(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.
*Event is pending the license approvals by The City of Boston
THE ROUTE
Designed to truly highlight Boston, the 26.TRUE course goes through 14 of the city's neighborhoods and a small slice of Brookline. Starting near the Ella Little-Collins house where Malcolm X lived, runners will travel south along Washington St passing between Boston’s largest greenspaces, Franklin Park and the Arnold Arboretum, as they make their way past bourgeoning BIPOC-owned businesses and cultural hubs in Egleston Square, Forest Hills, Hyde Park Square, & Mattapan Square. From there the course turns north into Dorchester, Boston's largest and most diverse neighborhood, leading the way to scenic water-front views of the Atlantic Ocean. After passing through the seaport and Chinatown the course reveals some of Boston's most storied historical areas, such as the Theater District and the Boston Common, the oldest public park in the nation. The final miles of the route take runners on a journey past some of the city's most iconic landmarks like the Boston Strong bridge, the Citgo sign, and Fenway Park, before passing by MLK Jr and Coretta Scott King's Boston home and through Nubian Square. Right on Washington St, Left on Dale St, finish at Malcolm X Park.
***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!
Registration fees
First-Time Marathoner
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OPENS ON NOVEMBER 1ST 2024. ONLY register under this category if The 26.TRUE Marathon 2025 will be your FIRST TIME EVER RUNNING A FULL MARATHON/26.2 miles. General registration for all participants will open on November 8th. We thank you in advance for your patience, understanding, and help in celebrating and uplifting those looking to take on this momentous challenge as a next step in their running journey.
Full Marathon
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OPENS ON NOVEMBER 8TH 2024. Please register under this category if The 26.TRUE Marathon 2025 will NOT be your first time ever running a marathon/26.2 miles. This general registration will open on November 8th. We thank you in advance for your patience, understanding, and help in celebrating and uplifting those looking to take on this momentous challenge as a next step in their running journey!
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Register for Full Marathon$100.00
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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
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Countdown to event
Contact information
- Event contact
- PIONEERS Run Crew
- 26.TRUE@pioneersrc.com
