here’s why it’s unique.
Boston.com - PIONEERS Run Crew’s 26.TRUE Marathon is how you really run Boston
Runner's World - April Marathons for Boston Qualifiers Who Miss the Cutoff
---
Contact information
- Event contact
- PIONEERS Run Crew
